International personnel in Finland - challenges and perspectives

Career opportunities for international talent is currently a topic of rigorous public debate, with questions surrounding whether people with an international background can or want to stay in Finland long-term. With the ageing population and decreasing number of people actively employed, economic growth in Finland is based on increasing productivity. In practice, this means new technologies, new ideas, innovations, and education. Finland's future depends on research, education, innovation – and integrating international talent. 

The driving force behind Aalto has always been about diverse people coming together, an empowered community that shines by working together towards a sustainable future. We would like to invite you to discuss how we can together create a safe and welcoming environment within universities and in Finland. 

Aalto University, together with the Council of Finnish Academies, is organising an event titled International faculty in Finland – challenges and perspectives. 

Programme

Opening 
Kristiina Mäkelä, Provost, Aalto University  

Experiences from international community – Interview of international faculty 
Interviewer: Emilia Palonen, Research Programme Director in Datafication / Associate Professor in Political Science, University of Helsinki
Interviewees: Ali Tehrani, Associate Professor, Textile Chemistry & Julia Valle Noronha, Assistant Professor,Fashion Design, Aalto University

Towards a safe and welcoming Finland – Panel discussion
Panel host: Marius Anger, Chair of Aalto Doctoral Researchers
Migri perspective – Elina Nurmi, Director of Reception Unit, Migri 
City perspective - Takura Matswetu, Head of International Talent & Softlanding team, Migration Affairs Unit, Business Helsinki and doctoral student at Aalto School of Science 
University perspective –  Tiia Tuomi, HR Director, Helsinki University

Closing and Finnish Science Academies' Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award – Call for nomination*
Liisa Laakso, Professor, Chair of the Human Rights Committee, Council of Finnish Academies

Get-together – networking opportunity over coffee and pulla

Place
Lumituuli, Dipoli
Otakaari 24, 02150, Espoo (Dipoli | Palvelukartta)

* Finnish Science Academies' Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award 2025  will be opened for applications at the event. The award can be granted for active efforts in promoting freedom of science, academic freedom or human rights of academics. Its purpose is to increase the visibility of human rights issues in the scientific world and to highlight actions for scientific freedom. In 2025, the award will be granted for the fourth time, and the award ceremony will be held in May.