Pauliina Palonen

Pauliina Palonen serves as a Senior University Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. She is affiliated with the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) and leads research in Cranberry Science and Crop Production Sciences. Palonen supervises doctoral students in both the Plant Sciences and Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources doctoral programs.

Her research focuses on horticultural science with particular expertise in berry crop cultivation, including raspberries, cranberries, and arctic bramble. She investigates how light spectrum, environmental conditions, and cultivation techniques affect plant growth, yield, and quality. Her work bridges fundamental plant physiology with practical agricultural applications, especially in northern climate conditions.

Palonen's recent publications reveal strong trends in controlled environment agriculture, particularly examining how light spectrum manipulation (especially R:FR ratios) affects Cannabis sativa development and secondary metabolite production, as well as innovative approaches to cranberry and arctic bramble cultivation. Her work increasingly integrates sustainable production methods with precision horticulture techniques.

• Best poster award, Agricultural Science Days 2018

With over 333 recorded academic activities including 103 manuscript peer reviews, 75 public talks, and extensive thesis supervision, Palonen maintains an active research profile while contributing significantly to her field through service and outreach. She has secured multiple research grants including projects on heat and water adaptation (2025-2026), KarpaloInnovaatio (2024-2027), and sustainable domestic horticultural production (2024-2025). Her work demonstrates strong industry connections with 23 media appearances in professional horticultural publications.

Palonen leads the Cranberry Science research group within the Viikki Plant Science Centre, collaborating with numerous researchers across disciplines to advance berry crop production in challenging northern climates through innovative cultivation techniques and environmental management strategies.