At University of Helsinki field stations, long-term data series on environmental conditions are collected. These data series have proven essential for observing environmental changes, adapting to them, and predicting their consequences. The university research stations maintain the longest ongoing environmental monitoring data series.
The research stations conduct multidisciplinary research that requires natural environments and experimental research setups. Over time, the services provided by these stations have evolved into environmental knowledge centers, with multiple organizations bringing their research to the same area. Thus, the field stations are at the forefront of addressing global challenges posed by climate change and the biodiversity crisis through research. The impacts of climate change are most pronounced in the northern hemisphere. Due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, the research and monitoring of the tundra and northern boreal forest zones increasingly rely on research stations from northern countries other than Russia.
The University of Helsinki's research stations operate at the core of ecological and environmental research. They focus on long-term ecosystem changes and related experimental research. The stations monitor both biotic and abiotic environments through numerous long-term studies. Research data and tasks span from subarctic natural sites to the depths of the Baltic Sea.
HiLIFE coordinates and develops shared use Life Science Research Infrastructures (LSRI) across campuses in partnership with the faculties and LUOMUS. These LSRIs are available as HiLIFE platforms to all researchers at and outside the University, including companies, with the primary access model being first come, first served.
The Research stations offer a setting for fieldwork, teaching and they collect long-term data that are used to study nature and climate.
The University of Helsinki Research Stations operate as part of a broad national and international collaboration network. The network brings together research infrastructure, academic partners, corporate collaboration, and active outreach to support high-quality research across disciplines.
The stations are open year-round and welcome visiting scientists from Finland and abroad to utilise facilities, services, and local expertise. For research collaborators, services are provided on a non-profit basis, ensuring accessible and effective support for scientific work.
Through strong cooperation and shared infrastructure, the University of Helsinki Research Stations enable impactful research, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration.
Finnish Research Stations form a nationwide network that provides access to diverse Finnish biotopes and ecosystems. University research stations across Finland support high-quality research, teaching, and societal interaction, offering unique environments for field-based studies, long-term monitoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration.