Marjo-Riitta Diehl is an Associate Professor in the Department of Management Studies at Aalto University's School of Business . Her research focuses on organizational behavior, psychological contracts, justice in workplaces, and human resource management dynamics. She investigates how socio-economic conditions influence employee well-being and performance, particularly during organizational crises like the pandemic. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks (e.g., social exchange theory) with practical managerial challenges, emphasizing ethical leadership and employee relationships. Research Interests: Psychological Contracts & Reciprocity Organizational Justice & Inequity Workplace Relationships & Care Crisis Management (e.g., Pandemic Impact) Managerial Identity & Career Transitions Ethical Decision-Making in Organizations Recent work analyzes post-pandemic employment relationships, justice perceptions in teams, and the role of care in professional interactions. She has collaborated internationally on projects addressing layoff management, nonprofit sector transitions, and digital leadership roles. Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary research groups focusing on organizational change, digital transformation, and ethical management practices at Aalto University. Her work often involves cross-sector partnerships with industry and non-profit organizations.
Christopher Raymond is a Professor of Sustainability Science at the University of Helsinki, where he is based at the Ecosystems and Environment Research Program within the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). He is also affiliated with the Department of Economics at the University of Helsinki and leads the transdisciplinary Human-Nature Transformations Research Group. Raymond serves as Executive Director of the International Association of Society and Natural Resources and Director of the Enabling Multispecies Transitions of Cities and Regions (MUST) Strategic Research Council Project. His research group hosts over 15 researchers committed to "Transforming human-nature relationships for a just, healthy and sustainable future." PhD in Philosophy, University of South Australia (2012) BAppSc (Honours) in Environmental Management, University of South Australia (2005) Guest Professor, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (2019-2021) Professor Raymond's research focuses on conceptualizing and assessing the diverse values of nature and finding new ways to embed them into sustainability transformations. His work examines innovative approaches to represent and engage diverse communities (including other species) in nature-based solutions planning in urban areas. He has authored seminal works on Senses of place, socio-cultural valuation of Ecosystem services, and served as Coordinating Lead Author of the IPBES Values Assessment, where his team co-created "an inclusive typology of values for navigating Transformations towards a just and sustainable future." His research contributes significantly to urban and regional planning, biodiversity conservation, restoration planning, Sustainability science, and human geography. Raymond's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on multispecies justice, urban nature-based solutions, and the integration of diverse values into sustainability governance. His work increasingly examines the temporal dimensions of urban green infrastructure, the role of listening in interdisciplinary scholarship, and the application of role-playing for justice awareness in educational contexts. A consistent theme across his recent work is the exploration of how to better incorporate relational values and justice considerations into environmental policy and planning, particularly in urban contexts where climate, biodiversity, and human health intersect. World's Most Cited Scholar (2019) World's Most Cited Scholar (2020) Professor Raymond serves as Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences and has supervised Master's theses for students including Juulia Lehtinen and Anna Ahdekivi. His research is supported by numerous grants including GREEN TALENT (2025-2029), GoGreenNext (2024-2028), MUST (2023-2026), and CO CARBON (2023-2026) projects. These projects focus on urban sustainability transitions, carbon sequestration in urban green infrastructure, and multispecies justice in nature-based solutions. Raymond leads the Human-Nature Transformations Research Group, which actively engages in the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) and carries out research through collaborative projects including MUST, Transformative Cities, RECONNECT, GO GREEN NEXT, GREEN TALENT and SusTra Doctoral Pilot. The group utilizes acoustic recorders for long-term socio-ecological monitoring across Finland as part of their research infrastructure.
Petra Hietanen-Kunwald serves as a Senior University Lecturer in the Department of Accounting at Aalto University. Her academic profile centers on dispute resolution systems, legal innovation, and the intersection of contract design with civil justice frameworks. Her research spans: Dispute Resolution and Mediation Proactive Contract Design Tax and Cross-Border Dispute Systems Legal Design and Digital Transformation Civil-Commercial Law Integration She investigates how ethical infrastructure and systems theory can optimize conflict management while maintaining procedural fairness. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals escalating focus on digital dispute resolution (2020-2023), where she pioneers frameworks for AI-driven mediation and transaction design. Earlier works (2013-2019) established foundational critiques of mediation's legal status and explored Finnish civil justice reforms, demonstrating consistent commitment to elevating alternative dispute resolution within legal ecosystems. Key recognitions include: Developer in Education of the Year 2023 2021 JSCAN Best Paper Award for "Effective dispute prevention and resolution through proactive contract design" While specific grant details remain undisclosed, her collaborative publications with Helena Haapio, Maria Solarte-Vasquez, and Risto Koulu indicate robust international research partnerships. Her work directly informs European mediation policy and Finnish legal education curricula.
