Ecosystems and Environment

The multidisciplinary Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme (ECOENV) investigates the interactions between ecosystems and people in diverse contexts. The motivation for our research stems from the unprecedented environmental change taking place as a result of human activities. Our researchers propose solutions to today's sustainability challenges through fundamental and applied research regarding issues such as climate change and biodiversity in support of environmental and human well-being.
Strengths

ECOENV's strength lies in the curiosity-driven sciences that address fundamental research questions concerning ecosystems and societies. We also excel in interdisciplinary environmental and social sciences that address questions related to the complex interactions within and between social and environmental systems and engage in co-design sustainability solutions through knowledge co-creation, adaptive and transformative action, and social learning.  

Research Pillars

While ECOENV research spans diverse perspectives and critical topics, its strengths and expertise are applied largely to three spatial and systemic research pillars: the Changing Arctic, Changing Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, and Transforming Urban Spaces. 

Get to know our researchers
Research stations

State-of-the-art biological research stations at Tvärminne, Lammi, and Kilpisjärvi serve as key locations for ECOENV's empirical research. These stations strengthen our research programme, providing field sites that enable long-time series of observations and laboratory facilities that serve as incubators for not only career researchers but also for degree students and doctoral researchers.

Cooperation

ECOENV has wide-spanning links and collaboration with profile-building programmes at the University of Helsinki, research networks and institutions, along with regional and local environmental authorities and international organizations and networks. Our collaboration networks also create the basis for diverse and far-reaching societal impact, which includes knowledge sharing with relevant decision-makers.

Education

The ECOENV researchers contribute to the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. The interdisciplinary Bachelor Programme in Environmental Sciences and the Master’s Programme on Environmental Change and Global Sustainability are among the most popular at the University of Helsinki. Our research-based teaching covers understanding ecological processes through field and laboratory courses along with social science courses that connect with the needs of stakeholders in relation to pressing sustainability challenges. 

Our graduates and their methodological skills match the needs of potential employers, such as research institutions and public and private sectors, and prepare them for diverse specialist roles relating to changing environments and sustainability. 

ECOENV Directors and contact details

Director Sirkku Juhola and Deputy Director Jussi Eronen