The Faculty of Arts' first award for societal interaction was granted to Professor Camilla Lindholm (Nordic languages) and Associate Professor Johanna Isosävi (French Language and Culture) for their outstanding and versatile societal interaction, influence, and publication.
The award is presented by the Dean on the recommendation of the Vice Dean for Societal Interaction and the YVV Committee. The prize amount is 1000 euros and is to be used for costs related to societal interaction or related teaching and research.
Camilla Lindholm and Johanna Isosävi have made an impact both together and individually. They are prominent practitioners of research and promoters of the dissemination of research information. In 2021, Lindholm and Isosävi published the work Väitöksen jälkeen (After the Dissertation), which also included a podcast of the same name. Last year, they released a guide for collaborative writing.
Camilla Lindholm has conducted research on interaction and has specialized in linguistic issues of vulnerable groups, as well as disseminating linguistic knowledge to interdisciplinary contexts and the general public. Lindholm has researched interaction among dementia patients, and her book on the interaction of dementia patients has been used as teaching material in both Finland and Sweden. Lindholm has also explored the possibilities of easy language in relation to the highly endangered Finland-Swedish sign language.
Camilla Lindholm has served as the editor for the first Finnish-language collection of articles on interaction and the linguistic needs of vulnerable groups, addressing a broad, interdisciplinary need for information, much like many of her publications that encompass scientific publishing, professional publications, and popular science.
Johanna Isosävi's research on the differences and similarities between French and Finnish politeness also interests a broader audience, and she has been a sought-after speaker on the subject. She has also published several popular science articles and has been interviewed by various media outlets. Her research in Finnish, How to Study Politeness? Perceptions of Finnish and French Politeness," is an example of how a research publication can simultaneously be of interest to a wider readership. Isosävi also produces the podcast series Ranskaa raakana, which offers an informative coverage of the French language and culture for a Finnish audience.
Camilla Lindholm and Johanna Isosävi exemplify how diverse academic expertise can be. Both have an excellent way of making their field of study interesting for new applicants and young researchers.