Sophia Hagolani-Albov is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) . She is a member of the Trees For Development (TreesForDev) project and the Global Extractivisms and Alternatives Initiative (EXALT) . PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Doctoral Programme (DENVI) Co-host of the EXALT Initiative podcast Education: Master of Science in Geography, University of Montana (2012-2015) Bachelor of Arts in Government, California State University, Sacramento (2002-2006) Research Interests span agroecology, extractivisms (resource and data), food system redesign, ecological restoration, and sustainability transitions. Her work combines rural sociology and human geography methodologies to address socio-cultural barriers in Finnish food systems and global tree planting schemes. Recent Publications focus on multispecies organizing, counter-hegemonic ethics, and extractivism's social costs. Her 2025 article in Business Ethics Quarterly explores ethico-political dynamics in ecological restoration. Scientific Awards: Recipient of Conference Organizer of the Year 2019 Teaching & Organizational Roles: Co-organized master's and doctoral courses on extractivisms, sustainability communication, and transformation. Served as Teaching Assistant at University of Helsinki and University of Montana in sustainability science and geography courses. Grants & Projects: Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2023-2026) and Research Council of Finland (2018-2023). Currently manages the Trees For Development Podcast Series and contributes to the Political economies of deforestation project.
Heidi Jokinen is a University Lecturer in Theological Ethics and Philosophy of Religion at Åbo Akademi University, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology and the Department of Theology and Religion. She is actively engaged in research and publication, with a strong focus on ethics, justice, and religious thought. Her research interests include Theological Ethics , Philosophy of Religion , Restorative Justice , Christian Ethics , Moral Theology , and Conflict Resolution . Her work explores the intersection of faith, morality, and social justice, particularly in contexts of violence and reconciliation. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent engagement with themes of justice, reconciliation, and ethical frameworks in both religious and secular contexts. Her scholarly contributions span philosophical inquiry, theological reflection, and applied ethics, with a particular emphasis on restorative practices and moral agency. Working under a grant from Svenska Kulturfonden (2020) Working under a grant from Svenska Litteratursällskapet i Finland (SLS) (2019) She supervises undergraduate students and is actively involved in academic service, including peer review for journals such as Contemporary Justice Review . She also participates in organizing and presenting at academic conferences, including the TUTP Research Conference in Theology and Religion. Her research is supported by active collaboration within the academic community, and she contributes to the development of theological and ethical discourse through editorial work, conference organization, and public engagement.
Niko Soininen is Professor of Environmental Law at the University of Eastern Finland's Law School and a leading researcher at the Center for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law (CCEEL). His work focuses on the intersection of law, sustainability transitions, and complex systems, with specializations in water law, marine environmental law, and adaptive governance frameworks. Primary Affiliation: University of Eastern Finland, Law School Research Groups: CCEEL, Sustainability Law, Water and Marine Environmental Law Key Projects: RELIEF (2023-2026), SusHydro (2020-2024) His research synthesizes legal theory with practical governance challenges, particularly in: Sustainability law and transformation Hydropower and offshore wind regulation Marine spatial planning Legal interpretation in environmental contexts Resilience of legal systems His recent publications analyze the tension between renewable energy expansion and ecological protection in EU law, with a focus on hydropower's legal trade-offs (2024), adaptive governance models (2023), and water-security frameworks (2023). He has contributed extensively to journals like Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions , Transnational Environmental Law , and Science of the Total Environment .
