Who are you?
My name is Paula Rautoja and I started at CEACG in April. Before that, I worked in substance abuse treatment, most recently as head of rehabilitative housing services. Actually, this year marks my 20th anniversary working in the addiction field!
How did you end up at CEACG?
I completed my Master’s degree last year and begun to look for a career shift towards research. I happened to put my aspirations into words at the right time and place, which led to a tip about a job opening in CEACG. My advice to anyone hoping to change jobs is to speak your mind – but be careful what you wish for, as your plans may very well come true! I have to say I’m happy with this career change, as the addiction and control phenomena remain familiar, but from a different perspective. I hope to make use of my practical experience in academic work as well.
What is your current research about?
I’m currently working in a research project called CIPPAL (Compared International Public Policies for Alcohol Control) with Virve Marionneau. We are looking into 16 to 19-year-olds’ exposure to alcohol marketing as well as their drinking habits and attitudes towards alcohol control. In addition to Finland, the study is simultaneously conducted in five other European countries: France, Lithuania, Ireland, Switzerland, and Italy.
Why do you think it is important to examine this topic?
Limiting exposure is a key measure to reduce alcohol-related harm. Although our current legislation aims to protect minors from exposure to alcohol marketing, teenagers come across a multitude of alcohol-related content – especially on social media platforms. We need to find out what kind of restrictive measures work so that policy makers can make informed decisions regarding future legislation.
If you could switch places with your CEACG colleague for one day, who would you choose and why?
I would like to switch places with Sara Havuaho, as I admire her methodological skills in quantitative research. There is so much that I could learn from a day in Sara’s place!