The world needs researched information and thought-provoking art.
The Sakari Alhopuro Foundation promotes and supports medical research, biodiversity, entrepreneurship as well as cultural and social well-being in Finland.
The Foundation specifically supports young doctors, so that they might have the opportunity to conduct research already during their studies and immediately after graduating. Art grants are also intended mainly for artistsin the early stages of their careers.
Medical Science
The foundation supports high-quality medical research by awarding grants in accordance with annually decided focus areas. In 2026, the grants will focus on research on interactions between microbes and humans.
Nature
More research data is needed about the impacts of climate change on our planet’s future. The Foundation seeks to advance an understanding of the biodiversity of nature as a means of promoting a more sustainable use of our natural surroundings.
Art
The Foundation supports Finnish art and culture in accordance with varying criteria that are decided on annually. In 2026, the grants will be awarded to artists who address aspects of climate change, biodiversity loss or the state of Finnish nature in their work.
The foundation’s 2026 grant application period has ended
We thank all applicants for their submissions. Grant applicants will be informed about the decision by email no later than 31 May 2026. The names of the grant recipients will be published on the foundation’s website.
Sakari Alhopuro:
THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS FOUND IN HELPING OTHERS
‘What is the purpose of life? As a doctor, I have often considered that the purpose of life is found in helping others’, states Sakari Alhopuro, founder of the Foundation.
Blogs
Get to know the work of researchers and artists by reading our blog!
Behind the Art: Maleena Linjama
Almost all of composer Maleena Linjama's compositions relate to nature. The concert series held at Villa Elfvik's nature centre is rooted in a love of music and birds.Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats worldwide. If antibiotics lose their efficacy, the entire healthcare sector will soon been in trouble. Prevention of antibiotic resistance must be taken seriously, so further research on this topic is necessary.Behind the Art: Mette Matilda Matilda
Mette Matilda explores the eutrophication of Finnish waters and the loss of biodiversity through her work. The combination of ceramics and glass reflects the fragility of endangered organisms and their habitats.Articles
Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment: Further collaboration is needed to restore the state of the Archipelago Sea
Minister Sari Multala, a former World Champion sailor who has enjoyed summers at sea throughout her life, has personally witnessed how the state of the Archipelago Sea has worsened. According to Multala, the work done to save the Baltic Sea has been productive, but further collaboration is still needed to restore the state of the Archipelago Sea, in particular.Wega Group's biorefinery will reduce the phosphorus load in the Archipelago Sea
According to official sources, approximately 460 tonnes of phosphorus enter the Archipelago Sea each year. A biorefinery planned in Southwest Finland is expected to significantly reduce agricultural phosphorus loads by separating up to 280 tonnes of phosphorus from manure and processing it into recycled fertilisers. This will significantly slow down the eutrophication of the sea.Jouni Niuro: The vibrant Archipelago Sea is an essential part of Turku's appeal
In order to improve the state of the Archipelago Sea, more co-operation, larger projects and impact assessments are needed. This is the view of Jouni Niuro, CEO of the Lieto Savings Bank Foundation, who is concerned not only about the unique marine environment but also about the attractiveness of the Turku region.Contact information
Sakari Alhopuro Foundation
Board of Directors of the Foundation
Professor of Bacteriology
Professor Emeritus of Environmental Research
Email addresses are in the form: firstname.lastname(at)sakarialhopuronsaatio.fi