Research programmes

Through its research programmes, the Academy of Finland directs research and allocates research funding to fields that are considered of key importance in terms of science and society. The Academy’s research programmes are designed to advance a certain field of research, raise its scientific standards and create new scientific knowledge and know-how. A major emphasis in Academy research programmes is on multi- and transdisciplinarity as well as international cooperation.

The Academy Board decides on the start-up of new research programmes. In 2012, the Academy funds 12 research programmes. The Academy is also participating in the joint European Baltic Sea Research and Development Programme (2010–2016).

The Academy's research programmes are composed of several projects. As a rule, the funding is provided for at least four years.

Nature refreshes, revives and promotes health

The health benefits derived from nature and green zones is a hot topic within European urban policy discourse. The green infrastructure projects within the Academy of Finland’s Research Programme on the Future of Living and Housing (ASU-LIVE) endeavour to determine how natural environments might promote health within the residential environments of the future. The stress-reduction properties that are characteristic of green infrastructures are being studied jointly with Japanese researchers.

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