Elena Kapustina is a linguistics researcher specializing in Translation Studies and Comparative Linguistics with a focus on Russian-Swedish language analysis. Her peer-reviewed publications appear in journals including Slovo, Revista Publicando, and Russian Linguistics, demonstrating active scholarly contribution between 2017-2018. Her research program centers on: Expressive and emotional dimensions of lexical translation Cross-linguistic comparison of grammatical structures Corpus-based analysis of Russian grammar and semantics Russian-Swedish literary translation studies Publication trends reveal consistent methodology employing corpus linguistics and comparative analysis of children's literature, with particular attention to how grammatical constructions (like Russian verb prefixes) interact with semantic usage patterns across contexts. Scientific recognition includes: Silver Medal (2018) No information regarding student supervision, research grants, or laboratory affiliations was documented in the source material.
Tomás Lehecka is a University Lecturer in the Department of Languages at the Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. His academic work centers on linguistics, with a focus on Swedish language, normative perceptions, reading interventions, and corpus-based studies of language change. His research interests span Linguistics , Swedish Language , Morphology , Reading Interventions for Poor Readers , Corpus Linguistics , and Gender-Neutral Language Reform . He investigates how linguistic norms are formed and challenged, particularly in public discourse and educational settings. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in experimental and applied linguistics, especially using computer-assisted tools for reading development in primary education, normative lexical ratings, and the emergence of gender-neutral pronouns in Swedish. His work bridges theoretical linguistics with practical applications in education and language policy. Principal Investigator, Consequential misconceptions about local and global Linguistic Realities (2020–2025) He has published extensively in Nordic linguistic journals and conference proceedings, with a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research connecting language, cognition, and society. His role as a lecturer and researcher underscores his commitment to both academic inquiry and public engagement in language sciences.
Eeva-Liisa Eskola is a Project Researcher at the School of Business and Economics , part of Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics and Law. Her work focuses on library science, refugee integration, and information behavior, often intersecting urban policy and socio-cultural barriers. Refugee Integration Information Science Public Libraries Language Minorities Her research examines how public libraries evolve as cultural projects, as seen in comparative studies of Oslo and Helsinki, and explores sustainable refugee entrepreneurship through social innovation in Jordan. She has contributed to debates on official misinformation and its implications for information verification. Recent publications highlight trends in library modernization and cross-boundary collaboration. She presented her work at conferences in 2024, 2023, and 2022, including studies on Helsinki City Library Oodi and media narratives around central libraries. Affiliation: Åbo Akademi University, School of Business and Economics.
Camilla Forsberg is a Researcher at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Åbo Akademi University . Her work focuses on improving access to educational resources, particularly for children and young people in Swedish-Finland, with a strong emphasis on language education, career guidance, and teacher competence development. Her research spans three key areas: Lifelong learning initiatives Swedish language pedagogy Leadership in early childhood education In 2020, she contributed to three publications centered on experimental educational models, course design, and co-creation methodologies. These works highlight her commitment to innovative teaching strategies and collaborative learning processes. She actively collaborates with institutions such as the Swedish Cultural Foundation and the National Board of Education, leading projects like Efforts to increase access to word arts activities (2024–2025) and Future early childhood education leadership (2021–2024).
Ludvig Forsman is a researcher in the Department of Swedish Language within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Åbo Akademi University, focusing on endangered Swedish dialects and language shift phenomena. His research interests center on Swedish dialectology with specialization in the Ukrainian Swedish Old Swedish village dialect, language shift dynamics in Gammalsvenskby, Ukraine, and sociolinguistic analysis of endangered language varieties. His work employs nexus analysis to examine sociocultural transformations in traditionally Swedish-speaking communities. Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on Dialect preservation in diaspora communities Language death mechanisms Impact of Ukrainian language dominance Individual variation in heritage language speakers Modern technological influences on language use His editorial and organizational activities demonstrate active engagement with Nordic academic communities through the Association for Nordic Philology and editorial boards. Forsman serves as editor for academic publications and participates in conference organization, including roles on program committees for events like 'Publishing in Nordic Studies' (2019) and 'From hall and chair to screen and sofa' (2020). His scholarly network includes collaborations with Haapamäki and Hulden on Swedish dialect documentation.
