Olli Dahl is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Forest Products Technology, specializing in Clean Technologies and Environmental Management. His work focuses on waste valorization, biorefinery processes, and sustainable resource utilization. Key areas include microplastic dynamics in composting systems, biochar applications for heavy metal decontamination, and optimization of mineral processing with recycled water. Research highlights include an international award for biorefinery innovation and groundbreaking studies on nickel recovery in flotation processes. He leads interdisciplinary projects addressing water quality impacts on ore processing and thermochemical conversion of agricultural residues into bioenergy. Dahl's recent work emphasizes closing material loops through circular bioeconomy strategies and advancing sustainable industrial practices. Awards: 2015 International Biorefinery Competition 2nd Place (Ministry of Employment & Economy, Finland) Key Themes: Waste-to-resource systems, industrial water management, bio-based materials, and metallurgical sustainability
Jari Murto serves as Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki, where he specializes in Labour and Social Law. With over two decades of academic and practical experience, he contributes significantly to Finnish and European labour law discourse through publications, policy analysis, and academic leadership. His educational qualifications include a Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, and Master of Laws (LL.M). Murto's doctoral dissertation Ryhmänormit yrityksessä (Group Norms in Companies, 2015) established foundational research on workplace norm systems. Murto's research examines labour law doctrines, norm systems, working conditions determination, and transition-phase labour market issues. He analyzes EU policy impacts on national frameworks, lifelong learning integration into labour law, and psychosocial workplace safety. Recent work addresses digital workplace challenges, parental employment policies, and just transitions in green/digital economies. His scholarship bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical industrial relations through frequent commentary on Supreme Court decisions. As Doctoral Programme Supervisor, Murto mentors emerging legal scholars while maintaining active peer review roles. He serves on Finland's Board for Strengthening General Applicability of Collective Agreements and participates in European labour law networks including the Labour Law Research Network and Nordic Network of Labour Law Scholars. His conference activities span topics from social packages in income policy agreements to lifelong learning's role in modern labour law. Murto maintains strong engagement with practical legal applications through Supreme Court commentary series ( KKO:n ratkaisut kommentein ) and regular contributions to Lakimies journal. His research methodology combines doctrinal analysis with empirical studies of workplace practices and policy implementation.
Olli Varis is an Aalto Distinguished Professor at Aalto University's Department of Built Environment, specializing in Water and Environmental Engineering. He holds adjunct professorships at Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand) and has served as Vice Dean for Research & Innovation at Aalto School of Engineering (2013–2018). His expertise spans water resources management in developing economies, climate change impacts, and transboundary water governance. Education: Doctoral degree in Engineering (Helsinki University of Technology, 1991), Licentiate (1988), and dual Master's degrees in Agriculture (University of Helsinki, 1986) and Engineering (Helsinki University of Technology, 1984). Research focuses on sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly water-energy-food nexus dynamics, urbanization impacts, and global river basin vulnerabilities. Key interests include flood early warning systems, migration-environment linkages, and Asian transboundary water challenges. Notable awards include Aalto Excellence Awards (2018, 2021), Best Research Paper 2023, and Environmental Research Letters' Best Paper 2010. Over 350 publications include works on China's water risks, Nepal's flood resilience, and global migration drivers. Active in UNESCO, WMO, and UNU/WIDER. Recent projects address urbanization's environmental pressures, interdisciplinary education challenges, and东南亚数字经济的崛起与挑战 (Vietnam's digital economy challenges). Leads the Water and Environmental Engineering research group, supervising 12 theses. Involved in public outreach,如芬兰赫尔辛基大学的媒体参与案例.
