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Information about the Research Foundation

Orion Research Foundation sr is an independent foundation established in 1957. The foundation distributes grants according to its rules for Finnish medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and related natural sciences, such as chemistry and physics. It focuses particularly on supporting researchers at the beginning of their academic careers.

Grants and Awards

Each year, the foundation awards approximately one million euros in research grants to over one hundred researchers. Most of the grants are €6,000 in size. In addition, the foundation awards larger grants, up to €50,000, for purposes such as postdoctoral research abroad or establishing a research group.

The Foundation’s ability to distribute grants is largely based on the returns from its own investment activities. Orion Corporation also supports the foundation annually with a contribution confirmed by the company’s Annual General Meeting as part of its profit distribution proposal.

Occasionally, the foundation also awards recognition grants for outstanding scientific work. Examples include:

  • 2022: €100,000 awarded to Tiina Sikanen and Jukka Westermarck
  • 2017 (Orion’s centenary year): €100,000 awarded to Johanna Ivaska and Mikko Niemelä
  • 2012: €75,000 Orion-Farmos Award granted to Hannes Lohi

The foundation has also participated in the Finnish Foundations’ Professor Pool throughout its duration.

Structure of the Foundation

The Orion Research Foundation includes three funds:

  • The Oriola Fund and the Panfarma Fund, which support research in medicine, chemistry, pharmacy, and nutritional physiology
  • The Maritza and Reino Salonen Dedicated Fund, which focuses on supporting research, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and pediatric illnesses

The foundation’s board is responsible for managing the assets and awarding grants from these funds.

Administration and Decision-Making

The board of the Research Foundation consists of 11 members representing scientific organizations in the supported fields, the five Finnish medical faculties, and Orion Corporation. Board appointments emphasize strong scientific expertise and research visibility. All grant decisions are made independently and without influence from the Orion Group.

History of the Foundation

  • 1957: Established as Orionin Tieteellinen Tutkimusrahasto (Orion Scientific Research Fund)
  • 1972: Renamed Orion-yhtymän Tutkimussäätiö (Orion Group Research Foundation)
  • 2006: Merged with the Farmos Research and Science Foundation to form Orion-Farmos Research Foundation
  • 2015: Renamed Orion Research Foundation
  • 2016: Following the Finnish Foundations Act reform, the official name became Orion Research Foundation sr