Associate Professor Henna Syrjälä awarded the University of Vaasa Science Communication Award

The University of Vaasa Science Communication Award was given to Associate Professor Henna Syrjälä in recognition of her contribution to the popularisation and communication of science and for her role in fostering dialogue in society.

Syrjälä is an Associate Professor of Marketing, specialising in consumer behaviour. She is also the head of the Marketing and Consumer Research group at the University of Vaasa. Her research interests focus on pet-related consumption, which was the topic of her doctoral dissertation, as well as sustainable consumption. Additionally, she has studied housing, food consumption, gaming and gamification, and consumption in low-income settings.

According to the award committee, Syrjälä has demonstrated persistent dedication to exemplary science communication and has actively contributed to public debate on her research topics.

She has been interviewed on television, radio, and in various newspapers and magazines. She has also popularised science by writing blog posts, appearing as a guest on several podcasts, and speaking at science and other public events as well as public lectures. In addition, she has communicated about her research actively, innovatively, and memorably through various social media platforms.

– Science communication is an important part of a researcher's work. It is motivating to be able to explain my research in an understandable way. Of course, it requires commitment to answer journalists’ questions, often at short notice. Many interview requests I receive are related to pet-related consumption, says Syrjälä.

She finds that the most rewarding moments in science communication occur when she establishes a strong connection with a journalist and sees that they genuinely understand what she is trying to say. Syrjälä also praises journalists for their careful preparation before interviews.

When asked which interview or article has particularly stood out to her, she mentions an interview with Helsingin Sanomat about adult advent calendars. In this interview, she was able to explain the complex contradictions between unnecessary consumption and responsible consumption clearly and accessibly. She highlighted how the meanings attached to a single object of consumption are shaped globally and sometimes over a long period of time.

– I would like to thank my co-authors, as research is never conducted alone, as well as everyone who has participated in our communication efforts. I am also delighted by the active and energetic science communication efforts of our research group.

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Professor Ari Salminen: A trusted media expert on corruption

Honorary Mention recipient Professor Emeritus of Public Management Ari Salminen, is widely known for his research on corruption and ethics in public governance. For many years, he has been a trusted expert on these topics in Finnish media. Salminen is an excellent example of how an emeritus professor can actively engage in science communication and share their expertise with a wider audience.

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Salminen gives three key tips for early-career researchers interested in science communication.

The first tip is to conduct interesting research on societally relevant topics and actively communicate its findings once the research is complete. The second tip is to support journalists by providing background information, even when they are not conducting a formal interview.

The third tip is that media visibility helps bring socially significant issues into the wider public debate. It increases awareness of the researcher and their work and can lead to invitations to conferences and seminars, benefiting one’s academic career.

– Be bold and open. Don’t hesitate to express your views strongly – as long as they are based on research, encourages Salminen.

International science communication on efficient and flexible combustion engine solutions

Professor of Energy Technology Maciej Mikulski received an Honorary Mention for his exemplary international science communication. Mikulski has explained the findings of various research projects in an accessible way through media interviews and press releases, many of which have gained significant visibility.

Recently, international media have shown particular interest in the iHAPC project he leads, which pilots the use of a hydrogen-argon cycle in energy production, as well as the large-scale Flex-CPT project, which is paving the way for zero-emission maritime transport and off-road vehicle solutions.

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