University of Helsinki

Overview

The University of Helsinki, or UH, is the oldest university in Finland. Academically, the university consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world. A founding member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the University of Helsinki places high standards on teaching and research, with teachers and researchers making up more than 50% of the university’s employees.

The university is home to highly cited researchers, particularly in the fields of physics, geosciences, cognitive sciences, clinical medicine, environmental science, and more. In terms of research publications, the University of Helsinki produces thousands of academic publications, majority of which are peer-reviewed scientific articles; others include scientific books and works for professional communities and the general public.

The University of Helsinki is also one of the academic institutions in the country with the most number of programs, including multidisciplinary studies offered in Swedish and Finnish languages. Its academic programs are administered by 11 faculties—theology, law, medicine, arts, science, pharmacy, biological and environmental sciences, educational sciences, social sciences, agriculture and forestry, and veterinary medicine.

Aside from its faculties, the university is also the center of renowned independent institutes and networks that are all research-oriented. Among these institutes are the National Library of Finland—which is also the oldest library in the country, Helsinki University Library, the Finnish Museum of Natural History, Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, Institute of Biotechnology, and more. UH also offers international programs, majority of which are taught in English, which attract thousands of foreign students.

The University of Helsinki was founded in 1640 in the city of Turku and was originally named the Royal Academy of Åbo. The institution was relocated to Helsinki in 1829 and has since then expanded to four campuses and several institutes spread in different locations. As the oldest academic institution in the country, the university plays a significant role in establishing Finland’s national identity.

As an academic institution that prides itself in being the center for innovative thinking, the University of Helsinki carries out its core duties of researching, teaching, and establishing strong relations within the community. To this day, the University of Helsinki continues to be a strong driving force behind the Finnish society’s advancement through its contributions in scientific research aimed at finding solutions to national and global problems. Among these research studies were ones that have made significant impact in education and human development, environmental sustainability, and health and medicine.