What we offer

As a research network within the University of Helsinki, HELSUS brings together leading expertise from across disciplines and connects it with other universities, research institutes and societal partners across Finland and globally.

Beyond advancing sustainability research, HELSUS provides its members and collaborators with a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity building and the development of impactful sustainability solutions. Below, you can explore the networks, activities and collaboration opportunities through which HELSUS supports its members and partners.

Researchers and educators

HELSUS hub access

HELSUS membership includes access to the well-equipped HELSUS office space called the ‘HELSUS Hub’ and to selected meeting rooms at the Main Building of the University of Helsinki. 

The office consists of 12 hot desks. There are also two phone booths (1 and 4-person capacity) for remote meetings. The desks and phone booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis.   

Access to Latest Sustainability News  

The HELSUS Staff Newsletter provides latest news and information on sustainability research and practice for University of Helsinki Staff, including relevant internal links to news items. This newsletter is distributed monthly via email. 

Science-Policy Engagement 

HELSUS Policy Briefs present the the latest research by HELSUS members and provide recommendations for policymaking. It is an opportunity for researchers and students to communicate their own research to policy experts and the public. 

Are you interested in translating your research findings into policy recommendations?  We can provide guidance to formulate and write policy recommendations based on your research and disseminate the brief to audiences in policymaking. For more information, contact us at:   

Interested in joining the HELSUS network?

You can fill in the .  

Early Career Researchers

HELSUS recognizes the important role that early-career researchers (ECRs) such as Post-doctoral Researchers and Doctoral Researchers play in supporting strong sustainability research, research and practice. In addition to many of the services provided to more established researchers and educators, we provide tailored support in the following areas. 

HELSUS Sustainability Pitches  

HELSUS provides opportunities for ECRs to pitch their creative ideas for improving the HELSUS community, or strengthening sustainability research, education and impact.  Join us each Tuesday from 9.30am-10am at the HELSUS Hub to discuss your ideas! 

Networks for Strong Sustainability 

We empower ECRs to suggest their own ideas for building their capacities for Strong Sustainability, including in sustainability science writing, science communication and career development. In addition to providing seed funding for events, we help coordinate workshops, training schools and other relevant activities important to ECRs.   

Two current initiatives are: 

HELSUS-RESET Early Career Research Network which provides dedicated space for ECRs to write papers, and to build their skills and capabilities in paper writing, grant writing, reviewing and related topics. 

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Network to strengthen Doctoral Researchers’ skills and expertise in sustainability across the natural and social sciences.  

Sustainability education 

We work with ECRs and more established researchers to develop new courses for Doctoral Researchers in strong sustainability that benefit the whole HELSUS Community by strengthening our shared competencies.  

Interested in joining the HELSUS network?

You can fill in the .  

Master’s Students

From 2026 onward, HELSUS welcomes Master’s Students enrolled at the University of Helsinki to become a member of our community! 

As a HELSUS Student Member, you will be part of a solution-oriented interdisciplinary research community with vibrant learning and social activities tailored to the needs of students. You will get support for:  

  • finding collaborators for projects
  • getting insights into current sustainability debates in Finland and internationally
  • providing connections to internships and job opportunities focused on sustainability 

 

Develop interdisciplinary skills to address complex sustainability challenges 

Receive latest news on sustainability events, training, funding calls and publications 

Receive in-kind support from the HELSUS Coordination Unit to organize and advertise your sustainability actions, and to communicate your ideas. 

HELSUS Sustainability Discussion Group

The aim of the HELSUS Sustainability Discussion Group is to provide an open and informal space for discussions on sustainability-related topics that are thought-provoking and relevant to Master's Students and Doctoral Researchers. It also provides an opportunity for students to meet researchers and experts at different career stages.

Sustainability education

Read more about in the University of Helsinki.

Industry and Community Partners

We organize and implement HELSUS Forums in partnership with decision-makers from government authorities, industries and civil societies with the goals of: 

  • Co-creating solutions to sustainability challenges
  • Fostering new collaborations and networks to mobilise new resources for strong sustainability research and education
  • Supporting postgraduate students, ECRs and more established researchers seeking internships and government or industry connections  
Media support

Media support is provided through the project (2025-2027). 

The HELSUS Media Group helps you promote the visibility of sustainability science and your research to the Finnish media. If you are interested in joining the HELSUS Media Group or collaborating with the project, please contact project planner