Talvivaara mine contributes to an increased public awareness of environmentalism and research

Vesa Varpula — 2012-12-31T11:18:18+02:00

“The Talvivaara disaster serves as a reminder to us all that environmental change also takes place at the local level. Sometimes it seems that people have difficulties in grasping global changes and that it takes a local problem before they realise what’s going on in the environment,” says Atte Korhola, Professor of Environmental Change at the University of Helsinki.

Research knowledge to support decision-making: Communication and interaction play a key role

Vesa Varpula — 2012-12-11T11:47:49+02:00

The Academy of Finland's report The State of Scientific Research in Finland 2012 encourages policy-makers and public administration to better take advantage of research knowledge. It also recommends activities to promote open access to research knowledge produced by means of public funding. Minister of Education and Science Jukka Gustafsson is in favour of these ideas. “Public administration benefits from scientific research carried out, not only within the relevant field of administration, but in any field,” says Gustafsson.

Pay more attention to the recruitment of students and researchers

Vesa Varpula — 2012-11-13T15:07:05+02:00

“One of the ways to raise the level and competitiveness of Finnish science is to further develop the recruitment of students and researchers at institutes of higher education and research institutes. However, the impacts of this development won’t be visible straight away, but gradually,” says Kaija Holli, Chair of Universities Finland (UNIFI) and Rector of the University of Tampere.

Physics researchers must look forward and pursue new areas

Marjo Aaltomaa — 2012-11-07T12:53:00+02:00

“The standard of physics research in Finland is high and covers most international lines of inquiry,” says Professor Christian Enss, Chairman of the evaluation panel of physics research in Finland. However, it is important for physics research to reinvent itself and to pursue new emerging fields.

University cooperation must be intensified

Marjo Aaltomaa — 2012-09-27T14:50:59+03:00

At the start of September 2012, Marja Makarow took on her role of Vice President for Research at the Academy of Finland. As an influential scientist with international experience, Makarow ensures that Finnish science policies meet a high European standard, and that the processes of the Academy of Finland are exemplary. Makarow believes that the future of Finnish universities lies in intensified cooperation and profiling.

FIRI expert group considers common rules of play for research infrastructures

Vesa Varpula — 2012-08-24T11:18:18+03:00

In April 2012, the Academy of Finland appointed a national expert group on research infrastructures, the Finnish Research Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of the Committee, Eero Vuorio feels optimistic about the group’s chances to advance Finnish research infrastructures.

The well-being of children and young people – multidisciplinary lifecycle research is required

Vesa Varpula — 2012-08-13T13:08:52+03:00

What kind of a welfare society is one in which the social exclusion or psychic ill-being of children and young people is becoming a growing problem? What kind of research should we focus on in order to approach the problem efficiently enough? How should research data from different fields of science be put into practice to improve the lives of children? These questions are answered by Tuula Tamminen, Professor of Child Psychiatry and Chair of the Research Council for Health.

From open science to open source and Linux

Vesa Varpula — 2012-06-18T09:51:47+03:00

Linux creator Linus Torvalds, perhaps Finland’s most influential tech expert globally, was announced as a joint Grand Winner of the 2012 Millennium Technology Prize on 13 June 2012 in Helsinki. Torvalds shared the prize with Japanese stem cell scientist Shinya Yamanaka.

Why is theological research topical?

Vesa Varpula — 2012-05-23T13:57:01+03:00

Is religion nowadays just the dusty family Bible on grandma’s bookshelf? Where do we need theological research today and what does it focus on? What exactly is the value of Finnish university theology in the international market? These questions were answered by Aila Lauha, Chair of the Research Council for Culture and Society at the Academy of Finland.

A bright future outlook for the humanities and social sciences

Vesa Varpula — 2012-05-08T15:09:01+03:00

“I'm no soothsayer, but it looks like there may also be a bright future for research in the fields of the humanities and social sciences,” says Liisa Hakamies-Blomqvist, Director of the Culture and Society Research Unit at the Academy of Finland. “Despite the fact that we're living under the pressures of budgetary cuts, I still see current phenomena that promote the impact, visibility and, thereby, the perceived import of these fields in particular.”

