About
Ilkka Ratinen is a Professor at the University of Lapland's Faculty of Education, affiliated with the Sustainable Naturecultures and Multispecies Future (SuMu) research group. His research focuses on sustainability education, outdoor learning, and climate change mitigation strategies. He actively participates in global initiatives such as the Kestävyyspaneeli (Sustainability Panel) and the IPBES working group (2023–2026). Ratinen has led multiple projects, including the GROWTH national leadership development initiative and Finnish National Agency-funded programs on trauma-informed education and digital skills integration. His work emphasizes systemic approaches to education reform, equity in energy transitions, and fostering nature-related well-being.
Key research interests include measuring sustainability competencies, promoting constructive hope in climate education, and exploring factors influencing student engagement across institutions. Ratinen has published widely in environmental education and sustainability journals, with recent articles addressing workplace justice, fair energy transitions, and interdisciplinary collaboration in higher education. His media engagements highlight practical strategies for discussing climate change with children and promoting ecological literacy in early education.
Ratinen has contributed to over 40 research outputs since 2017, including chapters on plant literacy and energy market transparency. He frequently presents at international conferences and serves as an expert reviewer for academic journals. His collaborative projects bridge academia and public policy, aiming to translate research into actionable educational practices and sustainable development frameworks.
