TRUEnet Network Boosts the Cooperation of Turku’s Universities on EU Level

The Turku Region University EU Network (TRUEnet) was established at the beginning of 2021 on the initiative of the rectors of the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi, Turku University of Applied Sciences, and Novia University of Applied Sciences. The motivation to establish the TRUEnet was the recognition of the need to strengthen EU advocacy and improve competitiveness in major funding programs. TRUEnet aims to strengthen the co-operation between the region's universities to increase and diversify the share of received EU funding and to support them in developing larger, more effective projects, and to increase their visibility.

The members of the TRUENet coordination group represent the research and cooperation services of the participating universities (see below). In early 2021, the group defined TRUEnet's objectives and agreed on an action plan for 2021-2022.

“For example, we mapped our strengths and common interests in EU funding, especially for Horizon Europe", says Soile Haverinen, Chair (2021) of TRUENet from the University of Turku

​In addition to planning and promoting future activities, monthly TRUENet coordination group meetings also provide the opportunity to share information and discuss current EU issues. Information sharing has proven to be very important and provides immediate benefit to all partners. As part of future activities, the TRUEnet partners will share good practices related to EU funding programs. 

The network also cooperates with the Turku and Southwest Finland European Office in Brussels.

For more information, please contact the TRUEnet coordination group:

University of Turku

  • Anniina Jaako, Head of EU Affairs, anniina.jaako@utu.fi
  • Soile Haverinen, Head of Unit, soile.haverinen@utu.fi
  • Irinja Paakkanen, Head of International Affairs irpaak@utu.fi
  • Lauri Keskinen, Research Funding Specialist, lokesk@utu.fi
  • Hanna Honkanen, Research Funding Specialist, hrhonk@utu.fi

Åbo Akademi

  • Mats Lindfelt, director, mats.lindfelt@abo.fi
  • Helen Cooper, grant writer, helen.cooper@abo.fi
  • Johnny Långstedt, grant writer,  johnny.langstedt@abo.fi

Turku University of Applied Sciences

  • Johanna Krappe, Head of Partnership and Development, johanna.krappe@turkuamk.fi
  • Harri Lappalainen, Senior Advisor, harri.lappalainen@turkuamk.fi
  • Juha Valtanen, Senior Advisor, juha.valtanen@turkuamk.fi

Novia University of Applied Sciences

  • Johanna Liinamaa, Head of Research johanna.liinamaa@novia.fi
  • Otto Långvik, Research Coordinator otto.langvik@novia.fi