The path to becoming Secretary General
While I was a student, an acquaintance suggested that I work as an event assistant at the Science Forum. At first, I was mainly looking for a way to earn some extra money during the winter break, but I loved the job. I got to listen to lectures from a wide range of disciplines from morning to evening for five days. We were genuinely welcomed as part of the team, and our observations were valued.
After graduating with a degree in cultural management, I submitted an open application for a communications internship at the Science Forum. I was selected to work on the organisation and communications of the 2015 event. During the internship, I also became familiar with TSV’s work and received just as warm a welcome as I had at the Science Forum.
After the internship, I continued at the Tiedekirja bookstore as a temporary marketing planner. It soon became clear that TSV’s communications team needed a permanent addition, and in February 2016 I began working as a permanent Event and Communications Coordinator. In this role, I was able to develop communications for the Science Forum, the Night of Science and TSV. Over the years, my role expanded, first to Lead Event Producer and later to Secretary General.
From studies to working life
I studied cultural management at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences from 2010 to 2014. At the time, science communication was only beginning to become established as a professional field. Of course, science has always been communicated, and museums and science centres, for example, have a long history of making science accessible to wider audiences. However, many ideas were still new to the field.
People were discussing how to increase interaction between researchers and the public, create more engaging experiences and make use of social media. I had already been doing all of these things in the cultural sector.
Developing events through collaboration
I am responsible for delivering, communicating and developing the Science Forum and the Night of Science. I serve as secretary to the Science Forum programme committee and work to develop programme planning so that as many people as possible can find something that appeals to them at the event. I also establish and maintain partnerships that support the organisation of the events.
The development work is the most rewarding part of my job. I am inspired by considering how we could do things better, which established practices are worth preserving and what should be renewed.
Supporting research-based knowledge and a sense of community
I believe it is important to deepen our understanding of the world around us and share research-based knowledge. I love bringing people together and enjoy the warm atmosphere often present at our events. Science events combine learning something new with a sense of community—two of the best things I know.
A work community that supports success
The Federation of Finnish Learned Societies is full of wonderful people, and it is a pleasure to work with them. My colleagues offer me support, new perspectives and an enormous amount of knowledge. Collaborating with people outside the organisation also brings fresh perspectives and welcome variety to my work.
Aiming to make a difference
I want to devote my career to worthwhile causes. I want to promote education and culture, democracy and ecological sustainability. I want to offer new insights to as wide a range of people as possible and foster a sense of community.
Part of a long tradition within the research community
I recently spoke with my colleague Taina Vuokko, Managing Editor of the magazine Tieteessä tapahtuu. Taina said that she likes coming to a workplace that people have considered worth coming to since the 19th century.
I also find it special to be part of this historical continuum. It feels good to see my own work as part of a long process of development that began well before my time and will hopefully continue long after me.