The Rector of the University of Lapland has, following the proposal of the Arctic Centre board, appointed PhD Johanna Ikävalko as the Director of the Arctic Centre for the next five-year period, 2021-2025. She will start in her new position in February.

Doctor Ikävalko is an experienced actor in Arctic
research and science policy, and she has held notable leadership positions in these
fields. Currently, in the Finnish Meteorological Institute FMI, her tasks are
related to  climate information needs in the society and policy
recommendations for the Arctic Council AMAP working group. Previously, she
was  ministerial adviser at the Ministry of Transport and Communications,
head of marine research unit at FMI and head of environment at the Central Union of
Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) . She has also held several other
positions prior to these. Her scientific background is in polar
biology. 

– I accept with gratitude my new role as the
Director of the Arctic Centre. The institution is unique also on an international
scale and I am really honoured to be chosen as the director. I have much experience
in leadership and an extensive Arctic expertise and I am positive that these will
benefit the Arctic Centre and its partners. In my heart I have passion for science,
arts, and culture, and all these fields are in a unique way combined at the Arctic
Centre, says Ikävalko.

The Arctic Centre directors are appointed
for five-year periods. What is new compared to the previous practice is that no
research duties are included in the position. Professor Timo Koivurova, who served
as the director from 2015 to 2020 will continue as research professor.

Antti Syväjärvi, the Rector of the University of Lapland, warmly 
thanks for Koivurova for his work and accomplishments. 

̶  During his directorship, Koivurova succeeded excellently and
for his part,  he strengthened Arctic Centre’s key role in the heart of
Arctic activities and policy work. This was especially manifested when Finland was
the chair of the Arctic Council. The Arctic Centre now has a strong position both
nationally and internationally. Koivurova  will continue his research as
one of the leading experts in Arctic matters, says
Syväjärvi.  

Arctic Centre at the University of
Lapland is a multidisciplinary research institute with a strong focus on
popularizing Arctic science. It has a staff of about 60 persons and its activities
are very internationally oriented.

Additional
information: 
Rector Antti Syväjärvi
+358 400 606 244, antti.syvajarvi@ulapland.fi