Grand Prize of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters 2026 awarded to Professor Tuomas Heikkilä

Professor Tuomas Heikkilä of the University of Helsinki has been awarded the Grand Prize of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters – the Professor E. J. Nyström’s Prize 2026, worth €50,000 – in recognition of his versatile and pioneering research in medieval studies.

In its award citation, the society states that Heikkilä's career is marked by scholarly originality, success in international competition for research funding, and a strong ability to initiate and lead multidisciplinary research projects that reshape the foundations of his field. 

Heikkilä recently received the .

The Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters awards eight distinguished researchers and three upper secondary school teachers in recognition of their significant contributions to science and education. The total prize sum amounts to €166,000 and the prizes will be presented at the Annual Celebration of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters on 29 April 2026.

Other notable recipients include , professor of political history, who receives the Professor Theodor Homén’s Prize in the History of Finland. The prize is worth €20,000.

.