Before the Russian revolution, a number of Uralic linguists and cultural researchers such as Kai Donner, Uno Holmberg-Harva, Artturi Kannisto, Kustaa Fredrik Karjalainen, Lauri Kettunen, Toivo Lehtisalo, Heikki Paasonen, Emil Nestor Set l , Uuno Taavi Sirelius and Yrj Wichmann were not only able to go afield but also managed to collect vast materials which soon proved invaluable to future research. Activities gradually moved to publication of collected materials and research work in this area. Aside from its publication work, the society offers grants for research and fieldwork in areas pertinent to the fields encompassed by the society. The society's archives and collections are open to researchers. The society has organized meetings with presentations on an annual average of nine starting with its founding in 1883.
New members are cordially welcome.