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Research fields You can find information about the National Defence University’s research fields on this website. The military science research conducted in the university is divided into eight different areas: • Operational Art and Tactics • Mili...

Research Projects The National Defence University’s research activities support military defence and overall comprehensive security. The National Defence University is a higher education institution recognized for its military expertise, where res...

Instruction, research and cooperation Sustainable development and responsibility are themes cutting across the activities of the National Defence University in all areas. Sustainable development is included in instruction on all degree levels, con...

MAPS1 research project looks into defence-related knowledge How and with what kind of information do citizens form their views and opinions on national defence? In the MAPS1 research project in Military Sociology, we study this by looking into int...

Department of Leadership and Military Pedagogy: Professors and Assistant Professors Professors Professor Heikki Kyröläinen, DSportSc, FACSM Field of appointment: Biology of sport, a soldier’s physical performance Teaching and research A soldier’s ...

Our Main Functions The main functions of the National Defence University are research , education and societal impact . The main functions have strategic objectives and goals, that have been created based on our mission, vision and central princip...

KOMAR - Total Defence as a part of National Resilience 2024-2028 Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and the resulting security threats and challenges have highlighted the importance of total defence as part of national resilience. Significant c...

23.3.2026 | "Studying tactics" is a clear, instruction-oriented textbook with direct connections to the research process. The textbook is designed to support the teaching of operational art and tactics research, as well as the writing of a thesis.

Finnish Defence Studies Finnish Defence Studies is a peer-reviewed publication series under the auspices of the Finnish National Defence University. Its goal is to publish high-quality research within military sciences that is of interest for inte...

7.11.2025 | The majority of research on the People’s Liberation Army is conducted in the United States and, so far, the European perspective has not attracted a great deal of attention. Europe, in fact, has a growing need to strengthen its own research networks, so that the effects of China’s military progress would be better understood. The seminar China's Military Modernization and Growing Capabilities in ...

Open science The National Defence University participates in advancing open science within the Finnish research community. The university has signed the Declaration for Open Science and Research . The declaration states that science and research r...

Professors and Assistant Professors Professors of the National Defence University (NDU) lead research in the chair they are holding and are in charge of implementing teaching together with other instructors in their departments. The National Defen...

Speakers and moderators Moderator: Simo Pesu (FNDU) Lt. Col. Simo Pesu is the head of the Russia Group and a senior researcher at the National Defence University. He earned the General Staff Officer’s Degree in 2004 and has served as a commissione...

Russia Group The Russia Group of the National Defence University’s Department of Warfare started its activities in 2017. The task of the Russia Group is to conduct research on the fundamentals of Russia’s security, military policy and art of war, ...

Strategy 2025–2030(+) The main task of the National Defence University is to provide the future officers of the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard with the skills they need. The skills combine the knowledge gained during studies with the ...

Studying at the National Defence University The National Defence University offers university classes to approximately 900 people annually and continuing training to approximately 1,000 people. This page brings together general information useful ...

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Impact of teaching Impact of research Sustainability and interaction Responsibility is a cornerstone of the operation of the National Defence University, and, among other things, sustainable development, equality and non-discrimination are at the ...

19.9.2025 | The Finnish National Defence University (FNDU) will organise the 8th annual Russia Seminar on 11–12 February 2026 in Helsinki (Santahamina), Finland. The purpose of the Russia Seminar is to increase discussion on the Russian war against Ukraine and produce new knowledge related to the war and warfare.

11.8.2025 | The National Defence University will organize the third doctoral conferment ceremony in its history in Helsinki on 18-20 September. The event will celebrate the doctors and honorary doctors of military sciences to be conferred, as well as Finnish research in military sciences.