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CAETS 2024 conference in Helsinki 2–4 July

10.4.2024

Welcome to the Public Symposium of the CAETS 2024 annual conference in Helsinki.

The Council of Finnish Academies and the Finnish Academy of Technical Sciences are hosting the CAETS 2024 conference which is the annual conference of International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences, CAETS (www.newcaets.org).

The theme of the Public Symposium is Carbon Neutral Technologies and Society. The program includes sessions on technical solutions, social and economic impact, and the EU and global perspectives. The Finnish pioneering solutions will be extensively communicated to the audience, e.g., by ExpandFibre and Neste.

Program structure:

1.7. Cocktail Reception at the Helsinki City Hall
2.7. Public Symposium Carbon Neutral Technologies and Society
Optional excursion to Suomenlinna sea fortres
3.7. Public Symposium Carbon Neutral Technologies and Society
Conference Dinner
4.7. Optional excursions organized by ExpandFibre and Solar Foods

The Conference is organized as on-site event. The program and all practical information are available on www.caets2024.org

Registration for the CAETS 2024 annual conference is open at www.caets2024.org/registration.

Please register online by 12 May 2024.

Looking forward to seeing you at the CAETS conference!

CAETS 2024 Organizing Committee

EASAC Commentary: Towards a Plastics Treaty

15.3.2024

The new EASAC Commentary on Plastics sheds light on the plastics crisis and how it could be addressed in ongoing negotiations about an international Plastics Treaty. Systemic failures are driving rapid growth in production, consumption and leakage of plastics in the marine, terrestrial and freshwater environments. With current policies, global plastic waste is expected to nearly triple by 2060.

The 21st century is likely to be remembered as the “plastic age”. Today the planet is literally drowning in plastics. Global plastic waste is expected to nearly triple by 2060, unless drastic measures are taken.

The summary of the latest scientific evidence aims to inform negotiations of a much-needed International Plastics Treaty. “Negotiators must tackle the conflicts in the whole system,” says EASAC’s Prof. Michael Norton. “It will hurt commercial interests and thus not be a piece of cake. But to slow and reverse damage to the environment, biodiversity, and ultimately risks to human health, the Treaty must put an end to the continued growth in the production of plastics.”

Reducing plastics pollution by 80 % by 2040 demands a circular economy

According to the scientists, it is time to make the polluters pay. Voluntary mechanisms and market mechanisms are insufficient to address the problem. They make clear that banking on growth is not an option, not least because switching to many so-called “bio”-materials cannot be justified on resource or environmental grounds either.

Environment Co-chair Professor Andràs Bàldi explains: “Plastics do not rot; they only break down in smaller pieces and do not decompose. Meanwhile, the resulting micro- and nanoplastics have spread everywhere on the planet and are also found in our bodies. While the fatal effects on marine life are very obvious, we still do not have the evidence to allow us to assess our own risk from plastic contamination.”

To set up an International Plastics Treaty for success, EASAC advocates a system approach to reduce the volume of plastics production and consumption, ensure all plastics are reusable, recyclable or compostable, and keep plastics in circulation for as long as possible. Models suggest that by reducing demand by 30 % and increasing the recycling rate to 20 %, plastic pollution could be reduced by 80 % by 2040.

10 Science-based Recommendations for an International Plastics Treaty

Set a target for reducing plastic primary production with the aim of reducing the overall need, demand and use of packaging
Ensure all plastics are reusable, recyclable or compostable to allow circularity
Internalise all external (environmental, social, health) costs into the basic market price for virgin resin
Make product designers and retailers responsible for minimizing single use for on-the-go- items and make the responsible path the cheapest option to change consumer behaviour
Ban deliberate addition of microplastics to products
Commit to increasing the safety, durability, reusability, refillability, repairability, and refurbishing capability of plastic products
Incentivise companies to collaborate in reverse supply chains
Request life-cycle-analysis and proper biodegradability standards for resins claiming biodegradability
Extend producer responsibility to all costs related to waste management
Allow only exports from OECD to those non-OECD countries that consent and fulfil the criteria to treat such waste in an environmentally sound manner

Read the full report here: EASAC Commentary: Towards a Plastics Treaty

The European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is a cooperation organization of European science academies. The Council of Finnish Academies (CoFA) is a national member of EASAC.

The Council of Finnish Academies calls for nominations for the Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award

15.1.2024

Finnish Science Academies’ Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award will be granted in spring 2024 for active efforts in promoting human rights in academic communities. The Human Rights Award, given for the third time, is named after Finland’s archiatrist Risto Pelkonen. Pelkonen is one of the founding members of the Human Rights Committee of the Finnish Science Academies. Last year, the award was presented to the Finnish National Theatre for the theatre play ‘Docents’.

The criteria for the award:

The award can be granted to a person, an organisation, or a community for active efforts in promoting freedom of science, academic freedom or human rights of academics.
The awarded person/organisation/community can operate locally or internationally, within or outside the academic community.
The activity can relate to fostering of human rights (such as freedom of speech) of academics or ensuring the foundations and possibilities for diversified academic work and scientific processes;
The activity can relate to immediate intervening in human rights violations of academics or fighting against discrimination in its many forms;The activity can relate to objecting to hate speech, stigmatising of academics, or demeaning of scientific knowledge or communities.

The Human Rights Committee of the Council of Finnish Academies calls for nominations for the 2024 Awardee. Please submit the nominations with supporting statements to humanrights@academies.fi by 15 February 2024.

