The University of Helsinki is well-represented at the SuomiAreena event, running from 23 to 26 June 2026. Think Corner will take part for the first time with its own programme, and the University will also be among the organisers of SuomiAreena's Food Day.
The University of Helsinki's Think Corner is participating in SuomiAreena for the first time with its own programme. (in Finnish), offering the perfect chance to follow Ville Blåfield's expert interviews over a morning coffee. Wednesday will focus on the treatment of obesity and overlooked medical conditions in women, with Thursday reserved for examining the global political situation.
The expert interviews will feature Research Director Elisabeth Widén and Professor of Clinical Metabolism Kirsi Pietiläinen as well as Professor of Political History Juhana Aunesluoma and Postdoctoral Researcher in Social and Cultural Anthropology Annastiina Kallius of the University of Helsinki.
How to make Finnish food a source of national pride
The University of Helsinki will join a notable group of partners in organising (in Finnish) on Wednesday, 24 June, from 10.00 to 14.00. The discussion will explore how Finnish food, including its production and food culture, can be turned into a stronger growth story, export product and source of national pride.
Join us to hear from University of Helsinki researchers and professors
Details will be updated as the SuomiAreena programme is confirmed.
Tuesday, 23 June
University Researcher Jelena Meinilä discussing Ruokaturvattomuus Suomessa - onko kaikilla mahdollisuus terveyttä edistävään ruokaan? ('Food insecurity in Finland - is healthy food accessible to all?') From 11.00-11.45 on the stage outside Pori City Hall
Academy Professor Minna Palmroth discussing Polku uusista ideoista kestävään kasvuun: miten satsaukset tutkimukseen ja kehitykseen muuntuvat hyödyksi Suomelle? ('From new ideas to sustainable growth: how research and development investment benefits Finland'). From 13.00 to 13.45 on the stage outside Pori City Hall
Professor Roope Uusitalo discussing Miljardi säästöön ilman leikkauksia - miksi se ei kiinnosta päättäjiä? ('Saving a billion euros without cuts - so why aren't decision-makers interested?') From 14.00 to 14.45 on the Puuvilla stage
Professor and brain researcher Minna Huotilainen discussing Musiikkikasvatus luottamuksen rakentajana suomalaisessa yhteiskunnassa ('The role of music education in building trust in Finnish society'). From 15.00 to 15.45 on the Puuvilla stage
Wednesday, 24 June
Morning conversation on research: Research Director Elisabeth Widén and Professor of Clinical Metabolism Kirsi Pietiläinen discussing the changing landscape of obesity treatment and overlooked conditions in women.
From 8.45 to 9.45 on the Paviljonki stage
SuomiAreena Food Day from 10.00 to 14.00. Full details to follow as the programme is confirmed.
Thursday, 25 June
Morning conversation on research: Professor of Political History Juhana Aunesluoma and Postdoctoral Researcher in Social and Cultural Anthropology Annastiina Kallius discussing the fight for the world's direction.
From 8.45 to 9.45 on the Paviljonki stage
Professor of Political History Juhana Aunesluoma on Onko epäily uusi normaali? Miten media, politiikka ja ihmismieli muokkaavat käsityksiämme maailmasta ('Is suspicion the new normal? How the media, politics and the human mind shape our understanding of the world'). From 12.00 to 12.45 on the Puuvilla stage
Docent in Adolescent Medicine Silja Kosola discussing Tehdään sotea tarpeettomaksi ('Making health and social services redundant'). From 12.45 to 13.30 on the Rantalava stage
University Lecturer and AIdemoc consortium leader Anna-Mari Wallenberg discussing Tekoäly ja eduskuntavaalit 2027: mihin menet, Suomi? ('AI and the 2027 parliamentary election: which way, Finland?') From 17.00 to 17.45 on the Kirkkolava stage
Friday, 26 June
Researcher Janne Nikkinen discussing Kuka kantaa vastuun, kun rahapelimarkkina avautuu? ('Who takes responsibility in a deregulated gambling market?') From 14.00 to 14.45 on the Kirkkolava stage
Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Timo Airaksinen discussing Luottamus: Vaara vai turva? ('Trust: a risk or a safeguard?') From 15.00 to 15.45 on the Sata Shipbuilding stage
