Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)

The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) is a research institute, and a centre for environmental expertise of about 600 employees. SYKE forms part of Finland’s environmental administration and it mainly operates under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment. Its task is to produce research and popularised information and services for the government, general public and enterprises.

The activities of SYKE take place in seven centres:

• Freshwater,
• Marine Research,
• Natural Environment,
• Consumption and Production,
• Environmental Policy,
• Data and Information,
• Laboratory centres.

The Marine Research Centre has 85 experts on marine sciences, and it coordinates the Finnish Marine Research Infrastructure FINMARI. It is nationally in charge of monitoring and research of the status of the Baltic Sea. SYKE administrates the Finnish Research Vessel Aranda that is equipped with top ecological laboratories and has capacity to operate in ice conditions. SYKE participates in the EC DG MARE initiative EMODnet –Chemistry Data Service and in Copernicus Marine Service In Situ Thematic Assembly Centre: Baltic Sea Biochemistry.