Finland has been internationally recognised by the Institute for International Education (IIE) for supporting threatened and displaced researchers. The Scholar Rescue Fund Beacon Award was accepted by Finland’s Ambassador to Belgium Jouko Leinonen at the 2024 IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Forum on 10 October 2024. The award highlighted the support of key ministries, the crucial role of Finnish universities, and the long-term commitment of the Finnish National Agency for Education, EDUFI, and the uncompromising and innovative work in supporting researchers. “In this work, the expertise shared within the framework of the Scholar Rescue Fund partnership has been significant, enabling the development of sustainable and responsible practices for supporting researchers both at EDUFI and at the universities that have received researchers,” says Counsellor of Education Maija Airas. 

The Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) programme offers scholars threatened or persecuted in their home countries the chance to continue their work in a safe environment. Co-funded by EDUFI in Finland, the programme has supported 11 researchers from Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria, hosted by Aalto University and the universities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. These researchers, from fields such as medicine, chemical engineering, computer science, dentistry, electrical engineering, and information technology, bring valuable scientific expertise to Finland and to scientific community. 

EDUFI has long been involved in developing opportunities for researchers fleeing crisis areas to continue their academic work. Since September 2024, EDUFI is an associated partner in a three-year EU-funded project, Supporting At-risk Researchers with Fellowships in Europe (SAFE), which will provide up to 60 fellowships to non-EU at-risk researchers from all over the world for a research stay at a European higher education or research institution for up to 24 months. This project, coordinated by DAAD, aims to offer a safe environment for at-risk researchers to continue their work in the EU. 

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Photo by Iris Haidau Photography licensed to IIE-SRF

The award was presented by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of International Education, IIE, Allan Goodman (left). Also in the photo are Counsellor of Education Maija Airas (EDUFI), Finland’s Ambassador to Belgium Jouko Leinonen, and Director, International Affairs Samu Seitsalo (EDUFI).