Arniika Kuusisto

Arniika Kuusisto is a Professor in Early Childhood Education at the University of Helsinki and a former Professor at Stockholm University (2018-2023). She is also a Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Oxford and a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Warwick. Her research focuses on values, worldviews, and existential resilience in early childhood education.

• PhD, Docent of Education

Research Interests: Arniika explores how children develop values, critical thinking, and existential resilience in diverse educational settings. Her work bridges philosophy, pedagogy, and sustainability, emphasizing socially inclusive practices.

Recent Publications: Her 2025 studies examine meaning-making in children, environmental crisis as existential concern, and digital tools for parental engagement. These works reflect interdisciplinary approaches combining education, psychology, and religious studies.

Scientific Awards:

• Faculty of Behavioural Sciences PhD Award (2012)
• FERA Best PhD of the Year (2011)
• Journal Article of the Year (2024)
• Vuoden tiedeartikkeli-palkinto (2024)

Grants & Projects: She leads multiple projects funded by the Finnish Academy, including "Oikeus osallisuuteen" (2022-2025) and "Lapsi ajassa" (2023-2027), focusing on reducing social exclusion in childhood.

Networks: Arniika collaborates with the National Assessment Competence Development Network KAARO at the University of Helsinki and contributes to the Oxford Handbook of Religion and Education.