Elina Kilpi-Jakonen is a Professor of Sociology at the Inequalities, Interventions and New Welfare State (INVEST) Research Flagship, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a strong focus on social inequality in education and the labor market. Her work emphasizes quantitative methods and issues related to ethnicity, migration, gender, and social origin. Her research interests center on social inequality , particularly in education and intergenerational mobility. She investigates how ethnicity, migration background, gender, and family context shape life-course outcomes. Her methodological expertise includes advanced quantitative analysis and the use of register data . She has led and contributed to major international research projects such as DIAL, Children First, and MapIneq, funded by bodies like the Research Council of Finland, NordForsk, and Horizon Europe. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing educational disparities, youth well-being, and social mobility using longitudinal and cross-national data. Her work spans disciplines including sociology, education, and public policy, with a consistent focus on equity and inclusion. Topics include pandemic impacts on education, parental involvement, track placement, ethnic differences in life transitions, and childbearing under varying welfare regimes. Scientific Awards: Academy Research Fellow (Research Council of Finland, 2018–2024) Elina Kilpi-Jakonen has supervised and co-supervised Master's and doctoral students through the INVEST program. She has led and participated in numerous research grants, including as Principal Investigator (PI) for the 'Children of Immigrants, Language and Integration in Europe' project and the 'Contexts of Youths' Inclusion' project. She currently co-leads work packages in the NordForsk-funded Children First and Horizon Europe's MapIneq projects. She is a key member of the INVEST Research Flagship, a multidisciplinary research environment focused on inequalities and welfare. She contributes to research seminars, teaching, and internship coordination within this team, collaborating with scholars such as Jani Erola, Claire Garandeau, and Kirsi Peltonen.
Johanna Komppa is a Senior University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki's Department of Finnish, Finno-Ugrian and Scandinavian Studies within the Finnish Language Teachers' Academy. She holds a Docent title and supervises the Doctoral Programme in Language Studies. Her primary roles include academic leadership, research supervision, and curriculum development in language education. Komppa has a Ph.D. in Finnish Language from the University of Helsinki (2002) and pedagogical training in teacher education (2002). Research Interests : Komppa focuses on Second Language Acquisition (L2A), particularly Finnish for professional purposes and multilingual workplace environments. Her work explores language policy implementation, intercultural communication in healthcare settings, and digital tools for language learning. Key themes include immigrant integration, organizational language awareness, and the role of technology in professional language development. Recent Projects : She leads initiatives such as 'Language learning at work' (2022–2027) and 'Entering working life' (2024–2028), funded by the Academy of Finland. These projects investigate language support systems for culturally diverse professionals and longitudinal studies of immigrant expertise integration. She also co-manages the 'Language Boost' project (2021–2024), developing multilingual education frameworks. Recognition : Komppa was elected a member of the Teachers' Academy (2022) and received the 2013 August Ahlqvist Thesis Award. Her 2025 work on recruitment language strategies earned a Jury’s Special Mention. She actively contributes to academic discourse through over 65 peer-reviewed publications and 131 professional activities, including media appearances on immigration language policies and organizational language practices. Advisory & Grants : As a pre-examiner of doctoral theses and research project leader, Komppa has secured €2.1M in funding over 15+ projects. Her work bridges academia and industry, collaborating with hospitals, educational institutions, and governmental bodies to improve language-sensitive workplace environments. Labs/Teams : Leads the Professional Language Learning Lab, focusing on action research in healthcare and corporate settings. Collaborates with the Multilingual Workforce Research Group to develop innovative language support models for global professionals.
Reetta Toivanen is a Professor of Sustainability Science with a focus on indigenous sustainabilities at the University of Helsinki. She holds positions at Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity and the European Narratives, and the Department of Cultures. Her roles include Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence and supervisor for multiple doctoral programs across gender studies, law, education, and social sciences. Her research spans anthropology of law, Arctic studies, human rights, and critical narratives on Europe. Key interests include indigenous rights, sustainability transitions, and anti-discrimination frameworks. She has authored over 140 publications and led projects like ALL-YOUTH and Sustainable Development Goals in the Arctic. Dr. Toivanen has received awards including the Article of the year 2023 and the Tuhat Prize. She actively engages in policy advocacy, international committees (e.g., European Commission against Racism and Intolerance), and public lectures on topics like racial profiling and AI ethics. Her work emphasizes just sustainability transitions and inclusive societal transformation. She supervises numerous PhD candidates and collaborates internationally, focusing on Arctic communities and global sustainability challenges. Her research bridges theory and practice, addressing equity in environmental policy and human rights education.
