IP Research Impact Forum

During the last week of January 2027, IPR University Center will organise the first edition of the Finnish IP Research Impact Forum. 

IP Research Impact Forum is a new, dynamic conference dedicated to exploring the evolving role of intellectual property (IP) in driving innovation, shaping policy, and influencing sustainable growth. It will bring together researchers, legal experts, policymakers, industry professionals, and innovators from Finland, serving as a collaborative platform to examine how IP research generates real-world impact across sectors. 

The Forum will highlight emerging trends, showcase cutting-edge studies, and foster transdisciplinary collaboration. Sessions will include paper presentations and expert dialogues. Moreover, the Forum will offer opportunities for researcher-practitioner mentoring.  

Designed to inspire and connect, the IP Research Impact Forum will provide an invaluable opportunity for attendees to share insights, build networks, and contribute to shaping the future of IP in society. 

The event is open to everyone interested in the topic.

Program TBC

Call for abstracts

We now invite researchers at all stages of their careers from Finnish universities to submit abstracts for the first Finnish IP Research Impact Forum.

The principal aim of the Forum is to provide a platform for showcasing the diversity of Finnish intellectual property research. You are welcome to present your research regardless of its stage of development, ranging from projects in their early stages to recently completed work. The Forum is not limited to a particular theme; any and all research related to intellectual property is welcome, regardless of discipline. In this way, the Forum aims to foster greater collaboration both among academics and between academics, practitioners, and policymakers, as well as across disciplines.  

We plan to organise dedicated sessions in which presenters will receive feedback from assigned commentators and have the opportunity to discuss their papers further in depth.

Submission instructions and timeline: 

• Abstracts can be submitted via the following online survey: IP Research Impact Forum – Call for abstracts

• Abstracts should be no more than 300 words. 

• Abstracts must be submitted by 23:59 on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 (please note the extended deadline!)

• Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by the end of October 2026.

• Accepted participants are asked to provide a handout for their presentation (either a slide deck or an extended abstract of approximately four pages) shortly before the conference to facilitate discussion. A reminder will be sent well in time before the conference.

There will be an anonymous voting to select the most impactful paper of the year. The winning paper will be announced at the IPR Gala 9 April 2027, where an award will also be presented. 

Please note that we are unable to fund travel to Helsinki for most participants. Participants attending in person will therefore, in principle, be responsible for their own travel expenses. We will however be able to cover some travel expenses for a limited number of presenters coming from outside of the capital region. Please note that if you are presenting at the forum, you are expected to participate on-site.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Rosa Ballardini, rosa.ballardini@ulapland.fi 
Daniël Jongsma, daniel.jongsma@hanken.fi