Finnish researchers benefit from time abroad
A new report from the Academy of Finland has found that 'brain drain' may in fact have a positive effect, at least in Finland. Researchers go abroad to learn new skills, but return to Finland to put those skills to work. The report, 'Strategic funding for enhanced research impact? Three examples from the field of health research', examined how medical researchers may study abroad in order to further their careers at home. Moving to another country to learn has two important advantages for Finnish researchers - increasing their knowledge and skills and giving them the opportunity to learn about foreign medical systems, which in turn fuels their competitive advantage. Working abroad is also thought to increase management skills - another added extra. The report suggests that these skills will be important to Finnish researchers participating in the wider European research field, thanks to funding schemes like the upcoming Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The report cites the example of paediatric cardiologist Jaana Pihkala. Finland lacked a specialist in paediatric interventional cardiology - treating cardiac complaints without surgery - so she travelled to Canada to work at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, an acknowledged world leader in this field. She completed her post-doctoral studies between 1997 and 1999 in Toronto, progressing from animal studies to clinical work, and eventually to new work for the treatment of congenital heart disease. 'After returning to Finland, I've been working as a paediatric cardiologist in the Department of Cardiology at the Hospital for Children and Adolescents,' she told the Academy. 'My research and study period abroad has benefited the whole clinic and children suffering from heart problems,' she said. This transfer of skills was possible partly through funding from the Finnish government, which released fees to support her stay in Toronto, and shows how the brain drain could work in reverse, with the right support.
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