Professor Christopher Raymond Appointed New Director of HELSUS – Aiming to Build a World‑Leading Sustainability Science Network

Professor Christopher Raymond has been appointed as the new Director of Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science HELSUS, a cross-faculty research network in sustainability science within the University of Helsinki., starting on 1 January 2026. He brings to the role extensive research expertise, a strong international network, and long-standing experience in sustainability transformations and nature‑based solutions.

Researching the Diverse Values of Nature and Inclusive Planning

Raymond’s research focuses on conceptualising and assessing the diverse values of nature, and on developing new ways to plan and manage urban and regional areas that reflect multiple voices and community needs. His work has examined how nature‑based solutions—such as urban forests, green roofs and green walls—can support biodiversity conservation while enhancing human wellbeing.

In addition, he has developed governance processes that actively engage diverse groups in planning nature‑based solutions. His research highlights that sustainable transformations require inclusive decision‑making and meaningful participation.

A Vision for HELSUS: Strong Sustainability Through Collaboration

As Director of HELSUS, Raymond looks forward to working with the University of Helsinki’s 11 faculties and affiliated research units. His goal is to develop HELSUS into a globally recognised inter‑ and transdisciplinary sustainability science and teaching network committed to strong sustainability.

The university hosts numerous initiatives in sustainability research, education and societal outreach. Raymond sees HELSUS as a central hub that can bring these efforts together:

“HELSUS provides a platform through which sustainability initiatives across the university can be coherently developed and communicated to the world in ways that maximise scientific and societal impact.”

A Strong Foundation for Sustainability Work

According to Raymond, the University of Helsinki is an ideal environment for sustainability research and education due to its deep commitment to global responsibility and its support for interdisciplinary collaboration. He emphasises the university’s culture of cooperation, where early‑career and established researchers work alongside students, policymakers and business leaders to create real sustainability impacts. HELSUS plays a key role in highlighting these achievements and strengthening partnerships.

A Respected International Scholar with Practical Experience

Raymond serves as Professor of Sustainability Science in both the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. He leads the and is a prominent figure in international sustainability research. He has published over 170 international peer-reviewed journal articles, is Associate Editor of npj Urban Sustainability and serves on a number of evaluation panels linked to sustainability research globally, including the European Research Council. In 2019 and 2021, he received the Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher Award in recognition of multiple highly cited papers which rank in the top 1% by citations for their field. Between 2018 and 2022, he served as Coordinating Lead Author of Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Values Assessment. In 2012, he received the South Australian PhD Research Excellence Award in the Life and Environmental Sciences Stream, South Australian Government, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements.

He currently acts as Director of the MUST Strategic Research Council Project. His work has explored how diverse nature values can be identified, assessed and integrated into just sustainability transformations and nature‑based solutions planning.

Before entering academia and graduating with his PhD in 2012 at the University of South Australia, Raymond ran his own environmental consultancy and worked in environmental policy for the South Australian Government—experience that brings a practical, applied dimension to his leadership at HELSUS.