Why is nuclear energy engineering in Finland first-rate internationally?

Vesa Varpula — 2012-04-12T12:57:58+03:00

In Finland, we have first-rate cooperation between research and practice. Our Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) is an internationally respected, competent and investigative authority. Any scientific advances are taken directly to our power plants rather than letting them gather dust in the archives of research institutions. These are only a few of the reasons why Finland, despite its small size, has sprung to the forefront internationally. This is the viewpoint of Riitta Kyrki-Rajamäki, Professor of Nuclear Energy Technology at Lappeenranta University of Technology.

Academy of Finland keen to increase support for science and research

Vesa Varpula — 2012-03-26T12:40:15+03:00

Professor Heikki Mannila’s term as President of the Academy of Finland began in March. He has already received many invitations to visit the Academy’s various partners and is looking forward to getting things rolling: “We need to know what’s going on with our key partners, the universities, to be able to continue doing what we do – support science.”

Professor of Marketing Jaana Tähtinen: “People are not driven by money alone”

Vesa Varpula — 2012-03-12T10:49:51+02:00

The world spends far too much time staring at numbers and financial results. People are not driven by money alone, nor does a number represent an absolute truth, it just serves to simplify matters. This is the viewpoint of Professor of Marketing Jaana Tähtinen, University of Oulu, who, despite being surrounded by economic figures, views herself as more of a humanist. Tähtinen is currently studying the role and impact of emotions in problematic business relationships.

Reviewing the past and looking to the future

Vesa Varpula — 2012-02-29T07:51:13+02:00

Professor Markku Mattila’s term as President of the Academy of Finland ended on 29 February 2012. The five-year term was a busy one, primarily because both the scientific community at large and the Academy of Finland in particular have experienced a number of changes over the past years. “In terms of the progress of science, we’ve seen a period of growth, and the Academy’s activities have developed favourably in many respects. On the other hand, we’ve also witnessed the emergence of dark clouds on the horizon as a consequence of the European financial crisis,” Mattila says.

Focusing on the arctic climate

Vesa Varpula — 2012-02-15T11:48:59+02:00

"There's a need to find funding to carry out climate research in the Arctic. The warming of the climate is melting the ice coverage and creating new navigational sea routes within the northern regions," says Hannele Hakola, Research Professor for the Finnish Meteorological Institute and member of the Academy of Finland’s Research Council for Biosciences and Environment.

“Basic research of vital importance for new medical innovations”

Vesa Varpula — 2012-01-27T13:48:29+02:00

FiDiPro Professor Rikard Holmdahl spent his five-year professorship studying the mechanisms involved in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The FiDiPro (Finland Distinguished Professor) funding period, secured by the Academy of Finland, is now coming to an end, but the research that has got well underway will continue.

Small fields of science doing cutting-edge research

Vesa Varpula — 2012-01-12T16:23:48+02:00

Academician of Science Anna-Leena Siikala is concerned about the future of small fields of research. Siikala says that Finland has strong research in the area of intellectual culture. Today, however, research on rare languages and cultures, and many basic research fields within the natural sciences as well, are at risk of becoming endangered.

Dean of Aalto University: stability slows research

Marjo Aaltomaa — 2011-12-28T11:08:56+02:00

“Mobility, university specialisation and sufficient additional funding for quality research. That’s what we need in order to achieve more viable Finnish academic research,” says Tuija Pulkkinen, Dean of Aalto University.

Human research – long-term runs, no quick solutions

Vesa Varpula — 2011-12-09T15:14:26+02:00

"The funding granted by the Academy is, by far, the most important form of funding for research concerning culture and society. The implementation of the current Government Programme will significantly reduce the pot available to the Academy for distribution," says Liisa Laakso, member of the Research Council for Culture and Society within the Academy of Finland, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki.

