United States Ambassador Visited the University of Turku

​During his visit, Ambassador Adams (on the right in the photo) was interested in the Finnish higher education system and areas of strength in research.

– You can always find ways to do things better and people all over the world should learn from each other. In Finland, some things are done better than anywhere else, for example, your excellent education system could be a model for others, said Adams.

Director of the John Morton Center for North American Studies Benita Heiskanen presented the Center's research and active international network to the new US Ambassador.

The research conducted at the John Morton Center concentrates on current issues in North America. The Center's newest projects follow the presidential election in the United States next spring as well as the improving relationship between the US and Cuba.

– Our research into the phenomena in North America is multidisciplinary with a transnational point of view. Our goal is to strengthen the expertise of North American research in Finland but also to dismantle stereotypes of different nationalities created and sustained by the popular culture and media.

During his visit, Adams also discussed the increasing significance of science diplomacy and Arctic collaboration. The issue is topical as Finland will be the chair of the international Arctic Council in 2017.

Lastly, Adams promised to return to the University of Turku in order to give a lecture on his own area of expertise, international arbitration. 

Photo: Hanna Oksanen
Text: Liisa Reunanen
Translation: Mari Ratia