This year, the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies has been working for science for 125 years. The Federation has published a new strategy (2024–2030), which focuses on the role of the Federation as a major actor in science policy. The objective is to promote the vitality and diversity of the research community for the benefit of society.

The strategy was developed in cooperation between the entire staff, the member societies, the board, and the stakeholders of the Federation.

“A jointly drafted and carefully compiled strategy will give strong support to the important work of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies’ 298 member societies and their approximately 260,000 members to promote and benefit science, citizens and society. I would like to give a warm thank you to all those who took part in this major undertaking!” says the Chairman of the Board of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies, Professor Petri Karonen.

The new strategy has clarified the role of the Federation. The Federation of Finnish Learned Societies brings together scientific societies and the research community, and it has both national and international impact. It fosters and promotes learning and everyone's right to reliable research-based knowledge.

“The Federation of Finnish Learned Societies is an independent organisation because we represent all fields of research and the research community. The research community also plays a significant role in civil society. At the Federation, we and our members – learned societies and science academies – do the work for science and freedom of research that no one else does. We create stability and effectiveness at a time and in situations where the value and significance of research and scientists are called into question,” says Executive Director of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen.

Accessibility of information and responsible practices in research and assessment to be highlighted in the future

The Federation of Finnish Learned Societies has long promoted accessibility of science and responsible practices in research and assessment in Finland, and increasingly also in international cooperation.

“Research-based knowledge must be easy to access as it strengthens citizens' access to researched and reliable information. This will also increase awareness of the importance of research in a democratic society,” says Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen.

The special characteristic of the Federation is its ability to bring together researchers and people interested in science through research-based knowledge.

There are multiple platforms for these encounters, such as science events aimed at the general public, a bookstore selling the publications of learned societies, and workgroups and panels of experts engaged in work for promoting research.

In the coming years, the focus will also be on promoting responsible research and assessment practices.

“Responsible assessment strengthens the quality and effectiveness of science and supports the diversity and well-being of the scientific and research community. Responsibly produced research data must be of high scientific quality, sustainable in terms of research ethics and accessible to both citizens and decision-makers,” says Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen.

The Federation of Finnish Learned Societies and its members represent comprehensively the research community and also the different sectors and professional groups of society. All its activities are based on its values of openness, reliability, independence and communality.

Learn more about the new strategy of the Federation by clicking this link (PDF).