The new Director of the Aleksanteri Institute, Anna-Liisa Heusala is a scholar in the field of Russian and Eurasian studies with a degree in political science. Her research focuses on the relationship between governance, security, migration, and societal change, and she is the founder of the Aleksanteri Institute's
Thank you! I first came to the Aleksanteri Institute in 1998 as a doctoral researcher. Since then, I have worked at the Institute in various roles and collaborated with it even during the years when I was employed elsewhere. Before applying for the Director’s position, I reflected on the significant work that people at the Institute have done for research and teaching in Finland and internationally.
At this stage of my career, I wanted to contribute to strengthening the vitality of our organization. The times are challenging, but they also bring new opportunities. Since my background is in the study of administration and organisations, I am also interested in the administrative side of the Director’s work, and I believe this will benefit our community in the coming years.
Synergy between research, teaching, and societal engagement is important. The Institute has established itself as one of the most significant international actors in our field, producing high quality basic research and compelling teaching.
We have always been visible in the diverse public debate and active in various expert roles. Societal impact is part of the Institute’s core mission, and it is important to continue developing it. I would love to see even more of our researchers participate boldly in public discussion and make their expertise visible.
Through the research conducted within area studies, we also aim to contribute to the development of theories and methods in the social sciences and humanities. Continuous development also helps maintain our teaching engaging. My aim is to continue developing these goals. At the heart of our work should be passion for what we do, interest in each other’s work, and mutual support within the community.
The success of the Aleksanteri Institute is largely based on our researchers’ success in the highly competitive field of research funding. Between 2019 and 2024, we had 35 externally funded projects, including two ERC projects. We have expanded our research into new topics and actively developed our international networks. In December, we again received positive decisions in the Kone Foundation funding round. Additionally, two new internal research communities led by our researchers will begin their work. Alongside our earlier Russia-focused profile, research on Central Asia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe will become more equally represented. This change is above all a major opportunity for us.
Competition for external funding often also means shifting themes and personnel. At the same time, the intense global political situation increases performance pressures in the field, requiring strong professionalism and continuity of expertise. To ensure meaningful research on the development and wider impact of the countries we focus on, long-term stability of research must be secured. In the coming years, we must also prepare for a generational shift in our staff. We must pay attention to balancing our two disciplines—Russian and Eurasian Studies and Eastern European Studies—along with geographical expansion and the opportunities of comparative research. In the future, it’s worth increasing systematic collaboration in funding applications within the Institute, within the Faculty of Humanities and beyond with other faculties and universities.
The importance of our field has once again increased due to the global political situation. Europe is undergoing a tectonic shift: the expertise and insight of people in our field are needed to analyze developments, plan future actions, and anticipate what lies ahead. Researchers’ deep understanding of the phenomena in our field is also invaluable for politicians and stakeholders in the business world.
Researchers should therefore confidently value their role in the era of social media. A good researcher is an independent thinker whose ideas are based on evidence, who recognizes the limits of their own expertise, and who strives to promote critical and diverse public discussion. Good research training, continuous professional development, and healthy self‑criticism are key assets in challenging times.
Every research community and country has its own demand for research. However, I would say that internationally, the major themes in our field include the nature of war, the security and insecurity of societies, equality, ideologies and political agendas, the development of institutions, migration, global knowledge production, as well as climate change and environmental destruction — all of which are strongly reflected in the
In teaching, we operate in an international education market where we can stand out only through our own perspective and compelling content. Our
Our nation-wide
The activities and spirit of the Aleksanteri Institute are built by every member of our community and every student. Our visiting researchers have also been valuable to us over the years. Our cornerstones are low hierarchy, academic freedom of expression and legal protection, as well as appreciation for everyone’s work.
The pace of work and performance metrics in academic vocations have increased decade after decade, and students may see the future as uncertain and demands less predictable in today’s world. At the same time, however, our expertise, networks, and achievements have developed enormously. Our students are motivated and talented. By sharing knowledge, ideas, skills, and continue supporting each another, we will continue to do well.