Why does the Finnish Cultural Foundation want to finance Future Challenges in the Nordics? “We especially wish to encourage interaction between the humanities or social sciences and the natural or technical sciences,” said Secretary General Antti Arjava. “This is an opportunity to learn from each other on both sides.”

Why does The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland want to participate in the funding of Future Challenges in the Nordics? “In a post-industrial society we should not focus on achieving growth alone, but also on pure knowledge and the wellbeing of people,” said CEO Sören Lillkung. “We value the holistic view on the surrounding world.”

“Without exception, these projects represent new ways of looking at how we in the Nordic countries, and in a broader global perspective, position ourselves in relation to the major issues of the future. Many of the projects combine issues and theoretical approaches in a way that we have not really seen before.”

Nine reputable researchers spread around the Nordic countries are currently reviewing the applications for the research programme, Future Challenges in the Nordics. Who are they, where do they come from and why have they been chosen for the assignment?