Ulla Liukkunen is a Professor of Labour Law and Private International Law at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Law. She also serves as a Docent at the University of Helsinki and is affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). Professor Liukkunen has held significant leadership roles including Director of the Center of Chinese Law and Chinese Legal Culture until 2022 and has been actively involved in numerous research projects funded by the Finnish Academy and other organizations. Professor Liukkunen's primary research interests focus on Labour Law, Private International Law, Comparative Law, Transnational Law, and Sustainability Law. Her work particularly examines the intersection of labour rights with international legal frameworks, with special attention to Chinese labour law and Nordic perspectives. She has made significant contributions to understanding collective bargaining systems, decent work standards, and the role of the International Labour Organization in global governance. Analysis of Professor Liukkunen's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on transnational labour governance, private international law applications to labour issues, and comparative analyses of labour law systems. Her work increasingly addresses contemporary challenges such as platform work, global value chains, and sustainability dimensions of labour regulation. There is a notable emphasis on bridging theoretical frameworks with practical policy implications, particularly in European and Chinese contexts. Professor Liukkunen has received significant recognition for her scholarly contributions: Member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2022) First Class Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2016) Professor Liukkunen has supervised numerous doctoral students and has been involved in significant research projects throughout her career. She has led Finnish Academy-funded research projects on international labour law and comparative labour law, as well as private international law. Her projects include 'Relevant Problems and Perspectives for the Development of International Private Law in Modern Conditions' (2023-2026), 'Employee Participation and Collective Bargaining in the Era of Globalization – Nordic and Chinese Perspectives' (2013-2016), and 'ILO Core Labour Standards Implementation in China: Legal Architecture and Cultural Logic' (2012-2015). Professor Liukkunen is actively involved with the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) and has played key roles in establishing the Finnish Center of Chinese Law and Chinese Legal Culture. She has served in numerous advisory capacities including as a member of the Finnish Committee for Confirming the General Applicability of Collective Agreements, the Market Court until 2022, and as Vice Member of the Labour Court. Internationally, she serves as Vice Chair of the Mediation Board of the European Labour Authority and is a member of the European Centre of Expertise in the Field of Labour Law.
Yuzhuo Cai is a Senior Lecturer and Adjunct Professor in higher education administration at the Higher Education Group (HEG) within the Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University, Finland. He holds additional roles as Deputy Director at the Research Centre on Transnationalism and Transformation (TRANSIT) and Co-Director of the Sino-Finnish Education Research Centre. Internationally, he serves as Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong and holds guest professorships at Beijing Normal University, Tongji University, and Yunnan Normal University. His research focuses on higher education innovation ecosystems, the Triple Helix model, and comparative education between China and Finland. With over 150 publications and an h-index of 32, he has been recognized in Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientists rankings. He leads large-scale projects, including a Horizon Europe-funded initiative on post-pandemic youth employment transitions (€2.9M grant). His interdisciplinary background includes a PhD in Administrative Science from Tampere University and prior education in Computer Science and Psychology. Research Interests Institutional theory analysis of higher education Triple Helix and neo-Triple Helix models of innovation University-industry-government engagement Graduate employability and capital theory China-Finland educational collaboration Key Achievements Principal Investigator of €2.9M Horizon Europe project (2023–2027) Co-editor of Triple Helix journal and advisor to multiple academic programs Recipient of Tampere University’s Most Cited Paper Award (2022) His work bridges academic research with policy impact, emphasizing innovation ecosystems and sustainable development goals.
Sanni Kotimäki is a University Lecturer at the INVEST Research Flagship Centre, University of Turku, where she conducts research on life-course dynamics, socioeconomic health disparities, intergenerational effects, and the role of early-life experiences. Her work integrates quantitative methods and applied statistics to analyze complex social and health outcomes. Research Interests: Her research centers on understanding how parental resources, childhood environments, and socioeconomic conditions shape health and wellbeing across the lifespan. She investigates mechanisms behind health inequalities, including the influence of parental education, mental health, and family structure. A key focus is on intergenerational transmission of disadvantage and resilience, particularly through the lens of family policies such as parental leave. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2020–2024) reflect a consistent focus on population health, using sibling fixed-effects models, administrative data, and mixed-methods approaches. Themes include fatherhood and workplace peer effects on parental leave, birth outcomes and NEET status, prenatal mental health disparities, and the long-term impacts of parental death. These works demonstrate methodological rigor and policy relevance. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: There is no mention of students or advising roles in the available information. While no specific grants are listed, her affiliation with the INVEST Research Flagship Centre suggests involvement in large-scale, funded research initiatives focused on social and health disparities. Labs and Teams: Sanni is actively involved with the INVEST Research Flagship Centre, a multidisciplinary research environment at the University of Turku dedicated to understanding early-life determinants of health and wellbeing. She collaborates closely with researchers such as Satu Helske, Simon Chapman, and Juho Härkönen, contributing to both academic and public-facing outputs including blogs and policy reports.
