BASE

Building Academics’ Societal Impact

More inclusive, diverse, and international public debate and the use of experts benefit society as a whole.

BASE: Building Academics’ Societal Impact is a pilot project that focuses on the societal impact of international academics and experts in Finland. The project’s aim is to improve our understanding of what kind of support, instructions, and training are needed by international academics in their work and daily lives to increase their societal engagement, impact, and media visibility in the country.  

Our team collects data through surveys, meetings, and focus group interviews. We also plan hosting webinar series which will be utilized for collecting data and improving the aspects of international academics’ societal engagement and impact in Finland.  The work is carried out in collaboration with the academic and research communities, based on their needs, wishes, and ideas.

BASE aims at serving the common good of the society by supporting all the stakeholders involved. 

BASE is carried out by a team of experts within E2 Research (E2 Tutkimus) in Helsinki, a multidisciplinary non-profit research organization that provides research-based information to municipalities, ministries, companies, organizations, foundations, policymakers, and the media.

Duration: 2022

BASE is funded by Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation.

Why is BASE important today?

1. BASE builds equal opportunities for all academics and experts.

Academia and society in Finland are becoming increasingly diverse and international, and societal engagement is of growing value in advancing academic careers. By strengthening Finland-based international academics’ and other experts’ networks, their knowledge of Finnish society as well as their societal engagement opportunities and skills, BASE provides equal opportunities for career advancement in Finland.  

 2. BASE supports talent attraction and retention.

Like many other nations, Finland suffers from a lack of an educated workforce. We are positive that improving foreign academics connections and collaboration across Finnish society increases the likelihood of their careers flourishing and international academics staying in the country for longer.

3. BASE works for the wider dissemination of research-based knowledge.

There is a profound need for research-based knowledge across the society—media, ministries, businesses, political decision-makers, third sector organisations, and the public sector all need research as the basis for their decisions and actions. Research funded and conducted in Finland is increasingly carried out by international academics and other experts, emphasizing the need to invite  international experts in public arenas. 

4. BASE helps combating racism and promoting a pluralistic society.

People arrive in Finland from many countries and for various reasons. International talents working in highly valued professions must be present in public discussion as well. The diversity of the people involved in public discussion supports equal and pluralistic development of society.