Docent Johanna Ikävalko started as Director of the Arctic Centre at the beginning of February. What are her first impressions of the new job and her goals as a director?

Ikävalko is a polar biologist who has held leading
positions in the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Ministry of Transport and
Communications and the Academy of Finland. In recent years, she has worked alongside
the Finnish Meteorological Institute as a consultant for the Arctic Monitoring
Assessment Program Secretariat in the Arctic Council.

Why did you apply for the position of Director of the Arctic Centre?

– I feel strongly that I am an Arctic expert. My expertise
is extensive rather than deep, and I have strong networks in almost all research
areas of the Arctic Centre. In the national administration, I have been involved in
every sphere connected with Arctic matters. In the Arctic Centre, I will be able to
use my expertise and networks and bring benefits to the entire field of Arctic
activities.

At the time of the interview, Ikävalko
had completed her first week as the director. She had met members of the research
groups, administrative staff and employees of the Science Centre and Science
Communications.

What is your first impression of the
Arctic Centre?

– I have encountered diversity,
dynamism and warmth, a sense of community. The things people are working on here in
the Arctic Centre are diverse, and the work community is international and
colourful. The field of expertise is very broad.

What are your goals as the director?

– I
want to raise the external profile of the Arctic Centre. We are the hub of Arctic
expertise and information regarding sustainable development, health, and prosperity
in the Arctic region, but we are not yet sufficiently well organised as one.

The new director Ikävalko is only starting to explore
concrete measures. However, she has an idea of creating a Database of Arctic
Experts. It would help show Arctic Centre as a repository of knowledge and
demonstrate the researchers’ expertise to different target groups.

– Research in the Arctic Centre is truly diverse, but at the
moment we do not have any distinct crown jewels – on the outside, the centre may
seem somewhat dull. We need to refine the existing knowledge for different purposes,
and for that we need experts in science communication and we also need to train the
researchers.

What is the meaning of Arctic for the
new director of the Arctic Centre?

– The Arctic
means not only uniqueness but also being at the centre. The Arctic region is not
geographically central, but it is crucial on a global scale as it regulates global
climate change processes. The uniqueness is related to people and nature and also to
these processes. It is an honour to work for the Arctic region.

Ikävalko’s new and still quite empty office is located in Arctic
Centre premises in the Arktikum building near Rovaniemi city centre. Are we now in
the Arctic region?

– Yes, we are. In Rovaniemi, the
Arctic has a strong impact on everything that takes place: everyday life, economy,
traffic, the state of mind. Here, the Arctic is a natural part of everything, not
just a tourist attraction.

Ikävalko will move to
Rovaniemi during the spring. Her mother lives in Kerava and her son in Lahti, so the
road will still lead to Southern Finland, but Rovaniemi will be home.

– In the job interview, I already said that I would not become a
commuting director. The director must be present and committed to the work
community.

Text: Marjo Laukkanen
Photo:
Santeri Happonen
Translation: Maija Myllylä