Research

All teaching in the Master's Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences (IPS) is based on the latest scientific knowledge. Our students also have the opportunity to get involved in fascinating research projects.
IPS research topics and groups

Research in Integrative Plant Sciences is advancing on many fronts, operating from the molecular and cellular levels to the ecosystem level, and covering both wild and cultivated plants. The main focus areas are:

  • regulation of plant development and differentiation of tissues and organs
  • crop yield and breeding of cultivated plants
  • stress responses
  • evolution, ecology, genetics, genomics and biotechnology of plants and fungi

When studying Integrative Plant Sciences, you can get involved in fascinating research projects looking for solutions to many current challenges.

Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS)

Viikki campus, one of the four campuses of the University of Helsinki, is the home base of the Master’s Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences (IPS). Also based on the Viikki campus is Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS), a virtual, internationally recognised community of plant researchers working in different units and faculties within the campus. Its purpose is to advance and expedite cooperation in high-standard teaching and research. 

As a student, you will be part of the ViPS community through the courses, seminars, apprenticeships and degree work offered by the Master’s Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences.

Helsinki In­sti­tute of Life Science (HiLIFE)

Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) is a life science institute enhancing high-quality research, and integrating life science strengths across the campuses of the University of Helsinki. One of the six strength areas in HiLIFE is Growth from Plants.

The researchers of the Master's Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences are actively participating in HiLIFE actions to enhance top research.

Centres of Ex­cel­lence (CoE) in research

Many of the research projects of the Master's Programme in Integrative Plant Sciences are funded by the Research Council of Finland and belong to the Centres of Excellence (CoE) in research. 

The Research Council of Finland is a government agency within the administrative branch of the Finnish Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. It is an expert organisation that funds high-quality scientific research, provides expertise in science and science policy and strengthens the position of science and research.

More about the programme