Call for Applications: European Forest Institute’s Young Leadership Programme 2026 for early-career professionals across different disciplines

Ednah Carrick April 12, 2026

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Closing Date: 30 April 2026

Call for Applications: European Forest Institute’s Young Leadership Programme 2026 for early-career professionals across different disciplines

Who are the leaders of tomorrow? If you are studying or working within the forest sector or a related field, the Young Leadership Programme 2026 is for you.

The five-day programme offers an opportunity for early career professionals to gain new skills to support their leadership capacities.

Young Leadership Programme 2026| 24–28 August 2026

As we face climate change, biodiversity loss, and social and political uncertainty, the need to adapt is clear. Advances in AI, digitalisation, materials science and circular design promise major changes in how we rethink production and the economy. Addressing challenges requires new mindsets to reimagine the future circular bioeconomy.

Future Forests, Future Leaders

EFI’s Young Leadership Programme (YLP) 2026 focuses on adding value locally, drawing on the example of Northern Europe, a region shaped by forests, knowledge and innovation, yet facing significant changes.

Centred on futures thinking and innovation, YLP 2026 combines expert-led discussions with capacity-building activities to strengthen leadership and strategic skills.

Participants are invited to explore ways to anticipate disruptions, address challenges and foster proactive innovation. YLP 2026 takes place from 24 to 28 August 2026 in Joensuu, Finland, in collaboration with local partners.

Who Can Join?

YLP 2026 is aimed at early-career professionals across different disciplines whose work touches on or is based on forests: forest use, forest-based materials, forestry-related products and processes, etc.

The five-day programme offers a unique opportunity for young professionals with leadership potential to interact with a network of peers and experts, gain practical experience through group exercises that connect futures thinking with innovation, helping cultivate a more receptive, agile mindset.

It places particular emphasis on innovation for local value added and on futures thinking. Experts will share real-life examples of successes and failures and engage participants in bilateral reflection, skills development and application.

Eligibility Criteria

Are you ready to shape the future of Europe’s forests? EFI is seeking dynamic young professionals who meet the following criteria:

Young professionals (e.g., practitioners, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, scientists, artists, journalists, conservationists and environmentalists, government and NGO employees, and experts from investment and philanthropic networks) from diverse backgrounds interested in the forest-based bioeconomy.
The programme is primarily aimed at participants aged 35 or younger who are in the early stages of their careers in the forest-based bioeconomy. However, applicants of all ages are welcome.
Demonstrate a track record of leadership, whether through active roles in professional associations, community-led initiatives, or environmental advocacy.
A keen interest in, or knowledge of, the Northern European forest sector, research, innovation, or futures thinking.
A willingness to fully contribute to the group and engage in exploratory activities to overcome ambiguities of concepts, identify and challenge assumptions, and push the boundaries of what is thought to be possible.

Studying or working at an EFI member organisation, or being affiliated with the Forest Joensuu or other leading sectors through Business Joensuu, is an asset. Fluency in English is essential for full participation.

Application Material

All application materials must be submitted in English. Please prepare:

A CV (max 2 pages).
A letter of recommendation written by an employer, PhD advisor, or another person who can speak to your leadership potential. You may submit the letter with your application or later. If so, send the letter to [email protected].
Link to your motivation video (max 2 minutes). In your video, please address any of the following:
- an innovation challenge you have tackled / identified and developed ideas to address (professionally or in another context) with a short reflection on learnings from the process, or
- a question about the future of the bioeconomy or forest sector that excites or concerns you, why it does and some exploratory ideas of how you think it might be approached.

Questions? Contact EFI at [email protected].

Applications Fee

A registration fee of €250 per participant will be charged upon acceptance and must be paid in advance.

A limited number of fee waivers are available to cover the programme participation fee. Please indicate in your application if you wish to be considered for a fee waiver and provide a supporting reason for that. This will not affect the selection process.

In addition, selected participants of YLP 2026 who are enrolled in a UEF Summer School 2026 course in Joensuu may be exempt from the participation fee. This exemption is subject to availability, as only a limited number of fee waivers can be granted.

All participants are responsible for their own organisation and financing of their travel arrangements, accommodation and other personal costs related to their stay.