Marko Terviö is Professor of Economics at Aalto University School of Business, where he teaches intermediate microeconomics and labor economics. He is affiliated with Helsinki GSE (Helsinki Graduate School of Economics), a collaboration between Aalto University, University of Helsinki, and Hanken School of Economics. His research focuses on labor market dynamics, economic inequality, housing economics, and institutional design. Professor Terviö employs theoretical models combined with empirical analysis to address questions about talent markets, wage determination, housing policy, and political economics. His work demonstrates particular expertise in assignment models applied to housing and labor markets, with significant contributions to understanding cognitive ability and earnings, superstar phenomena in labor markets, and housing policy impacts. His publication record spans top economics journals including Review of Economic Studies , American Economic Review , Journal of Political Economy , and Economic Journal . Recent work (2022-2025) shows continued high-impact research in labor economics and housing markets, with publications in European Sociological Review and Economic Journal . His research demonstrates consistent methodological rigor combining theoretical modeling with empirical validation. Professor Terviö has contributed significantly to Finnish economic policy discussions, notably as lead author of the influential 2018 report 'On the transfer of residential plots in Helsinki' for the Aalto Economic Institute. This work provided economic analysis of land allocation practices in Helsinki, examining how residential plots should be priced and allocated to maximize economic efficiency while considering urban development goals.
Päivi Korpisaari is a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki , with a focus on Media Law, Data Protection, and Human Rights. She actively contributes to academic discourse through publications, invited talks, and research projects. Current memberships: Teachers' Academy, University of Helsinki Key projects: DECIDER (2021–2026), Viha ja julkisuus (2020–2021) Research interests include: Intersections between Freedom of Expression and Personal Data Protection Tort and Criminal Liability in Digital Communication Smart City Regulations and EU Law Recent publications address topics like social media governance (2024), ECtHR jurisprudence (2023), and GDPR journalistic exemptions (2022). Her work spans comparative legal analysis and practical case studies. Scientific engagement: Participation in international conferences (e.g., Annual Conference on European Media Law, 2018) Membership in national/international committees (e.g., Tiedonjulkistamisen neuvottelukunta, 2025 onwards) Editorial roles in Viestintäoikeuden vuosikirja (2024)
Jani Erola is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Turku, Finland, and the founding Director of the INVEST Research Flagship Center, a collaborative initiative between the University of Turku and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. He is also the coordination Principal Investigator (PI) of the Horizon Europe project MapIneq. His academic home is in the Department of Sociology within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Economic Sociology, Turku School of Economics (2004) Docent in Economic and Structural Sociology, University of Eastern Finland Docent in Economic Sociology, Turku School of Economics His research centers on intergenerational social mobility, socioeconomic inheritance, social class, income inequality, and life course dynamics. He employs advanced sociological research methods to study how family background shapes individual outcomes in education, employment, and well-being. His work bridges demography, welfare state analysis, and stratification research. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on educational inequality, family structure, early childhood interventions, and comparative analyses across Nordic and European countries. His work frequently investigates how public policies—such as early education access or family support schemes—moderate or exacerbate social inequalities over the life course. Scientific Awards and Honors: ERC Consolidator Grant for the INDIRECT project on intergenerational disadvantage Academy Research Fellow, Academy of Finland (2009–2014) Jani Erola has supervised numerous researchers and led major funded projects, including the ERC-funded INDIRECT, the Academy of Finland Flagship INVEST, and the Horizon Europe MapIneq. He has served as editor of Acta Sociologica and president of the Westermarck Society (Finnish Sociological Association), demonstrating leadership in the national and international academic community. He leads the INVEST Research Flagship and the DPInvest Doctoral Programme, fostering interdisciplinary research on inequalities and welfare innovation. His team includes sociologists, demographers, and public health researchers working on life course interventions and social policy evaluation.
Kai Eriksson is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Eastern Finland. Their work spans interdisciplinary research in pediatric neurology, psychology, and behavioral science, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Research Trends: Recent articles highlight expertise in epilepsy outcomes, autism spectrum disorder interventions, and care pathway design. Key methodologies include population-based studies, EEG analysis, and parent-mediated behavioral interventions, with a focus on improving academic, social, and employment outcomes in affected populations. Collaboration Network: Active in multidisciplinary collaborations, Eriksson has co-authored studies with teams in pediatric neurology, clinical medicine, and global health policy, contributing to integrated care models like the Finnish epilepsy care pathway.
