Doctoral researcher Saara Loukola in Helsinki. Finnish researcher denied entry to the United States due to study on racism. Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva
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A Finnish academic has been stripped of Fulbright research funding and barred from entering the United States after the US State Department ruled her research topic incompatible with current US government policy.
Saara Loukola, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, was informed in early May that her Fulbright funding had been cancelled. The move followed a re-evaluation by US officials of her study, which focuses on anti-racism in teacher education. Loukola had planned a research visit to the United States as part of the grant.
The decision was based on executive orders from former President Donald Trump, whose administration remains influential in determining policy affecting US international research funding. The Fulbright Finland Foundation had awarded the grant to Loukola in autumn 2024. The US State Department later revoked the funding and denied her entry into the country.
The University of Helsinki confirmed the action and stated that more cases like Loukola’s could follow. According to the university, researchers working on themes such as anti-racism, gender equality, and climate policy may be at risk of losing US-based grants.
The Fulbright programme, established in 1946, is the United States’ leading academic exchange initiative. It aims to foster international cooperation in education and research. The funding is typically awarded through bilateral arrangements, with the Fulbright Finland Foundation acting as the local partner in Finland.
University officials expressed concern over the apparent narrowing of research topics considered acceptable under the current US administration. The decision has drawn attention to the growing political influence on academic freedom and the criteria used in evaluating international collaboration.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation has not commented on individual cases but confirmed that final grant approvals depend on clearance by the US State Department. The agency holds the authority to revoke grants and deny entry based on security and policy grounds.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
