Text: Anna Humalamäki
Photos: Ville Rinne

How do we develop tools for businesses to navigate the sustainability transition? How do we make research knowledge on Arctic regions more pronounced in public debate? These are among the objectives that Soili Nystén-Haarala is set to promote as the vice-rector for research at the University of Lapland. She considers it important that science is channelled to benefit the entire society.

"We should think of a strategy for inspiring business to closer collaboration with us. We would have a lot to give to each other," Nystén-Haarala notes.

The new vice-rector for research shares a long history with our university: She entered the community to work on her dissertation in 1989. Later on, she was brought back to the North by a professorship in commercial law, through which she also ended up as the dean of the Faculty of Law.

In the administrative duties, she versed herself in the operations of the entire university, finding motivation in working on such a large scale. The final push toward vice-rectorship was given by the application announcement, where the development of societal relations was stated as one of the objectives.

"I've always been excited about new challenges," Nystén-Haarala sums up.

Increasing the influence of our research in Finland and elsewhere

According to Nystén-Haarala, collaboration between researchers and businesses is necessary in the green transition and in the Arctic regions, among other things. While the northern region attracts a great deal of interest, local residents are not always heard in the related discussions. Indeed, the vice-rector thinks that the university can help in bringing knowledge on the region to the fore.

"We have conducted a great deal of research on the Arctic at our university. It simply has to be made more widely known."

The disciplinary spectrum of the university from law through arts and education to social sciences opens up many possibilities for collaboration with the world around us. For example, businesses will benefit from research knowledge when they intend to invest in Lapland.

"A business that arrives in Lapland also needs to know about potential obstacles to making investments here."

Committing scientific talent to Lapland is important

Nystén-Haarala also thinks that the scientific community of Lapland can contribute to solving global problems. Questions concerning indigenous peoples are similar everywhere, which means that our research can be utilised globally, so long as differences between societies are recognised. Arctic research, for its part, can also be of use in the southern hemisphere that is facing similar challenges in sparsely populated areas.

Thus, the vice-rector wants to promote the internationalisation of our university. This translates into participation in global projects and ambitious efforts to raise the level of science. Good networks already exist, of which the University of the Arctic and the Arctic Five serve as examples.

"We should develop them and make a profound internationalisation strategy."

According to the vice-rector, the University of Lapland is extremely important for northern Finland. The problem in the next few years will be competition for talented people. We need to commit our researchers to the university, and solutions to this challenge should be sought through personnel policy as well.

Working together is key to success

Besides businesses, Nystén-Haarala wants to enhance our connections with other regional actors as well. For instance, it would be beneficial to step up our collaboration with the City of Rovaniemi and other northern universities.

"A bigger crew can accomplish more."

As for her term as vice-rector, she is especially anxious to inspire the members of the university community to broaden collaboration among themselves. She rejoices in an opportunity to serve a community that is so close to her heart.

"I wish to approach all our personnel and students by encouraging you to contact me if you have suggestions or need help in the internationalisation of research or in quality improvement. We may be small, but let's not forget: Great oaks from little acorns grow!"

Soili Nystén-Haarala

• Born 1958 in Lohja, Finland
• Doctor of Law and Master of Economic Sciences
• Worked previously at the University of Eastern Finland as Professor of Civil Law and at the University of Lapland as Professor of Commercial Law and as Dean of the Faculty of Law
• Studied proactive contracting in business and corporate responsibility. Has also lived in Austria and Sweden during her career
• Goes in for jogging, skiing, and dancing. Enjoys classical music concerts, blues and jazz gigs, and art exhibitions