Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation representative visited University of Turku on 10 March as part of a tour of Finnish universities. The day included discussion on the University’s strengths in health, technology and economics, as well as future research funding and collaboration opportunities.
The University of Turku welcomed Henri Kähönen, Head of Development at the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, for a one-day visit on 10 March 2026 as part of the Foundation’s wider tour of Finnish universities. At the University of Turku, the programme focused particularly on health, technology and economics, which are among the Foundation’s priority areas.
During the visit, Kähönen met University leadership, researchers, research support experts and innovation professionals, and visited key research environments including the Turku PET Centre and Turku Bioscience Centre. The programme offered an overview of the University’s strategic strengths and created opportunities for discussion on research excellence, funding needs, innovation pathways and future collaboration.
One part of the visit was a roundtable discussion organised at the Foundation’s request and led by Noora Kotaja. It brought together Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation grant recipients from medicine, technology and natural sciences, along with research funding experts from the University of Turku and the Dean and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The discussion focused on grant recipient experiences, practical perspectives on foundation funding, and ideas that may help inform the Foundation’s strategy work for 2027.
The discussion highlighted the value of flexible, high-trust funding that can support ambitious research, strong research environments and different career stages. Participants also reflected on the importance of funding models that leave room for scientific risk-taking, academic freedom and the development of bold new ideas.
Kähönen described the Turku visit as both inspiring and highly informative. He noted that the meetings provided valuable insight into the University’s strengths, priorities and practices, and said he would be glad to continue the discussion on other potential areas of shared interest.
Text: Georges Kazan
