Forest sciences

The Department of Forest Sciences conducts research in the forest sciences and relating to bioeconomy of a high international standard and provides the highest education based on this research. The aim of the multidisciplinary activities is to promote the ecologically, economically and socially sustainable use of forests and peatlands, and to produce globally relevant new perspectives through research.
The department’s research focus areas include
  1. Interactions between forest and peatland ecosystems and climate change
  2. Socioeconomic change and the global forest sector
  3. New methods of managing forest-related information
  4. Economic-ecological models of forest use and conservation, and forests as sources of wellbeing

Read more on discipline-specific and research group–specific websites.
Forest Ecology and Management

The discipline of forest ecology and management at the University of Helsinki aims to improve the understanding of forest ecological processes and the sustainable use of forests and peatlands through new knowledge. The research focuses on, for example, the interactions between climate change and forest and peatland ecosystems and new methods of managing information about forest resources.
Forest Economics, Business and Society

Forests contribute to the material and immaterial needs and demands of societies across the globe. At the same time, forests are contested spaces, with underlying politics and power relations shaping who benefits and whose interests matter. Our research and teaching examines these questions to advance sustainable change in forests, business and value chains.
Explore our researchers and research groups
Hyytiälä Forest Station

A traditional field station specialising in forest sciences, which has evolved into an international hub of multidisciplinary top-level research in Juupajoki. Hyytiälä hosts top-level research and teaching in forestry and forest environments, as well as the internationally well-known SMEAR station for atmospheric research.
Education

Researchers specialising in forest sciences contribute to the operations of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. Our research-based teaching encompasses lecture, field, modelling and laboratory courses.
Directors of the Department of Forest Sciences

Director Markus Holopainen and Deputy Director Juan Porcar-Castell