SPOT Nordic Representative in Finland Awarded Prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant Worth Around 2 Million Euros

Scientific research conducted in the Nordic countries continues to stand out as a benchmark of excellence at the European level. A striking example of this recognition is the NATURETIME project, led by Ricardo Correia, Assistant Professor at the University of Turku and national representative of SPOT Nordic in Finland, who was recently awarded a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), worth approximately 2 million euros, over the next five years.

ERC Consolidator Grants are among the most competitive funding opportunities in Europe, awarded to top researchers who demonstrate scientific leadership and the ability to carry out innovative research with international impact.

Nature, Time Perception, and Human Well-being

The NATURETIME project – Understanding how nature reshapes human sense of time to foster well-being and sustainable futures – starts from a question of growing relevance in contemporary societies: how do natural environments influence human perception of time, and how does this reflect on people's well-being and behavior?

In fast-paced urban contexts, many people report persistent feelings of time scarcity, which are linked to higher stress levels, lower quality of life, and less sustainable behaviors. However, recent scientific evidence suggests that experiencing nature may help regulate time perception, fostering a more balanced relationship with daily life.

An Innovative Scientific Approach

NATURETIME will test the hypothesis that there is a positive cycle between natural environments, time perception, and pro-environmental behaviors. To this end, the project combines various research methodologies, including:

• Virtual reality experiments to analyze the impact of specific elements of natural landscapes on time perception;

• Citizen science data collection in everyday contexts;

• Landscape-scale modeling to assess different territorial scenarios;

• Behavioral experiments and Big Data analysis to understand how changes in time perception influence decisions and sustainable behaviors.

Social Impact and Healthier Urban Planning

Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, NATURETIME has strong potential for practical application. The results may support urban planning, the design of green spaces, and the formulation of public policies that promote well-being, mental health, and sustainable behavior.

By exploring the role of nature in regulating time perception, the project contributes to an integrated vision where human well-being and environmental sustainability are interconnected dimensions.

Finland: A Scientific Excellence Ecosystem

The project will be developed at the Biodiversity Unit of the University of Turku, where Ricardo Correia also serves as deputy director. This reinforces Finland's role as one of the most advanced European countries in scientific research, innovation, and evidence-based policy. This international recognition also highlights the capacity of Nordic countries to attract and support outstanding scientific talent.

As the national representative of SPOT Nordic in Finland, Ricardo Correia embodies the connection between cutting-edge research, European cooperation, and Nordic values of sustainability, quality of life, and responsible innovation.

Looking Ahead to the Next Five Years

The awarding of this ERC grant marks the beginning of an ambitious research program that will run over the next five years. The NATURETIME project aims to lay the foundation for a new scientific field — the ecology of time perception — with relevant implications for how we design cities, interact with nature, and respond to contemporary environmental and social challenges.

In a world that is increasingly fast-paced, this research invites us to rethink our relationship with time — and to recognize the fundamental role of nature in that process.