Networks and Initiatives

University of Helsinki

is a research group that focuses on assessing and managing health impacts stemming from environmental exposure, such as microbial infections, hazardous chemicals, and antimicrobial resistance. Through collaborations with expert institutions and authorities, the group aims to inform decision-making in environmental healthcare and improve preventative measures that safeguard public health from environmental exposure factors.

, an initiative by the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki, aims to integrate environmental considerations into pharmacy education, research, and policymaking. By fostering an environmentally-aware generation of pharmacy professionals, Generation Green promotes sustainable practices across the pharmaceutical sector, from drug development to responsible use and disposal.

is a transdisciplinary research project that explores the potential of healthcare to address the planet's ecological crisis by integrating sustainability science and medicine. By developing tools and models, HUMUS aims to promote a comprehensive and sustainable approach to well-being, recognizing the interdependence between human health and diverse, vibrant ecosystems.

acts as an umbrella network for the Helsinki One Health network, the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science , and the Helsinki Inequality Initiative . RESET is a transdisciplinary project that aims to offer resilient and just solutions for strengthening the capacity for systemic recovery, enabling fairer and more equal adaptation. Its four research themes include infectious diseases in changing environments, resilience and health of domestic animals and wildlife, sustainable food and water systems, and paradigms for just socio-ecological change. 

• is a research network focused on the interconnected health of humans and other animals. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, HOH addresses shared and emerging health challenges affecting both human and other animal populations in a rapidly changing environment.
• is a multidisciplinary scientific community dedicated to advancing sustainability. HELSUS provides societies with the knowledge and resources needed for a transition towards sustainability. Through inter- and transdisciplinary research and education, HELSUS aims to enhance understanding of the requirements, limitations, and processes of sustainability transformations, supporting policy-making, private sector initiatives, and civil society efforts both nationally and internationally.
• is a strategic, multidisciplinary research initiative of the University of Helsinki focused on social and cultural inequalities. It brings together scholars from various fields within the social sciences and humanities to explore issues of recognition, representation, and responsibility. INEQ aims to enhance understanding and develop solutions to contemporary inequalities through collaborative research, teaching, and strategic partnerships.

is an international research center that aims to uncover the processes generating social inequalities in health and mortality. The MaxHel Center conducts research across four main themes—family, genetic factors, international comparisons, and advanced methods—using extensive longitudinal and genetically informed data to inform efforts to reduce health inequalities.

Other universities

, established by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Jyväskylä in 2023, focuses on advancing the multidisciplinary field of creativity, arts, health, and wellbeing in Finland. Through research and education, CuWeRE aims to enhance the quality of higher education while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, educators, and practitioners.

, coordinated by Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak), unites researchers, developers, organizers, providers, and users of social and health services to co-create impactful and targeted solutions for complex well-being challenges. Through cross-boundary, participatory, and user-centered collaboration, DiakHub offers co-development, tools, and metrics to support daily operations in wellbeing services counties, municipalities, educational organizations, and service providers, driven by practical research on well-being and service system development needs.

is a research community at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) that brings together researchers to produce data on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of social and health services, promote interdisciplinary networking, and support effectiveness-based decision-making, management and legislation. Focused on four key areas — well-being and health promotion, service integration, method development, and management — the research community aims to transition from volume-based to value-based social and health services. EFFECTIVENESS is part of UEF's network that integrates diverse fields to enhance the development, decision-making, and integration of social welfare and healthcare services.

at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences focuses on RDI projects and learning environments to develop customer-oriented services, products, as well as business experiments and pilots. The innovation hub fosters collaboration among various stakeholders including companies, research institutes, local governments, organizations, residents and students, teachers, and other experts from Metropolia, to collectively learn, experiment, and create solutions for advancing the fields of healthcare and social services.

is a research group at the University of Oulu, which focuses on sustainable leadership and human-centered services in digitized and modern social and healthcare settings. Utilizing a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, the group produces research evidence to enhance service sustainability, leadership effectiveness, and the well-being of healthcare work communities, aiming to develop innovative, responsive, and equitable social and health services.

, the research group for Health and Wellbeing Architecture at Aalto University, focuses on how the built environment impacts health and wellbeing. Engaging in diverse projects and activities, SOTERA studies healthcare architecture, inclusive design, and the intersection of sustainability and health, while also providing education and fostering discussions on these topics.

is a university profiling measure at the University of Turku that enhances sustainable materials and manufacturing design using a data-driven approach to address global challenges in energy, health, well-being, and industrial production. By integrating engineering, natural sciences, and medical biomaterial science with digitalization and AI, SUSMAT supports cross-disciplinary research focused on energy applications, novel healthcare biomaterials, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

is a research programme at Laurea University of Applied Sciences that focuses on developing and enhancing health, well-being, and functional capacity through national and international collaborations. Emphasizing social inclusion, ethical considerations, and multi-professional cooperation, the programme aims to produce evidence-based research and create innovative, end-user-driven solutions, services, and products in the social welfare and healthcare sectors.

is a research group at the University of Eastern Finland that explores well-being through a holistic and integrated systems approach, combining sustainability with the standard of living and quality of life. This research focuses on the interconnectedness of individual, societal, and planetary well-being, emphasizing sustainable development and the social-ecological worldview.

