Professor Benita Heiskanen, who actively analyses political phenomena related to the United States in the media, was presented with the Research Communication Award of the University of Turku. The award was presented for the first time this year.
Professor of North American Studies Benita Heiskanen was given the University's Research Communication Award in recognition of her active engagement in public debate. Rector of the University of Turku Marjo Kaartinen presented Heiskanen with the award at an event held on 22 April 2026.
“I was very pleased to hear that the University has launched a Research Communication Award. The University’s third mission is a demanding and time-consuming task that is often overlooked and difficult to assess with quantitative metrics. It is an important way of disseminating knowledge we have gained through our research, and of engaging in dialogue with the general public. Academic work extends beyond the campus walls and involves a broader responsibility to society and humanity. It is great that this part of our work is recognised,” says Heiskanen.
Heiskanen is familiar to many people in Finland from television, radio and newspapers. She has been actively commenting on and analysing political phenomena related to the United States in the media for many years. At best, Heiskanen comments on the political events in the United States around the clock.
As the director, Heiskanen has created a strong communication culture at the John Morton Center, where researchers are encouraged to highlight their expertise. In addition to her, there are several other researchers at the Center who are active in the media.
Research communication strengthens people's trust in academic knowledge
The aim of the University’s new Research Communication Award is to recognise researchers who engage in research communication and to highlight the different ways in which academic knowledge is disseminated. The award is presented annually to a researcher or research group that is actively engaged or has achieved a major success in research communication.
The winner is selected by a jury, which this year consisted of Rector Marjo Kaartinen, Communications Director Anne Paasi, Professor Ilari Sääksjärvi and Science Journalist Ritva Setälä from the Turun Sanomat newspaper. In addition, the public was able to vote for their favourite among five nominees, and the result of the public vote was counted as one vote when the jury selected the winner.
“We have a large number of researchers who are carrying out valuable work in the field of research communication. With the increasing scepticisms towards academic knowledge and its reliability, it is more important than ever that research results are disseminated and that researchers actively engage in public debate. With this award, we want to highlight work that helps strengthen people's trust in academic knowledge," says Communications Director Anne Paasi.
