Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027: Sustainability Assessment Models for Forest-Based Businesses
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is offering a fully funded doctoral researcher opportunity for international applicants interested in sustainable business development, forest-based bioeconomy, environmental assessment, and responsible resource management.
This PhD position is part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI). The selected researcher will join the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Forest Sciences, at the Joensuu campus in Finland.
The four-year doctoral research project focuses on developing innovative sustainability assessment models for forest-based businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational enterprises (MNEs), and their interconnected value networks.
The research aims to create effective quantitative approaches for measuring sustainability performance while considering environmental, economic, and social impacts throughout forest-based value chains. The application deadline is 10 August 2026.
PhD Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of Eastern Finland |
| Country | Finland |
| Campus | Joensuu Campus |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology |
| School | School of Forest Sciences |
| Research Area | Sustainable Business, Forest Bioeconomy, Sustainability Assessment |
| Programme | MSCA COFUND DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme |
| Degree | Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Position Type | Full-time Temporary Employment |
| Starting Date | By 1 April 2027 |
| Deadline | 10 August 2026 |
Research Topic: Measuring Sustainability in Forest-Based Businesses
The global transition toward sustainable development is changing how companies operate.
Forest-based businesses are increasingly influenced by:
- Changing consumer expectations
- Green transition policies
- Sustainable investment requirements
- Climate commitments
- Biodiversity protection goals
These developments create a growing need for reliable methods to evaluate the sustainability performance of companies operating within forest-based industries.
This doctoral project will develop advanced sustainability assessment models that help measure how forest-based businesses contribute to sustainable development.
The research will examine sustainability not only at the company level but also across complete value networks involving suppliers, producers, customers, and other stakeholders.
Why Sustainability Assessment Matters in Forestry
Forest-based industries generate significant economic value through products such as:
- Timber
- Bio-based materials
- Renewable resources
- Non-timber forest products
However, forestry activities also influence wider environmental and social systems.
For example, timber production can create external impacts related to:
- Carbon capture and storage
- Biodiversity conservation
- Forest landscape values
- Recreation opportunities
- Cultural ecosystem services
These factors must be considered when evaluating the true sustainability performance of forest-based businesses.
The research will develop methods that capture these complex relationships.
Research Objectives and Methodology
The doctoral researcher will focus on developing practical and scientific approaches for sustainability evaluation.
Key research objectives include:
Developing Sustainability Indicators
The project will identify measurable criteria that can be used to assess sustainability performance.
Possible indicators may include:
- Environmental impacts
- Resource efficiency
- Carbon-related performance
- Biodiversity considerations
- Social responsibility factors
- Economic sustainability
Creating Quantitative Assessment Models
The research will develop models that transform sustainability indicators into practical decision-support tools.
Potential approaches include:
- Multi-criteria decision analysis
- Quantitative sustainability modelling
- Expert knowledge integration
- Data-driven evaluation frameworks
Assessing Forest Business Value Networks
Rather than focusing only on individual companies, the research will examine broader value networks.
This approach helps evaluate sustainability across:
- Supply chains
- Production systems
- Business partnerships
- Forest-based industry networks
Expected Research Outcomes
The project aims to produce:
Improved Sustainability Assessment Methods
New methodologies will help companies and stakeholders evaluate sustainability performance more effectively.
Decision-Support Tools for Forest Industries
The research can support:
- Business planning
- Sustainable investment decisions
- Policy development
- Forest bioeconomy strategies
Scientific Contributions
The doctoral thesis will contribute to research areas including:
- Forest business management
- Sustainability science
- Bioeconomy transitions
- Environmental decision-making
Why This PhD Opportunity Is Valuable
This doctoral position provides an opportunity to work on one of the most important challenges facing modern forest industries: achieving economic development while protecting environmental and social values.
The successful researcher will work at the intersection of:
- Forestry
- Business sustainability
- Environmental assessment
- Climate transition
- Circular bioeconomy
Academic and Professional Benefits
Selected researchers will receive:
Expert Supervision
The doctoral candidate will receive guidance from experienced researchers specializing in forest society, sustainability, and bioeconomy research.