Markus Makkonen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Information and Knowledge Management, Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University. His research focuses on technology acceptance, consumer behavior in digital environments, and organizational impacts of automation. He investigates topics like QR code implementation in retail, chatbot effectiveness in education, and fitness technology adoption among older adults. His work bridges information systems with healthcare, marketing, and organizational psychology. Key research themes include: Generational differences in technology use AI-driven customer experience optimization Employee adaptation to workplace robots Digital wellness interventions for aging populations Technostress management strategies Dr. Makkonen's recent articles analyze showrooming behavior in omnichannel retailing, motivational feedback in fitness apps, and the emotional dynamics of online shopping experiences. His work often combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights from longitudinal studies and case investigations. He collaborates extensively on EU-funded projects addressing digital transformation in healthcare and education sectors. His research has been published in leading journals such as International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services . He serves as reviewer for multiple conferences including BLED and AMCIS.
Riikka Korja is a Professor of Developmental Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Turku, Finland. She leads the Child Development and Parenting sub-study in the FinnBrain project and serves as group leader for the Centre of Excellence in Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (InterLearn). Additionally, she is a senior investigator in the ePIPARI project focused on digital developmental monitoring of preterm infants at TYKS. Her roles include team leadership in clinical education and responsibility for professional training programs in child and youth psychology. Research Interests: Her work investigates protective and vulnerable factors in child development, with a focus on self-regulation, maternal mental health, parenting quality, and prenatal influences. She explores cognitive and socio-emotional pathways linked to learning difficulties and mental health, particularly in high-risk populations such as preterm infants. Her research integrates longitudinal cohort data, neurodevelopmental assessment, and family-level interventions. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2024–2025) highlight her focus on maternal emotional availability, sensory unpredictability, maternal mental health (depression, anxiety, alexithymia), and their impact on infant and child socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes. These studies often use data from the FinnBrain birth cohort and employ both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Scientific Contributions: Though no formal awards are listed, her leadership in major national and international research consortia underscores her academic impact. Principal Investigator – Child Development and Parenting, FinnBrain Group Leader – CoE InterLearn Senior Investigator – ePIPARI Team Leader – Clinical Education, Department of Psychology Responsible Professor – PSYKONET Training Program Laboratories and Teams: She is embedded in the developmental psychology research group at the University of Turku, collaborating closely with FinnBrain, InterLearn, and clinical teams at Turku University Hospital (TYKS). Her work involves interdisciplinary teams in psychology, neuroscience, pediatrics, and public health.
Leo Leppänen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki's Department of Computer Science, currently working at the MOOC Center. His research spans automated natural language generation, educational data mining, learning analytics, and computer science education. PhD in Computer Science (2023) MSc in Computer Science (2017) BA in Language Technology (2015) His work investigates AI-generated content applications, particularly LLMs' impact on education and journalism. Recent projects include analyzing student confidence gaps, studying AI ethics in MOOCs, and developing cross-lingual embeddings for news media. Research trends show increasing focus on Large Language Models (LLMs), with studies comparing pre- and post-LLM student responses, analyzing LLM integration in classrooms, and exploring AI's role in journalism. His publications span conferences like AIED, ITiCSE, and Koli Calling. Pro Gradu Award for Exceptional Master's Thesis (2017) Researcher of the Year Award (2018) Active in academic service, Leppänen serves as Programme Committee Member for ACM conferences and peer-reviewer for Journalism Practice journal. His projects include RAPHAEL (Planetary Health Education) and Generative AI in Journalism (2025-2028).
Kristina Ström is a University Researcher at the Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. Her work focuses on special education, inclusive practices, and educational support in rural and vocational contexts across Nordic countries. She actively collaborates on international research projects and serves on doctoral examination committees. Her research centers on special education, inclusive education, co-teaching dynamics, rural schooling challenges, and vocational didactics. She employs qualitative methodologies including discourse analysis and semi-structured interviews to examine special educators' experiences, policy implementation gaps, and support systems for students with special needs. Her work emphasizes practical applications in Nordic educational settings with particular attention to Finnish and Swedish contexts. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on rural special education consultation models, cross-national comparisons of special education professions, and co-teaching implementation challenges. Her research demonstrates strong methodological coherence through discourse analytics and qualitative examination of educator perspectives, highlighting systemic barriers in inclusive education while proposing context-specific solutions for rural and vocational settings. Scientific awards: None mentioned in available documentation. Ström serves as Co-Principal Investigator for the SIGHT project (2021-2024) funded by The Higher Education Foundation of Ostrobothnia and Swedish Cultural Foundation. She has supervised doctoral candidates as committee member for PhD defenses (2022, 2025), served as Routledge editor (2020-2021), and evaluated educational sciences programs. Her academic service includes invited presentations on special education research and sloyd education at Åbo Akademi.
