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Applications are now open for the Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI) at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF). This prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND doctoral programme offers 15 fully funded PhD positions for talented researchers from around the world who are interested in advancing sustainable forest-based bioeconomy research.

The programme provides four-year full-time employment contracts for doctoral researchers, combining world-class research training with interdisciplinary collaboration across natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, and health sciences. Participants will contribute to solving global challenges related to forest management, sustainable innovation, ecosystem modelling, bio-based products, consumer behaviour, and environmental sustainability.

Open to applicants of all nationalities, the programme offers competitive salaries, comprehensive employee benefits, international mobility opportunities, and access to excellent research facilities in Finland. If you are seeking a fully funded PhD in Europe, the University of Eastern Finland's DP-FOBI programme is an outstanding opportunity to launch your research career.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the 15 Fully Funded PhD Positions at the University of Eastern Finland by MSCA COFUND, including the programme benefits, eligibility requirements, available research projects, application process, and important deadlines.

About the University of Eastern Finland

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is one of Finland's leading multidisciplinary universities, recognized internationally for excellence in education, research, and innovation. With campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio, UEF is known for addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and strong international collaboration.

The university has developed a global reputation in environmental sciences, forestry, health sciences, education, business, and technology. Through the DP-FOBI programme, UEF continues its commitment to producing innovative research that supports sustainable development and the transition toward a circular bioeconomy.

What is the DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme?

The Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI) is an international doctoral programme funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND initiative.

The programme focuses on developing innovative solutions for sustainable forest management and bioeconomy challenges through interdisciplinary research.

Researchers will work alongside internationally recognized experts while gaining practical experience through industry collaboration, international mobility, and advanced doctoral training.

Programme Overview

Programme Details	Information
Host Country	Finland
Host Institution	University of Eastern Finland
Programme	DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme
Funding	Fully Funded
Degree Level	PhD
Number of Positions	15
Contract Duration	Four Years
Employment Type	Full-Time Doctoral Researcher
Start Date	January to March 2027
Eligible Applicants	All Nationalities
Application Fee	None
Deadline	Varies by Position (Most close on 10 August 2026)

Benefits of the University of Eastern Finland PhD Positions

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that allows them to focus entirely on their doctoral research.

Fully Funded Four-Year Employment

Researchers receive a full-time employment contract for four years, providing financial stability throughout their doctoral studies.

Competitive MSCA COFUND Salary

Participants receive a competitive salary under the MSCA COFUND framework.

Depending on personal circumstances, additional allowances may include:

Family allowance.
Mobility allowance.

Finnish Employment Benefits

Researchers enjoy the same employment rights as other Finnish employees, including:

Paid annual leave.
Occupational healthcare.
Social security coverage.
Parental leave benefits.

Research Funding

Dedicated funding is available for:

Research activities.
Laboratory work.
Conferences.
International travel.
Academic secondments.

International Research Networks

Participants collaborate with leading researchers, universities, research institutes, and industry partners across Europe and beyond.

High-Quality Doctoral Training

Students receive structured doctoral education, interdisciplinary supervision, and continuous academic mentoring.

Professional Skills Development

Training includes:

Research methodology.
Innovation management.
Science communication.
Entrepreneurship.
Academic writing.
Leadership and project management.

Modern Research Facilities

Researchers gain access to advanced laboratories, computing resources, and world-class research infrastructure.

Career Development Support

The programme prepares graduates for careers in:

Universities.
Research institutes.
Government agencies.
International organizations.
Private industry.
Environmental consulting.
Policy development.

Research Themes

The 15 doctoral positions are organized into three major interdisciplinary research areas.

Forest Inventory and Ecosystem Modelling

Projects include:

Artificial intelligence for forest management planning.
Ecosystem modelling.
Forest inventory using deep learning.
Dead wood dynamics in boreal forests.
European plantation growth modelling.
Multi-source canopy mapping.
Laser scanning for tree growth and wood quality.

Applicants with backgrounds in forestry, ecology, geography, geoinformatics, environmental sciences, and data science are encouraged to apply.