International Research Training
The DP-FOBI programme provides access to:
- Doctoral workshops
- Summer schools
- Research visits
- International secondments
- Career development activities
Collaboration Opportunities
The researcher will become part of the FOBI research community and the Forest and Society research group, creating opportunities to collaborate with:
- Academic researchers
- Industry partners
- Sustainability professionals
- Societal organizations
Salary and Funding Benefits
The position is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND programme.
The four-year employment package includes:
- Living allowance: EUR 3,200 per month
- Mobility allowance: EUR 87 per month
- Family allowance: EUR 300 per month for eligible researchers
- Paid annual leave
- Additional summer holiday bonus
Additional financial support includes:
- Conference travel allowance: EUR 1,500 per year
- Secondment and research visit funding: EUR 10,500 total
- Research expenses: EUR 6,000 total
- Special needs support when applicable
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
Academic Background
A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in:
- Forestry
- Business administration
- Engineering
- Related disciplines
Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the application deadline.
MSCA Mobility Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the mobility requirement:
- Less than 12 months spent in Finland during the previous three years before the application deadline.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants are expected to have:
- Understanding of sustainable business principles
- Knowledge of forest-based value creation
- Interest in sustainability assessment methods
- Ability to analyse and integrate different data sources
Useful areas of expertise include:
- Multi-criteria decision analysis
- Sustainability modelling
- Environmental assessment
- Forest products and ecosystem services
- Business sustainability research
Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researcher
The selected researcher will:
- Conduct original doctoral research
- Develop a PhD dissertation
- Complete doctoral studies
- Participate in DP-FOBI training activities
- Prepare research and career development plans
- Participate in research visits and collaborations
- Communicate research findings through publications and presentations
The researcher must enroll in the University of Eastern Finland Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology.
Selection Process
The recruitment process includes five stages:
1. Eligibility and Ethics Review
Applications are checked for academic requirements and ethical compliance.
2. External Evaluation
Independent experts review applications based on academic quality and research potential.
3. Interviews
The strongest candidates are invited for interviews.
4. Final Selection
The final candidate is selected after evaluation of all application materials.
5. Appointment
The successful candidate receives an employment contract and begins doctoral research.
Research Environment at the University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland provides an international and multidisciplinary environment for advanced research.
Researchers benefit from:
- Modern academic facilities
- International collaboration networks
- Professional development opportunities
- Healthcare services
- Supportive working conditions
Finland is internationally recognized for its strong education system, innovation capacity, environmental leadership, and quality of life.
Why Apply for This Sustainable Forestry PhD Scholarship?
This PhD opportunity is ideal for graduates interested in creating practical solutions for sustainable forest industries. The project combines:
- Forest bioeconomy
- Business sustainability
- Environmental assessment
- Ecosystem services
- Decision-support modelling
The research will contribute to understanding how forest-based businesses can transition toward more sustainable and responsible future models.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted in English through APPLY NOW. Application Deadline 10 August 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time (UTC+3) Required Application Documents; Applicants must submit:
- Certified copy of Master’s degree diploma
- Academic transcript of records
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Electronic copy of Master’s thesis
- Two-page English summary of Master’s thesis
- Ethics Self-Assessment form
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English proficiency when required
Applicants must use official application templates. Applications that do not follow the required format may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The position includes a four-year MSCA COFUND employment package with salary support, research funding, travel allowances, and employment benefits.
2. Who can apply for this sustainability PhD scholarship?
Applicants with a Master’s degree in forestry, business administration, engineering, or related fields are eligible.
3. What is the main research topic?
The research focuses on developing sustainability assessment models for forest-based businesses and their value networks.
4. What industries does this research apply to?
The research applies to forest-based industries involved in timber production, bio-based products, renewable materials, and sustainable resource management.
5. Are quantitative research skills required?
Applicants should have an interest in developing quantitative sustainability assessment methods and working with relevant data sources.
6. Can international students apply?
Yes. International applicants who meet academic and MSCA mobility requirements are encouraged to apply.
7. Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based at the University of Eastern Finland’s Joensuu campus.
8. What methods may be used in this research?
The project may involve sustainability indicators, multi-criteria decision analysis, modelling approaches, and integration of business and environmental data.
9. Is Finnish language required?
No. The doctoral research environment is international, but applicants must satisfy the programme’s English language requirements.
10. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 10 August 2026.
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