Professor Maija Setälä's career has taken her from Southwest Finland to different parts of the world, but her interest in the study and development of democracy has continued unchanged. However, Setälä’s career choice was not always clear.
In the international collaboration, researchers develop reliable digital platforms to encourage people to participate in decision-making.
Former Chancellor and Professor of Political Science at the University of Turku Jaakko Nousiainen has passed away at the age of 90. Nousiainen started in 1963 as the first permanent professor in political science at the University of Turku. He led the development of the Turku school in political science, centered around the research of political institutions.
Citizens’ Jury has offered deliberated views on climate actions for climate policy decision-makers. Implemented by researchers from the University of Turku, the Citizens’ Jury compiled a statement, which was delivered to the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the government-appointed Climate Policy Roundtable, the purpose of which is to create a common understanding of how Finland can make a just transition to a carbon neutral society by 2035.
Strategic emphasis of the Political Science is on democracy research. The Political Science unit co-operates with other universities in research, especially with the Åbo Akademi University. The two universities have established jointly The Finnish Centre for Democracy Research.
Political Science students study political organizations, international relations and government with the objective of conducting research on the state, political systems and power. The section of Political Science at the University of Turku currently offers two different study subprogrammes: Political Systems and International Relations.