Other research networks

unites experts to explore the interconnectedness of nature and health. Established in 2023 by researchers from Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare THL, Finnish Environment Institute Syke and Natural Resources Institute Finland Luke with the financial support of The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the network promotes dialogue and collaboration among researchers, aiming to integrate research findings into broader societal discussions and decision-making.

is an international research collaboration of over 120 experts from academic institutions and UN agencies, bringing together climate scientists, engineers, energy specialists, economists, political scientists, public health professionals and doctors. The Lancet Countdown produces annual reports published in The Lancet, presenting data on various indicators related to climate change and health, intended to inform policy decisions and encourage global action to mitigate climate change and protect public health.

, is a network hosted by WHO that leverages the collective power of countries, partners, and stakeholders to advance the climate change and health agenda established at COP26. Building on commitments from 50 Ministries of Health to develop climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems, ATACH aims to turn these pledges into actionable outcomes through activities such as advocacy, technical support, knowledge sharing, monitoring, and access to financing.

is an international coalition of health professionals and organisations focused on addressing the health impacts of climate change and advocating for climate policies that enhance public health. 

is an international network of over 1,900 hospitals and health organizations committed to reducing their environmental footprint and promoting public and environmental health. GGHH members collaborate to implement sustainable practices such as renewable energy, efficient building design, sustainable food sourcing, waste minimization, and water recycling to transform the health sector for a healthier, more sustainable planet.

is a global health connector for digital health, facilitating multi-stakeholder connections in various health ecosystems, driving sustainable change and disruption in the delivery of health and social care. ECHAlliance supports knowledge exchange among the stakeholders engaged in digital health innovation and deployment.

is dedicated to enhancing the quality of healthcare across Europe through fostering leadership, management, and innovation in health systems. By engaging a wide range of stakeholders including healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and patient organizations, EHMA promotes a holistic approach to health management that aligns with the ‘One Health’ concept. 

is a network dedicated to reshaping global healthcare to minimize its environmental impact, champion sustainability, and advocate for environmental health and justice. By uniting hospitals, healthcare leaders, and professionals across four continents, the organization drives innovation and advocates for practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality patient care. 

• (hosted by Health Care Without Harm) is Europe’s leading conference on sustainable healthcare that brings together healthcare leaders and sustainability champions to share ideas, innovations, and solutions. CleanMed Europe features inspiring presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, making it the ideal venue for healthcare innovators to drive change within their organizations and communities.

, created by the , is a dynamic online hub designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among individuals passionate about sustainable health systems. Open to healthcare professionals, patients, researchers, and students worldwide, it offers a wealth of resources including academic publications, policy reports, and educational materials.

is a cross-sectoral network that brings together stakeholders and organizations committed to promoting sustainability in healthcare. Utilizing the expertise and technologies from Nordic countries and international members, NCSH facilitates collaborations, projects, and innovations aimed at promoting sustainable healthcare practices globally.

is a non-profit innovation ecosystem for Finland's real estate and construction industry. With a vision to make Finland a leader in sustainable digitalization of the built environment, KIRAHub accelerates industry digitalization by promoting development themes, connecting stakeholders, and facilitating the adoption of new solutions and data flow.

is a non-profit, global collaboration involving academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, life sciences companies, healthcare entities, and business organizations aimed at enhancing global health by building more sustainable and resilient health systems. The member organizations contribute their unique capabilities and networks to support research, knowledge exchange, and policy implementation.

(PSR Finland) is an organization that promotes safe livelihoods, equality, and peace. Its mission is to raise awareness in the medical community on global ethical and social matters. 

• PSR’s  network includes doctors, dentists and veterinarians who are concerned about environmental problems and want to make a difference. The 500 member network influences political decision-making and increases information about the connection between health and the environment and possibilities for action within the health care sector. 

is an international consortium comprising over 400 universities, research institutes, non-governmental organizations, and government entities from more than 70 countries, dedicated to understanding and addressing the impacts of global environmental change on human health and wellbeing. Established in response to the Rockefeller Foundation-Lancet Commission's 2015 report on planetary health, PHA supports the rapid growth of this transdisciplinary field by facilitating research, education, and policy integration. 

is a national social and health organization that aims to monitor, maintain, and promote the status and rights of the Sámi as an Indigenous people in the social and health sector and in issues related to well-being in national and international contexts. The association makes initiatives and provides statements on these issues, and organizes various events, including peer support, camps, wellness days, and expert lectures.

network aims to foster dialogue and action on climate safety at the intersection of academia and civil society, facilitating events and campaigns to redefine civil society's role in climate security. Coordinated by the at the University of Helsinki, Safer Climate engages a diverse community and collaborates with top-level scientists from the. ACCC is a Finnish Flagship Programme consistuted by the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute, dedicated to addressing climate change and deteriorating air quality.

