Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027: Artificial Intelligence and Forest Management Research
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) has announced an exciting fully funded doctoral researcher opportunity for international candidates interested in artificial intelligence, forest sciences, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable resource management.
The 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 an interdisciplinary research environment at the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Forest Sciences, located at the Joensuu campus in Finland.
This four-year doctoral position focuses on coupling artificial intelligence with simulation-optimization methods for numeric forest management planning. The research aims to understand how environmental, economic, and social factors influence forest management decisions and improve future forest planning models.
The application deadline is 10 August 2026.
Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of Eastern Finland |
| Country | Finland |
| Campus | Joensuu Campus |
| Programme | MSCA COFUND DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme |
| Field | Forest Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science |
| Degree | Doctoral Degree (PhD) |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Employment Type | Full-time Temporary Position |
| Starting Date | By 1 April 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 10 August 2026 |
Research Topic: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Forest Management
The doctoral research project explores how advanced computational methods can improve forest management decisions.
The researcher will analyze forest inventory datasets collected approximately ten years apart across a large forest landscape covering around 200,000 hectares. The project will identify different forest management activities, including:
- Clear-cut harvesting practices
- Forest thinning operations
- Changes in forest development over time
- Management decisions made by forest owners
The research combines traditional simulation-based forest planning methods with modern artificial intelligence techniques.
The main scientific objective is to understand how different factors influence forest owners’ decisions, including:
- Socioeconomic conditions
- Demographic characteristics
- Environmental conditions
- Forest ownership patterns
- Regional management practices
By applying deep learning and generative AI approaches, the project aims to develop predictive models that better represent real-world forest management decisions.
What Makes This PhD Opportunity Attractive?
This doctoral position provides more than academic research. It offers international training, financial support, professional development, and access to a global research network.
Selected candidates will receive:
1. Fully Funded Four-Year Doctoral Employment
The position includes a fixed-term employment contract for four years, allowing researchers to focus fully on completing their doctoral dissertation.
The working time is approximately 1,612 hours annually.
2. Competitive MSCA Salary Package
The salary follows the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions funding system.
The financial 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 holiday bonus during summer
Additional research support includes:
- Travel allowance: EUR 1,500 annually for conferences
- Secondment and research visit support: EUR 10,500 total
- Research costs: EUR 6,000 for publications, data collection, laboratory expenses, and related activities
- Special needs support when applicable
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, including:
- Forestry
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Geoinformation Sciences
- Related disciplines
Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the application deadline.
MSCA Mobility Requirement
Applicants must satisfy the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rule:
- They must not have lived or worked in Finland for more than 12 months during the previous three years before the deadline.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate skills in several areas:
- Experience with simulation and optimization systems
- Knowledge of forest planning or natural resource management
- Strong numerical and computational abilities
- Programming experience, preferably with tools such as R
- Familiarity with deep learning methods
- Understanding of generative artificial intelligence techniques
- Scientific writing and communication skills
- Ability to work independently in international research teams
Experience with AI methods is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Doctoral Researcher Responsibilities
The selected candidate must enroll in the University of Eastern Finland Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology.
The researcher will be responsible for:
- Conducting original doctoral research
- Preparing a dissertation
- Completing doctoral-level coursework
- Participating in DP-FOBI workshops and summer schools
- Developing an individual study plan
- Creating a career development plan
- Joining research visits and international collaborations
- Sharing research findings through academic publications and presentations
Research Environment at the University of Eastern Finland
The Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology provides an international and multidisciplinary research environment.
The faculty operates at the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses and focuses on:
- Natural sciences
- Forestry research
- Technology development
- Research-based education
The University of Eastern Finland supports approximately:
- 17,000 degree students
- 3,200 employees
- 440 postgraduate researchers
The university is recognized internationally for research excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Life and Research Experience in Finland
Finland is known for its:
- High-quality education system
- Advanced technology sector
- Safe living environment
- Strong research infrastructure
- Excellent public services
International doctoral researchers benefit from access to healthcare services, affordable childcare, and supportive academic communities. This opportunity is ideal for graduates who want to build expertise at the intersection of:
- Artificial intelligence
- Environmental science
- Forestry innovation
- Data analytics
- Sustainable development
The project provides international research experience, strong financial support, and the opportunity to contribute to future solutions for sustainable forest management.
Selection Process
The recruitment process includes five stages:
Stage 1: Eligibility and Ethics Review
Applications are checked for academic requirements and ethical compliance.
Stage 2: External Academic Evaluation
Independent experts evaluate candidates based on academic quality, research potential, and suitability.
Stage 3: Interviews
The highest-ranked candidates are invited for interviews.
Stage 4: Final Selection
The final decision is made after reviewing all evaluation results.
Stage 5: Appointment
The selected researcher receives an employment offer and begins doctoral studies.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the APPLY NOW. The deadline is: 10 August 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time (UTC+3) Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Certified copy of Master’s degree certificate or equivalent proof
- Academic transcript of records
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Electronic copy of Master’s thesis
- Two-page English summary of the Master’s thesis
- Ethics Self-Assessment form
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English language proficiency if required
Applicants must follow the official application templates. Applications that do not meet formatting or language requirements may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this PhD position in Finland fully funded?
Yes. The doctoral researcher position includes a salary based on the MSCA COFUND funding system, research support, travel allowances, and additional benefits.
2. Who can apply for this doctoral scholarship?
Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree in forestry, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematics, geoinformation sciences, or related fields can apply.
3. Do I need previous experience in artificial intelligence?
Previous experience with deep learning and generative AI is an advantage but is not compulsory. Strong computational and analytical skills are highly valuable.
4. Can international students apply?
Yes. The position is open to international applicants who meet the academic and MSCA mobility requirements.
5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 10 August 2026.
6. Where will the doctoral researcher work?
The researcher will work at the University of Eastern Finland’s Joensuu campus.
7. What degree will I receive after completing the programme?
Successful completion of the programme leads to a doctoral degree from the University of Eastern Finland.
8. What documents are required for application?
Applicants need a CV, Master’s degree documents, academic transcripts, thesis copy, thesis summary, motivation letter, ethics form, and English proficiency proof where required.
9. Is knowledge of Finnish required?
The research environment is international. Applicants must meet the doctoral programme’s language requirements, but Finnish language skills are not generally required for the research position.
10. How can I improve my chances of selection?
Strong academic records, relevant research experience, programming skills, scientific writing ability, and a clear motivation letter related to AI and sustainable forest management can strengthen an application.
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