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.
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: Kalle Hamm
The artwork series created by Kalle Hamm will include a book and a participatory work, which is a kind of a volvelle timeline of the different stages of the Seili meadows since the birth of the Earth. These will allow visitors to Seili to learn about the life of the archipelagic meadows.How is climate change affecting our risk of asthma and allergies?
Climate change and the associated environmental changes have increased the prevalence of respiratory diseases worldwide. Therefore, more researched information is needed about the interaction of climate-related environmental exposures and the development of respiratory diseases throughout lifetime.Behind the Art: Mayumi Niiranen-Hisatomi
The world needs thought-provoking art. This blog series goes behind the art, featuring artists and works supported by the Sakari Alhopuro Foundation. In 2025, the art grants were awarded to artists who address aspects of climate change, biodiversity loss or the state of Finnish nature in their work.Articles
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