General Information

Luke is a research organisation operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. Our task is to promote competitive business based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, as well as wellbeing and the vitality of the countryside. Every year, we have around 600 research projects underway, including roughly 100 EU projects. In 2025, our researchers published 764 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Luke hosts Finland’s largest community of food LCA practitioners and one of the largest Food-LCA research groups worldwide, providing unmatched technical capacity and institutional expertise. The institute has extensive expertise in the application and development of environmental, social, and economic life cycle assessment methodologies for food systems, agriculture, the bioeconomy, forestry, the circular economy, and emerging biotechnologies. Luke’s research supports the transition towards more sustainable, resilient, and climate-smart bio-based value chains through scientific excellence, methodological innovation, evidence-based decision-making, and active engagement and collaboration with industry, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Designed by Alvar Aalto, one of the greatest Nordic architects of all time. 
• Finlandia Hall (Finlandia-talo) is in the middle of the centre of Helsinki, on the shore of Töölönlahti Bay.
• All the major attractions; Central Library Oodi, National Museum, Music Hall, Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma and The Parliament House, are located within 200 metres of the venue.
• Many of the hotels are located within walking distance from the venue.
• Easy train access from the airport; 30 minutes to the venue.
• Local bus and tram stops within 100 metres from Finlandia Hall.
• All operations are ISO certified, they are City of Helsinki’s Climate Partner and a #thinksustainably venue.
• More information about the venue

From chic boutique hotels to cozy city apartments and eco-friendly havens, Helsinki offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Whether you want to wake up to sea views, explore the heart of the city, or immerse yourself in nature, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. 

Helsinki Airport is the leading Northern European transit airport. Approximately 30 airlines serve Helsinki, and there are direct connections to nearly 30 international destinations around the world.

There are several daily direct flight connections to Helsinki from all major European destinations, most within a 2–3-hour flight. Helsinki also serves as a hub to Asia with 60 weekly flights and 40 weekly flights to the US. 

Helsinki Airport is located 19 km from the centre of the city. The transport time to the city centre is 25 minutes with a direct train connection (departs every 10 minutes). There is a regular airport bus running every 20 minutes between the airport and the city centre, and several local buses are also available. Download the ‘HSL’ app to buy an ABCD zones ticket and to use the journey planner.

There are also ferry services from Estonia, Sweden, Germany and Poland to Helsinki. We are happy to help delegates find information about travelling in a climate-friendly way without flying, using a combination of train and ferry.

Citizens of the Nordic countries do not need a passport for entry into Finland. EU-nationals and citizens of Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, and Schengen Agreement countries can enter Finland with a valid passport or a valid identity card. All other nationalities require a valid passport. 

The Schengen member states have jointly agreed about the rules concerning the movement of third-country nationals in their territories and decided which countries' citizens are required to present a visa. Furthermore, each Schengen State has decided which travel documents citizens of different third countries have to present upon entering the country. 

Foreign nationals who need an entry visa are requested to apply for it from the diplomatic mission that represents Finland in their home country. General enquiries regarding travel documents accepted by Finland and visa issues should be emailed to the passport and visa unit at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (visas.mfa@formin.fi). It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 months in advance of the congress. 

List of countries that require Schengen visa can be found here (www.schengen-visa-info.eu).