Annalisa Savaresi is a Professor of International Environmental Law at the University of Eastern Finland’s Law School, leading the Center for Climate, Energy, and Environmental Law (CCEEL). She holds a part-time position as Professor of Environmental Law at the University of Stirling (UK) and has previously taught at the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling. Her research focuses on climate litigation, environmental governance, and the intersection of human rights with climate policy. Education: PhD in Law, Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen (2013) Key Research Interests: Climate litigation and judicial enforcement of emissions targets Corporate accountability for climate harms Human rights frameworks in climate decision-making Just transition strategies and regenerative law Interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental policy Projects & Collaborations: RETOOL (Horizon Europe-funded project analyzing climate litigation impacts) Global Network for Human Rights and the Environment (GNHRE) leadership Partnerships with the London School of Economics and international conservation bodies Publications: Her work bridges legal theory and practice, emphasizing litigation’s role in enforcing climate commitments. Recent themes include youth-led lawsuits, corporate accountability via UN treaties, and EU climate governance frameworks. Professional Roles: Board Member, Environmental Standards Scotland Director for Europe, Global Network for Human Rights and the Environment World Commission on Environmental Law, International Union for Conservation of Nature Labs/Teams: A core member of CCEEL, one of the world’s leading climate law research centers.
Chongpongmeren Jamir is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Theology and Religious Studies at Åbo Akademi University’s Faculty of Humanities, Psychology and Theology, affiliated with the Polin Institute. He earned his Ph.D. from Middlesex University and conducts research on tribal Christianity in Northeast India, particularly among the Naga people, focusing on themes of identity, inter-religious relations, political theology, and peacebuilding. Ph.D., Middlesex University His research interests lie at the intersection of theology, culture, and society, with a strong emphasis on indigenous Christian expressions in India. He explores how tribal communities negotiate identity, respond to violence, and contribute to reconciliation through ecclesial and theological practices. His work engages deeply with the concepts of forgiveness, justice, and restorative dialogue in conflict-affected regions. His recent publications (2022–2025) span book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and academic editorials, appearing in outlets such as Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies , Teologia.fi , and edited volumes on global Christianity. The body of his work reveals a consistent focus on breaking cycles of violence, interfaith engagement, and the symbolic dimensions of tribal theology. He frequently addresses the role of the church as a transformative agent in society. Reviewer, Priscilla Papers (2025) Contributor to Compact Atlas of Global Christianity (2025) Participant in international conferences on Pentecostalism, political theology, and religion and politics Dr. Jamir is actively engaged in academic discourse through conference presentations and media commentary, including a notable piece titled “Majoritarian normalisation and violence to history” (2024). He is involved in collaborative research networks, particularly those examining religion in South Asia, and contributes to public theology through accessible writing and peer review. While no formal advising or grant information is listed, his scholarly output and activities indicate a robust and ongoing research trajectory.
Markus Kröger is Professor of Global Development Studies at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Social Sciences, holding a Docentship in Development Studies. He is affiliated with the Helsinki Inequality Initiative (INEQ), Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Trees for Development, and the Global Extractivisms and Alternatives Initiative, while supervising the Doctoral Programme in Political, Societal and Regional Change. His academic credentials include: Docent in Development Studies (2014, University of Helsinki) D.Soc.Sc. in Political Science/World Politics (2010, University of Helsinki) MA in Latin American Studies/Intercultural Encounters (2005, University of Helsinki) BBA in International Business (2002, Helsinki School of Economics) Professor Kröger's research centers on global extractivisms , deforestation dynamics , and socio-ecological crises across Brazil, India, and the Arctic. His work critically examines corporate land-grabbing , mining conflicts , and forestry politics through frameworks of political ecology and world-ecology. Methodologically, he pioneers Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and multi-sited political ethnography to investigate resistance movements and sustainability transformations. Analysis of his 127+ publications (2020-2025) reveals escalating focus on climate tipping points , green colonialities , and decolonial bioeconomies . His scholarship consistently bridges Amazonian deforestation, Arctic resource extraction, and global land rush phenomena, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge systems and alternative socio-ecological futures. He has received multiple academic awards though specific honors remain unnamed in source materials. As an educator, Kröger has supervised numerous doctoral theses while securing major research grants including: Political Economies of Deforestation (Academy of Finland, 2018-2023) TreesForDev (Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 2023-2026) Agroforestry Practices in Brazil (2018-2020) He co-leads the Global Extractivisms and Alternatives (EXALT) initiative and directs the Trees for Development project, fostering transnational collaboration on ecological restoration and extractive resistance.