Business networks

is an European business network for Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility. The network supports businesses in their transformation towards sustainable growth and collaborates with European leaders and stakeholders to co-build a strategy for a Sustainable Europe 2030.

, is the largest non-profit corporate responsibility network in the Nordic. The network aims to accelerate sustainable business in Finland on a practical level. 

is a private, technical consortium composed of industry peers from healthcare, recycling, and waste management sectors, dedicated to improving the recyclability of plastic products and packaging in healthcare. By engaging in pioneering projects and fostering collaboration across the value chain, HPRC aims to implement viable, safe, and cost-effective recycling solutions, enhancing the sustainability and circularity of healthcare plastics in the United States and Europe.

is a global network of over 225 businesses committed to driving sustainable development. Through collaboration and innovation, the members work to create positive impacts across global value chains and address issues such as inequality and the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Reports 

The report "Climate anxiety" ""Ilmastoahdistus ja sen kanssa eläminen") by MIELI Mental Health Finland ry explores the mental health impacts of environmental issues, framing climate anxiety as both a challenge and a potential catalyst for change. Based on multidisciplinary research and practical observations, it emphasizes the role of emotional and mental health skills in managing these difficult feelings.

This report details the findings of the Ecologically Sustainable Social and Health Care (EKO-SOTE) project, which aimed to establish a national goal, steering mechanisms, and monitoring indicators to mitigate these impacts in Finland. The proposed national goal is to achieve a carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable social and health care by 2035, supported by strategic guidance, a coordinated national network, and targeted project funding. 

The EIT Health Think Tank Report explores the transformative potential of health innovation. Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, this report identifies gaps and opportunities, offering strategic recommendations to enhance healthcare resilience and sustainability across Europe. 

Articles and other publications

Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) 2015.

Forum for Environmental Information 2017.

Sosiaalilääketieteellinen aikakauslehti 2019, Vol. 56 No. 5. 

 
Grotenfelt-Enegren M., Holmström C. & Laisi J. 2023. Duodecim, Vol. 139, Iss. 10: 835–42.

Lehto, P. & Malkamäki, S. 2023. Sitra. 

Drakvik, E. & Pietola, L. 2023. Sitra.

 
Redvers, N. et al. 2022. Lancet Planetary Health, Vol. 6, Iss. 2: e156 - e163. 

World Health Organization 2020. 

Policy recommendations

 
A policy recommendation published by the Robots and the Future of Welfare Services (ROSE) project about the sustainable introduction of publicly funded robots in the health and social services sector. The ROSE project examined how advances in service robotics can enable the innovation of products and services and the renewal of welfare services, especially for the needs of an aging population.

Videos

Laisi, Jaana. 7.4.2022, Tiedekulma.

Websites 

Health Care Without Harm is a network dedicated to reshaping global healthcare to minimize its environmental impact, champion sustainability, and advocate for environmental health and justice. The network's website provides multiple resources on sustainability in healthcare.

The Luonto ja tunteet website offers educational materials and texts focused on solution-oriented information about eco-anxiety and emotions related to the ecological crisis, which can also be used in teaching, training, and other similar purposes. 

Sotenavigaattori ("Social and Health Care Navigator") is a website that provides information, tools and reflective exercises on different themes designed for workplaces in the social and health care sector to support well-being and productivity at work. Under the link, you can find information, tools and reflective exercises on the theme of sustainability.

 
An open-access resource created by the for integrating sustainability into quality improvement (QI) projects and teaching. The website offers comprehensive toolkits, educator packs, and case studies to help healthcare professionals enhance their practice by considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.

("Ecosocial Work and Global Competence") degree, organized by Diak, cultivates expertise in ecosocial issues, fostering a deeper understanding of individual and community-level well-being and capabilities. This YAMK degree in social and health care enhances students' understanding of ecosocial development and the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate sustainability dimensions within organizations or communities and promote ecosocial innovation.

("Expert in Nature's Well-being Effects") training program, conducted jointly by Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk), Centria University of Applied Sciences, and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK), offers a comprehensive education aimed at enhancing expertise in Green Care practices across various sectors, preparing professionals to utilize nature's well-being impacts across various fields. 

is an international collaboration of medical students and faculty members dedicated to integrating climate and broader sustainability education into medical curricula. By creating and offering open-source educational content and implementation guides, IMECCS empowers healthcare students and faculty worldwide to incorporate sustainability topics into their educational programs. 

project aims to promote holistic well-being by empowering individuals with knowledge and skills across personal, professional, and planetary dimensions. Through collaboration between higher education institutions and industry leaders, the project has developed a curriculum, courses, and a guide on Sustainable Wellbeing.