Juha Eskelinen serves as a University Lecturer in English Translation and Interpreting at the University of Helsinki's Department of Languages since 2009, previously holding a lecturer position from 2006-2009. He is a member of the Bachelor of Languages program management team (2016-present) and serves as liaison for the Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters at the university. His research focuses on translation pedagogy, with particular expertise in ICT integration in translation education, LSP teaching methodologies, and professional competence development. Eskelinen has pioneered cross-disciplinary collaborative teaching approaches in specialized translation and led initiatives for the European Master's in Translation network. His publication trends reveal consistent contributions to translator training literature since 2008, with increasing emphasis on digital competencies and assessment frameworks in translation education. Recent works demonstrate growing interdisciplinary connections between translation studies and information science. Department of Modern Languages Incentive Award (2015) Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters Silver Merit Badge (2021) Eskelinen has led significant teaching development projects including 'Translation Studies and Terminology (TraST)' and 'Kääntämisen ja tulkkauksen maisteriohjelman digiloikka' (Master's Program Digital Leap), focusing on curriculum innovation and technology integration. His grant activities demonstrate strong collaboration with European translation networks and industry stakeholders.
Lauri Lovén is a tenure-tracked Assistant Professor at the University of Oulu's Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. As vice-director of the Center for Ubiquitous Computing (UBICOMP) and leader of the Future Computing Group (20+ researchers), he coordinates the Distributed Intelligence strategic research area within Finland's 6G Flagship program. Education: D.Sc.(Tech.) 2021, Docent (Edge Intelligence) 2025, University of Oulu Prior Affiliations: TU Wien (2022), ETH Zürich (2023) Research Focus: Specializing in edge intelligence and distributed AI, his work explores cognitive computing continuums across 6G networks, IoT systems, and industrial metaverse applications. Recent Trends: Recent publications reveal two key directions: 1) AI optimization for 6G wireless networks (handover management, semantic slicing), and 2) intelligent data management frameworks (data fabric, message brokers) for distributed systems. Industry Experience: Combines 20 years of software industry expertise with academic research, having served as founder, CTO, and advisor in AI startups.
Johanna Viimaranta is a Professor of Russian Language and Literature at the University of Helsinki's Department of Languages, Faculty of Arts. She serves as Supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Language Studies and is affiliated with the Helsinki Inequality Initiative (INEQ). Additionally, she holds a Docentship at the University of Turku since 2013. Her scholarly work spans Russian linguistics, language policy, and multilingualism, with particular attention to Ukrainian language contexts and language acquisition methodologies. Viimaranta's research interests focus on Russian language phenomena, language policy in post-Soviet contexts, and multilingual education practices. Her recent work examines language legislation in Ukraine, Russian onomatopoeic expressions, and innovative methods for measuring language learning processes through eye-tracking technology. She investigates how geopolitical events influence language learning motivation, particularly regarding Ukrainian language studies in Finland following the Russian invasion. Her publication trends reveal consistent scholarly output across multiple formats including journal articles, book chapters, and conference contributions. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining linguistic analysis with sociopolitical contexts, particularly regarding language and nationalism. Her work increasingly incorporates technological methodologies like eye-tracking for analyzing language acquisition processes. As an active research leader, Viimaranta manages multiple significant projects including Nordplus - SwiSca Youth (2025-2026), Kone Foundation's 'How indigenous languages change' (2024-2027), and the SARAVE language education development project (2025-2028). She has secured funding from diverse sources including the Kone Foundation, Ministry funding, and international research councils. Viimaranta maintains an extensive record of academic service including peer review for journals such as Sananjalka, Lingua, and Acta Psychologica. She participates in high-profile academic and diplomatic events, including the March 2025 meeting with Presidents Zelenskyy and Stubb. Her commitment to public scholarship is evident through numerous media appearances discussing Ukrainian language learning in Finland and language policy issues.
