HELICS had the chance to celebrate this December as Enrico Di Minin participated in the public inaugural lectures of University of Helsinki professors. Alongside 23 colleagues also taking up permanent professorships, Enrico delivered a publically-accessible lecture on his group's recent research focused on novel uses of digital data for conservation research. The lectures were followed by the Inaugural Ceremony that took place in the Great Hall of the university's Main Building, featuring remarks by Chancellor Kaarle Hämeri, music, and a festive reception.
Enrico is (as of Sep. 1, 2024) Professor of Conservation Geography (Suojelumaantiede, Naturskyddsgeografi). He enjoyed celebrating this milestone together with his colleagues, research group, and family. Within the Department of Geosciences and Geography, he is engaged in coordinating teaching in conservation geography, spatial conservation planning, and quantitative methods of data analysis in geography. Enrico has received two consecutive ERC grants, including the currently-running BIOBANG project (2025-2030). He is also the director of the University of Helsinki's Taita Research Station in Kenya.