Novel Forest-Based Products

Research topics include:

Bioactive compounds from forest biomass.
Biomass conversion into sustainable chemicals.
Bio-based materials.
Nutritional and functional products from forest resources.
Innovation and intellectual property law in the bioeconomy.

Preferred academic backgrounds include:

Chemistry.
Biotechnology.
Chemical Engineering.
Food Science.
Biochemistry.
Law.

Market Behaviour in the Bioeconomy

Projects focus on:

Sustainability assessment of forest businesses.
Consumer behaviour.
Bio-based innovation adoption.
Environmental communication.
Social media and multilingual misinformation.
Sensory marketing.
Strategic innovation in forest-based SMEs.

Suitable academic backgrounds include:

Business.
Marketing.
Psychology.
Entrepreneurship.
Linguistics.
Media Studies.
Cultural Studies.
Cognitive Science.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all programme requirements before applying.

Hold a Relevant Master's Degree

Applicants must possess a Master's degree or an equivalent qualification related to their chosen research project.

No Doctoral Degree

Applicants must not already hold a PhD or have defended a doctoral thesis before the application deadline.

Meet the MSCA Mobility Rule

Applicants must not have lived, worked, or studied in Finland for more than 12 months during the 36 months preceding the application deadline (10 August 2026).

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate excellent English language skills according to the University's doctoral programme requirements.

Strong Research Motivation

Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research in sustainable forest-based bioeconomy.

Project-specific eligibility requirements are described within each advertised doctoral position.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare all required documents in English before submitting their application.

Typical application materials include:

Master's degree certificate.
Academic transcripts.
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Copy of Master's thesis.
Master's thesis summary.
Motivation letter.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Ethics self-assessment.
Additional documents requested in individual project descriptions.

Providing complete and accurate documentation is essential.

How to Apply

The application process is completed online.

Step 1

Review all available PhD projects and identify those matching your academic background and research interests.

Step 2

Choose up to your preferred research themes according to the programme guidelines.

Step 3

Prepare all required documents in English.

Step 4

Complete the online application form through the University of Eastern Finland application portal.

Step 5

Upload all supporting documents.

Step 6

Submit your application before the deadline for your selected project.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline

The application deadline varies by project.

Most advertised doctoral positions close on: 10 August 2026Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues and ensure all required documents are included.

Why Study in Finland?

Finland is consistently ranked among the world's best countries for education, innovation, and quality of life.

International researchers benefit from:

Excellent Research Environment

Finnish universities emphasize innovation, collaboration, and high-quality scientific research.

Competitive Employment Conditions

Doctoral researchers are employed as university staff, receiving salaries and employee benefits rather than traditional student stipends.

Safe and Inclusive Society

Finland offers a welcoming, secure, and multicultural environment for international students and researchers.

Strong Focus on Sustainability

Finland is a global leader in environmental protection, renewable resources, and sustainable development, making it an ideal destination for bioeconomy research.

Tips for a Strong PhD Application

Competition for MSCA-funded doctoral positions is highly competitive.

To improve your chances:

Tailor your motivation letter to the specific research project.
Highlight relevant research experience.
Demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking.
Showcase publications, internships, or research projects where applicable.
Carefully follow all application instructions.
Submit complete documentation before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many PhD positions are available?

The programme offers 15 fully funded doctoral researcher positions.

Who can apply?

Applicants from all countries who meet the academic and mobility requirements are eligible.

Is the programme fully funded?

Yes. Successful applicants receive a four-year employment contract with a competitive salary and comprehensive employment benefits.

What is the contract duration?

Each doctoral researcher is employed for four years on a full-time basis.

Is there an application fee?

No. There is no application fee.

What fields of research are available?

Research areas include:

Forest inventory.
Ecosystem modelling.
Bio-based products.
Biotechnology.
Forest ecology.
Sustainability.
Business.
Marketing.
Linguistics.
Innovation.
Environmental communication.

What is the application deadline?

Most projects have a deadline of 10 August 2026, although applicants should verify the deadline for their chosen position.

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15 Fully Funded PhD Positions at the University of Eastern Finland 2027