The grand challenges faced by society

In June 2011, the Board of the Academy identified a series of grand challenges that will be given priority focus in research over the next few years. These challenges are named as:

• The Northern Climate and Environment
• Sustainable Energy
• Dialogue of Cultures
• A Healthy Everyday for All
• Knowledge and Know-how in the Media Society
• The Ageing Population and Individuals.

The Academy has commissioned a separate study as part of the review of the state of scientific research in Finland. The study will include a framework of the concepts and European debate dealing with the grand challenges. It will also analyse the allocation of Academy research funding to the fields represented by the grand challenges. This thematic transdisciplinary study will identify the strengths, weaknesses and areas in need of improvement within these fields. The analysis will be based on Academy Project and research programme funding in 2007‒2010.

The study will be carried out by Impetu Solutions Worldwide (in charge of the study: CEO Totti Könnölä) and the Network for Higher Education and Innovation Research, University of Helsinki (in charge of the study: Professor Timo Aarrevaara).