University of Eastern Finland Appeals Against Denied Research Funding
The University of Eastern Finland has announced it will appeal the Ministry of Education’s decision to deny funding for a child welfare research project. The move follows Minister of Education Ville Rydman’s (Finns Party) rejection of nine social work research proposals, including the university’s Feedback-Informed Approach in Child Welfare Outpatient Services – Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness Study, led by Assistant Professor Siiri-Liisi Kraav.
Vice Dean and Professor Sari Rissanen confirmed the appeal, calling it "highly unusual" for a university to challenge such a decision. She stated that the appeal is based on procedural concerns, particularly how the funding process was conducted and how the final outcome diverged from earlier scientific evaluations (Yle).
The university is filing the appeal as an institution, not on behalf of an individual researcher, emphasizing that the decision affects the broader academic community. Savon Sanomat first reported the funding rejection, which was later confirmed by multiple sources.
The University of Jyväskylä is also reportedly preparing an appeal against a similar funding denial (MTV Uutiset). In June, Minister Rydman announced on social media that he had approved only half of the allocated research funding for social work projects, despite official recommendations. The rejected proposals had previously received positive peer reviews.
