Researchers and Students#
This 13-week, challenge-based course (5 ECTS) offers master’s students, doctoral researchers and post-doctoral researchers from universities and research organizations the opportunity to tackle challenges related to the theme in cross-disciplinary teams. Working closely with mentors and societal stakeholders, participants co-create sustainable geospatial solutions that address concrete needs in society. Through this process, they will develop their skills in teamwork, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration while learning to apply digital and spatial technologies for real-world impact.
The course starts with a two-day kickoff event, includes a midterm seminar, and concludes with a public final event where teams present their solutions to stakeholders, peers, and the wider community. Participants are expected to attend all on-site events in person and take part in weekly facilitated mentoring and group meetings (online) organized on Wednesdays from 14:00 to 16:00, while additional teamwork is organized independently by each team.
Apply to participate#
Submit a brief motivation letter and your relevant background. Up to 30 participants will be accepted and notified once the review process is complete.
Attention
The participant application form is now closed. Thank you for your applications!
Target audience and prerequisites#
Primarily intended for PhD students and early-career scientists from universities and research organizations in Finland.
MSc students specializing in geoinformatics, geospatial sciences, or related fields are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including geography, information technology, design, engineering, environmental sciences, social sciences, and communications. Researchers and students focusing on topics related to Sustainable Mobility and Transportation are particularly encouraged to participate.
Up to 30 researchers and students will be accepted to the Geospatial Challenge Camp. All selected participants will receive a confirmation email by Applicants will be notified by the end of 23 January 2026..
Learning objectives#
By participating in this course, you will:
Gain confidence in working in multidisciplinary teams, assessing progress, communicating results, and engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Enhance scientific skills to conceptualize complex, location-based societal challenges and address them using geospatial data, geoprocessing, automation, and digital technologies.
Develop teamwork and project management skills to plan and manage multi-week projects, set sub-goals and milestones, coordinate team roles, and complete team deliverables.
Build technical competencies to identify, use, assess, process, and apply geospatial data and digital technologies.
Strengthen business and solution thinking to apply these skills in creating innovative, solution-oriented approaches that address real-world challenges and stakeholder needs.
Credits#
Participation and completion of the course is 5 ECTS. PhD and MSc students will receive credits from their respective home institutions. Students not enrolled in a PhD or MSc programme should discuss the credit arrangements with the Challenge Camp staff prior to registration.
Previous experiences#
See the videos below for researchers’ experiences from previous years.
2025#
2023#
More information#
Contact us#
For questions or further information, please contact us by email at geospatial-challenge@helsinki.fi