Sami Kurki is a Professor and Director at the Ruralia Institute in Seinäjoki and the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) at the University of Helsinki. He specializes in sustainability science, rural entrepreneurship, environmental policy, and conservation conflicts. His work bridges interdisciplinary research with practical applications in food systems, wildlife management, and innovation ecosystems. Research interests include: Sustainable food systems and organic farming Rural business development and entrepreneurship Wildlife-human interactions (e.g., moose, wolves, forest grouse) Consumer behavior and prosocial status signaling Policy frameworks for sustainable land use Stigma management in emerging industries Recent publications focus on interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., Ratkaisujen rajapinnoilla ), sustainable hunting tourism ( Sustainable Hunting Tourism ), and equitable transitions ( Oikeudenmukainen vihreä siirtymä ). His work emphasizes bridging academic knowledge with practical solutions for rural communities and policymakers. Awards : Artturi Leinonen Cultural Award (2011), Knight First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland (2019). Active in ministerially funded projects (e.g., Development of Local Food Use ), supervises doctoral programs in Environmental Sciences and Renewable Resources. Leads initiatives like the Innovative Strategies for Public Catering project across the Baltic Sea region. Lab/teams: HELSUS, Ruralia Institute, and collaborative networks in sustainable food systems and rural innovation.










