University of Vaasa opens a European Office in Brussels

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.

– In EU funding, preparation often begins well before calls open. That is why high-quality and extensive networks and partnerships are essential for successfully securing funding, Martikainen says.

The University of Vaasa is an internationally recognised research university and a strong European actor, characterised by growing impact and exceptionally close collaboration with industry. Located at the heart of the Nordic region’s largest energy technology cluster, the university plays an active role in advancing the energy transition, sustainable business and resilience through research, education and cooperation.

The university has strong experience in European research and innovation programmes, including numerous Horizon projects.

– The establishment of our Brussels office and the strengthening of our cooperation through membership in the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) are deliberate strategic choices. We want to contribute to shaping Europe’s next research and innovation cycle. We bring a strong research perspective rooted in Finnish experience to the European energy research community and actively contribute to the preparation of the next framework programme (FP10), ensuring it responds to the systemic challenges of the energy transition, says Mika Grundström, Vice-Rector for Research.

Networking, partnerships and funding opportunities

The Brussels office will focus on networking, building partnerships and identifying funding opportunities, while supporting researchers in participating in EU programmes and forming new collaborations.

The university of Vaasa has already organised high-level expert and stakeholder events in Brussels and has brought European stakeholders to Finland, for example to Vaasa EnergyWeek. These events have brought together researchers, companies and funders, while actively building international partnerships. This work will continue and be further strengthened through the Brussels office.

The European office of the University of Vaasa is led by Philippe Vanrie. 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.