The University of Vaasa opened a European Office in Brussels on 21 April 2026, bringing the university, situated in the west coast of Finland, closer to the institutions, networks and partners shaping Europe’s future.
The opening comes at a time when the European Commission’s proposal for the next EU research and innovation framework programme is under discussion in the European Parliament. The priorities, funding instruments and upcoming calls are now taking shape.
– This is the right moment to be involved, as Europe defines the direction of research and sets its funding priorities, including future Horizon funding instruments, says Minna Martikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa.
A strong presence in Brussels will support the university’s participation in EU funding and international collaboration. It will help anticipate upcoming funding calls, prepare proposals and build international consortia with European partners.
The office is located in the Nordic House in Brussels, on the same floor as several Nordic organisations, including Sweden’s RISE, the innovation agency Vinnova, and representatives of the Stavanger region in Norway.
The inauguration brought together representatives from European institutions, research organisations, industry, regional networks and higher education partnerships.