Jari Lindh ( University Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lapland ) is a leading scholar in structural social work and disability services. His research focuses on the intersection of legal, organizational, and professional discourses in disability social work, with a regional emphasis on Lapland and welfare areas. Field of Science: Social Work Current Projects: RAVATTI (Structural Disability Social Work, 2023-2025), HaraVa (Considerate Disability Social Work, 2021-2023) Research Interests Structural Social Work Vocational Rehabilitation Legal and Organizational Discourse Socio-technical Systems in Rehabilitation Discretion in Disability Services Client Self-Determination Rights Selected Publications (2023-2025) address telerehabilitation adaptation, structural social work reforms, relational discretion frameworks, and implementation of disability rights in service systems. Activities include: Keynote Speaker at 2025 International Social Work Conference Media contributions on disability social work (2024, 2023)
Tomi Mäki-Opas is Professor of Social and Public Policy at the University of Eastern Finland's Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, leading research on effectiveness in health and social services. He directs the 'Effectiveness in social and health services' research community and collaborates with Northern Savo welfare region. Research focuses on: Developing indicators for wellbeing service effectiveness Evaluating health promotion interventions Assessing social policy outcomes Measuring quality of life dimensions Publications emphasize methodological innovation in effectiveness research, particularly evaluating interventions for vulnerable groups including unemployed individuals, asylum seekers, and elderly populations. Recent work explores connections between nature exposure, physical activity, and mental wellbeing.
Siamak Seyfi is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in Tourism Geography at the Geography Research Unit of the Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Finland. He holds a PhD in Tourism Geography from Pantheon-Sorbonne University, France. His research focuses on critical tourism geographies, ethical consumerism, sustainability, resilience, and the role of Generation Z in shaping future tourism trends. Research Interests: Tourism Mobilities Ethical and Political Consumerism Sustainability and Resilience Behavioral Change Generation Z and Sustainable Consumption Politics of Tourism and Peace His work is interdisciplinary, drawing from critical theories, sociology, and ethnographic methods. He has co-authored and co-edited several influential books on tourism in Iran, sanctions, Muslim travel cultures, and Gen Z’s impact on sustainable tourism. His research is published in leading journals such as Annals of Tourism Research and Journal of Heritage Tourism , and he serves on multiple editorial boards. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications emphasize political and ethical dimensions of tourism, particularly how young consumers engage in boycotts and buycotts. The works also explore tourism’s role in post-sanction recovery, cultural heritage, and peacebuilding, especially in the Middle East context. Scientific Engagement: Editorial Board Member: Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Planning & Development, Journal of Heritage Tourism, International Journal of Tourism Cities Research Leadership: He leads or contributes to the Tourism Geographies and Sustainable Mobilities (TOGSUM) research group and is involved in projects on Arctic resilience and digitalisation in tourism. He also co-organised the CRiT Summer School on Innovation and Technology in Tourism for Sustainable Development Goals.
Rauno Sairinen is Professor of Environmental Policy at the University of Eastern Finland's Department of History and Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Administration. He directs the RESOURCE research community focused on sustainable resource societies and serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland's Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining. His work spans environmental governance, mining sustainability, and social impact assessment, leading 36 projects and currently serving as Work Package leader in EU-funded initiatives like GOVERMAT, IMP@CT, and CORE. Research Groups: CEMMS (Center for Social Science Mining Research), Global Development, SOBIO (Social Science Bioeconomy Research Network), Environmental Culture Research Network Current Projects: MILESTONE (2022-2026), SUMET (2024-2027) His research integrates mining governance, circular economy transitions, and social sustainability. Recent publications examine critical raw materials in electric vehicles, small-scale mining in post-conflict regions, and industrial heritage transformations. Key themes include stakeholder engagement, policy harmonization, and sustainable resource extraction frameworks. Sairinen's 15 most recent articles (2024-2018) span environmental policy, mining governance, and social sustainability. Topics include battery metal recycling, bioeconomy transitions, and cultural heritage preservation, with methodologies ranging from case studies to transdisciplinary reviews. He has collaborated with researchers across Finland, Australia, and Europe, focusing on policy development for responsible mining. Current affiliations include the Geological Survey of Finland's Board (2017-2019) and leadership in academic networks addressing sustainability transitions.
Arto O. Salonen is a Professor of Social Pedagogy with a focus on sustainable well-being at the University of Eastern Finland. He leads the SISU consortium and the Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot , while also serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, Finnish National Defence University, and the University of Eastern Finland. His work bridges social pedagogy, sustainability science, and societal transformation, particularly through the lenses of consumerism, digitalization, and planetary citizenship. Research Focus: Social change, sustainability transformations, climate crisis education, and the cultural dynamics of consumerism. Key Projects: Sustainability transformation from the margins , Heritage in working life , and Shared autonomous mobility . Labs/Teams: RESOURCE Research Community, Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development, and interdisciplinary consortia.
