Research Communication Award of the University of Turku
The aim of the Research Communication Award is to recognise researchers who engage in research communication and to highlight the different ways in which academic knowledge is disseminated. Read more about the nominees and vote!
The nominees for the Research Communication Award:
1. Alireza Zamani
New spider species discoveries by researcher Alireza Zamani have received widespread international media coverage in recent years. In his interviews, Zamani highlights the importance of biodiversity for the future of the planet. He also promotes his research to the general public by participating in public events with spiders to alleviate people's arachnophobia.
2. Benita Heiskanen
Professor Benita Heiskanen has commented on and analysed political phenomena in the United States in the media for many years, sometimes even around the clock if necessary. As the director, Heiskanen has created a strong communication culture at the John Morton Center, where researchers are encouraged to highlight their expertise.
3. Kari Liuhto
Professor Kari Liuhto has tirelessly answered media’s questions on the situation in Russia since Russia started its war on Ukraine. He provides background information and analysis, particularly on phenomena related to Russia's international relations and economy. Liuhto explains the twists and turns of Russia's social and economic development in a way that the general public can understand.
4. Tatu Hyttinen
Associate Professor Tatu Hyttinen comments actively on crime and criminal law in the media. In just a few years, Hyttinen has become a trusted specialist for the media, known as an expert commentator on a wide range of criminal cases.
5. Ulla Nordfors
Docent, Senior Researcher Ulla Nordfors uses multichannel communication to bring history alive for people of today. She has received wide acclaim for the major exhibition and accompanying non-fiction book that opened last year at the Vapriikki Museum Centre, where she uses ancient DNA to shed light on the lives of people from the past. Nordfors' research topics have attracted a great deal of media attention nationally and internationally.
Vote for your favourite by 23 March!
The Research Communication Award is presented to a researcher or research group that is actively engaged or has achieved a major success in research communication.
This year, the winner will be selected by a jury consisting of Rector Marjo Kaartinen, Communications Director Anne Paasi, Professor Ilari Sääksjärvi and Science Journalist Ritva Setälä from the Turun Sanomat newspaper. The result of the public vote will be counted as one vote when the jury selects the winner.
The winner of the Research Communication Award will be announced on 22 April 2026. Follow the University's social media channels!
For more information on the Award, please contact: Communications Director Anne Paasi and Communications Specialist Jenni Valta.