Science is universal

Vesa Varpula — 2011-11-16T16:06:40+02:00

"The mission of our universities, as specified in the Universities Act, begins in nearly the same fashion as it did in the 19th century: 'The mission of the university shall be to promote free research and scientific and artistic education, to provide higher education based on research…' In my opinion, this remains true to this today. It would be wise not to lose sight of this fact and find ourselves in a situation in which the mission is about making money," says Olli Lehto, Academician of Science.

Open data and open access unite researchers and promote research

Vesa Varpula — 2011-11-02T15:25:38+02:00

Open data and open access denote the idea that the value of information increases when it is openly shared. The principle is based on the assumption that citizens have the right to data produced using public funds, such as data produced by the Government. The science community also calls for an even more open sharing of information.

Finland’s success is based on its high competence level

Vesa Varpula — 2011-10-18T09:42:32+03:00

The Government wants to see Finns achieve the position as the most competent nation in the world by 2020. Raija Vahasalo, Chair of the Parliamentary Education and Culture Committee, explains that Finland is aiming for the top in vocational competence and academic expertise, as well as in R&D&I activities.

We can’t afford to keep talent on hold

Vesa Varpula — 2011-10-07T11:50:01+03:00

“In earlier years, Finland has invested in education, science and research during a recession. It's just as important to do so now again,” says Päivi Lipponen, PhD, Hanken MBA, Member of the Parliament, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for the Future.

An unquenchable thirst for knowledge

Vesa Varpula — 2011-09-20T10:13:11+03:00

“The Academy of Finland, as viewed from a perspective gained over several decades, has held great significance for Finnish science and basic research,” states Jorma K. Miettinen, Academician of Science.

Increasing demand for multitalented experts

Vesa Varpula — 2011-07-22T11:14:51+03:00

Humankind’s major challenges, an ageing population, the sufficiency of natural resources and the concerns of global operations are part of the everyday routine at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, states Erkki KM Leppävuori, President and CEO.

New Government Programme sets lofty goals for science and research

Vesa Varpula — 2011-06-30T06:43:54+03:00

The Government Programme of Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen’s Government was submitted to Parliament on 22 June 2011. The new Programme sets ambitious targets for science and research in Finland. However, these targets – particularly the funding of science and research – will be affected by the sustainability gap in public finances and the precarious outlook for the international economy overall, says Professor Markku Mattila, President of the Academy of Finland.

Demand for green gold on the rise

Vesa Varpula — 2011-06-01T15:12:28+03:00

“Never during my career have I seen a situation this interesting. There's a huge demand for forest research, and yet, less and less resources are allocated to such research. A lot is expected from the researchers – as if we could promise the moon,” says Hannu Raitio, Director General of the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla).

Continuity, focus and purpose

Vesa Varpula — 2011-04-06T16:11:36+03:00

“High-quality scientific research brings about innovations that create international business, jobs and further international exposure and funding, which in turn provide additional facilities for high-quality scientific research. The establishment of this type of self-reinforcing positive cycle requires, however, a consideration for continuity,” says Aino Takala, Board Member of the Academy of Finland.

The value of basic research does not lie in its applicability

Vesa Varpula — 2011-03-04T09:54:54+02:00

"Different disciplines have varying approaches to basic research, innovations and applied research. This conceptual ambiguity often obscures discourse surrounding these issues," says Maarit Valo, the new Chair of the Finnish Union of University Professors.

The European economic crisis is not strangling our universities

Vesa Varpula — 2011-01-25T17:11:22+02:00

“The financial crisis currently prevailing in Europe does not, as such, have any significant effect on the public funding of research in Finland. The growth rate of our national economy and the situation regarding public-sector financing play a more essential role,” appraises Sixten Korkman, Managing Director of ETLA, the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy.

Basic research bolsters high-standard applications

Marjo Aaltomaa — 2011-01-10T10:59:27+02:00

“The creation of brilliant technological applications is only possible if they are based on solid basic research. Finland must ensure a top standard of research, an interdisciplinary approach and the usability of innovations. There must be an emphasis on applied research, but not at the expense of basic research,” says Ainomaija Haarla, President and CEO of Technology Academy Finland.