Jouko Rikkinen

Jouko Rikkinen is a Professor of Botany at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Department of Plant and Mycology, Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS), and the Teachers' Academy. He serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programmes in Plant Sciences and Wildlife Biology, contributing to advanced research training.

Research Interests: His work bridges Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Fungal Sciences, focusing on lichen symbioses, termite-fungus interactions, Paleogene forest reconstructions, and tropical biodiversity hotspots. Key topics include symbiotic networks, microbial ecology, and conservation of boreal and montane ecosystems.

Scientific Trends: Recent publications emphasize fungal dispersal mechanisms, termite mound biogeochemistry, and e-learning tools for plant science education. His studies on cyanolichens and myxomycetes in amber provide insights into evolutionary stasis and historical ecology.

• Awards:
  • Non-fiction Writers Prize (2014)
  • Faculty of Science Thesis Award (1988)
  • J. E. Rosbergin Prize (1988)
  • Risto Tuomikoski Award (2002)
  • Silver Kairamo Medal (2024)

Labs & Collaborations: Leads projects within the University of Helsinki's sustainability framework and European Commission's Horizon 2020 initiatives. Collaborates with institutions in Kenya, Estonia, and New Caledonia, focusing on tropical montane ecosystems and amber forest paleoecology.