Kari Hyytiäinen is a Professor at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Economics and Management . He also serves as Vice-Dean for Community Relations at the Faculty of Forestry and Agriculture. His research focuses on marine protection economics , particularly the Baltic Sea ecosystem , integrating agronomy , forestry , and sustainability science into policy frameworks. Research interests include: Cost-efficient marine conservation strategies Climate change mitigation in agricultural systems Policy instruments for nutrient load reduction Blue economy and offshore wind sustainability Trade-offs in land-use and diet-environment interactions Publication trends reveal a focus on agricultural carbon dynamics , marine policy , and socioeconomic scenario analysis , often addressing the Baltic Sea 's unique challenges. His work bridges ecological modeling with economic optimization to inform sustainable governance. Grants and projects include leadership in the Research Council of Finland 's Strategic Research Council-funded " Water & Food Futures " (2024–2027) and participation in the Leg4Life legume sustainability project (2019–2025). Earlier initiatives like " Wild Cards in the Baltic Sea " (2025) highlight his scenario-based approach to environmental risk. Peer reviews and public engagements demonstrate his commitment to science communication, including media appearances on MTV3 Huomenta Suomi (2023) and contributions to national sustainability dialogues.
Maria Brockhaus is a Professor in the Department of Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. Her research focuses on international forest policy, global politics, and sustainability science. She is part of the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science and the Helsinki Inequality Initiative, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental governance challenges. Her work critically examines historical and contemporary patterns of forest governance, including the political economy of deforestation, equity in resource rights, and the role of international agreements. She investigates how policies address socio-environmental justice, gender inequality, and the interplay between global trade, finance, and local communities. Recent publications analyze EU forest strategy implementation, Nordic governance models, and REDD+ policy dynamics in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She emphasizes the need for transformative governance frameworks that balance ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. Her research also explores discourses in Finnish forest policy, climate policy networks, and the integration of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Despite no explicitly listed awards, her contributions to critical policy analysis and sustainability science are well-recognized in academic circles.
Maria Recio Piva is a Post-doctoral Researcher at the Law School, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland . With over a decade of academic experience at UEF, she specializes in international environmental law, climate change law, and REDD+ legal frameworks, while maintaining two decades of practical expertise in Latin American and Caribbean environmental policy. Key research themes include international environmental negotiations , REDD+ implementation , and climate change law across tropical regions. She has organized UNEP-UEF joint training programs for diplomats and government officers, and taught Master's-level international environmental law . Her work bridges theoretical analysis of environmental legal transformation with on-the-ground assessments of forest governance in Latin America and the Caribbean. Notable contributions include: Co-authoring the 2024 Global Climate Change Law Textbook Pioneering research on human rights integration in REDD+ governance Key participation in BBNJ Agreement negotiations and IPBES processes Maria's publications focus on climate finance mechanisms , multilateral environmental negotiations , and policy support tools for forest conservation. She actively collaborates with indigenous communities , national governments , and regional institutions to strengthen environmental law implementation.
Elisa Silvennoinen is a Lecturer at the Department of Law , Faculty of Social Sciences and Business , University of Eastern Finland . Her research focuses on criminal procedural law , children's rights , and crime victims' rights , combining legal research with empirical methods . Her recent publications address: Privacy vs. educational benefits in datafied K-12 classrooms (2025) Juvenile justice and balancing offender/victim interests (2024) Assessment analytics in law entrance exams (2023) Provisional guardianship and cyberstalking legal frameworks She actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects like ACElife (2022-2028) and Generation AI (2022-2028), focusing on adverse childhood experiences and K-12 tech education. Her empirical research emphasizes qualitative methods to analyze: LGBTQ+ rights in juvenile cases Digital literacy and child protection Forensic science reliability
Laura Elisabet Ervo is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki. She specializes in procedural law, EU law, and Nordic legal culture, with a focus on civil and criminal procedure, children's rights, and digitalization in courts. Her research explores the intersection of law and sustainability, including EU civil procedural harmonization Victim protection mechanisms Comparative Nordic-Baltic legal analysis Pandemic-induced judicial reforms Recent projects include the E-Vivi initiative funded by the European Commission. She actively collaborates with institutions like Örebro University and the International Association of Procedural Law. Her recent publications analyze topics such as European Protection Orders, Nordic criminal procedure trends, and the impact of digitalization on lower courts. She emphasizes practical implementation of EU procedural law and comparative studies across legal systems.
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.