SAPEA report: Transforming food consumption for a healthier and more sustainable Europe

10.8.2023

Europe’s current food system has major impact on the environment, while poor-quality diets are also associated with increased risks of diseases, obesity, and overweight. The SAPEA evidence review report “Towards Sustainable Food Consumption” gathers the relevant scientific evidence to provide guidance to Commissioners on the transformation of European food consumption towards a healthier and more sustainable direction.

Altering food consumption stands as a pivotal driver in attaining the goals set forth by the EU’s Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork Strategy. The recently released SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) report proposes a range of measures designed to assist consumers in making both healthy and sustainable dietary decisions. Rooted in the Farm-to-Fork Strategy and founded on the 2020 publication of scientific counsel titled “Towards a Sustainable Food System,” this report highlights crucial steps for promoting healthier eating habits while nurturing a sustainable food ecosystem.

Professor Erik Mathijs, the chair of SAPEA working group that reviewed the scientific evidence says: “Policies should address the whole food environment, anywhere where food is obtained, eaten, and discussed, such as shops, restaurants, homes, schools and workplaces, and increasingly also digital media.” Because of this complexity, it is crucial to follow the scientific evidence for decision-making, he added.

Food system impacts for environment and consumer behavior

The existing food system significantly contributes to environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, eutrophication, water stress, land degradation, and climate change. Additionally, poor-quality diets are associated with health issues, such as obesity and the heightened risks of noncommunicable diseases.

The food system is intricately woven, comprising a spectrum of interconnected social, cultural, technological, economic, and ecological components. The sustainable aspects of this system are governed by a mosaic of legislative measures. Establishing an environment conducive to collaborative efforts by all stakeholders towards the objective of promoting healthful and sustainable food choices is of paramount importance, ensuring equity through fair regulations.

Direct measures are effective

The report is addressing key policy areas including pricing, availability, composition, as well as the societal and digital contexts that shape individuals’ dietary preferences. Based on evidence direct measures have proven efficacy, encompassing strategies like sugar taxes, meat taxes, and pricing products according to their environmental impacts.

The report indicates that individuals are more likely to opt for healthful and sustainable food choices when these options are prominently showcased. Moreover, there should be limitations on the advertising of unhealthy and ecologically unsustainable food products. While elevating plant-based alternatives and curbing excessive levels of fat, sugar, and salt proves effective through obligatory and comprehensive strategies, voluntary accords have shown minimal impact. Additionally, consumers’ dietary decisions can be molded by labeling that highlights the nutritional advantages of food items and leveraging digital technology as a societal instrument to encourage healthy eating practices.

Read the Full Report: https://sapea.info/topic/food-consumption/

Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) is a EU-funded project that provides independent scientific advice to European Commissioners to support their decision-making. SAPEA collaborates actively with European science academies.

International EASAC report: Natural gas should be phased out in EU

24.5.2023

EASAC’s new report “The Future of Gas” examines phasing out the use of natural gas and replacing it with sustainable energy solutions. The report also offers independent science-based advice for policy makers on regulating the use of gaseous fuels in the transition to a decarbonized, secure and affordable European Union (EU) energy system by 2050.

The report “Future of Gas” by The European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) highlights the extremely high global warming potential of largely unrecorded methane leakages along the whole natural gas supply chain. Natural gas is not cleaner than other fossil fuels – using it instead of coal or oil risks achieving little or no reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) effects. According to the report, policymakers, finance sector and energy suppliers and users should work together to secure adequate supplies of clean energy while rapidly phasing out the use of natural gas, together with other fossil fuels.

The report has been prepared in collaboration with the EASAC’s 28 member academies. The Council of Finnish Academies appointed Professor Hanna-Leena Pesonen from University of Jyväskylä to the EASAC energy panel and LUT University Research Director Petteri Laaksonen to the report working group.

“The war of aggression started by Russia and the subsequent EU sanctions have further increased the availability risks related to natural gas as imported energy, which has made the subject even more critical than anticipated. The perspectives related to the replacement of natural gas and the report’s recommendations are essential for the Finnish energy system as well”, Hanna-Leena Pesonen states.

High priority messages for the EU policymakers, investors and stakeholders

EASAC’s messages for EU policymakers, investors and other stakeholders address three key dimensions of policies for the future of gas: GHG emissions reduction, security of energy supplies and affordability. Some of the report’s messages relate to an on-going discussion as the European Commission has already made a proposal to address procedures related to the use of natural gas.

The report highlights six high-priority messages. The first measure raised is improving energy efficiency by reducing energy demands in buildings, industry and transport. Secondly, building more renewable electricity generators and electricity supply infrastructure can help to phase out unbated natural gas, together with coal and oil. To ensure energy security in EU, the EU should produce sustainable technologies and diversity supplies of critical raw materials and sustainable fuels.

The report also highlights the importance of a ban on installing new gas boilers in buildings due to their high consumption of natural gas. Instead of the boilers, the report recommends switching to heat pumps with renewable electricity or district heating. Finally, the report proposes measures to support vulnerable households and businesses with high energy bills, and retrain and expand the EU workforce to produce and install sustainable energy technologies and fuels.

Read the full report here: https://easac.eu/publications/details/future-of-gas

The European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is a cooperation organization of European science academies. The Council of Finnish Academies (CoFA) is a national member of EASAC.

CAETS REPORT: Low-carbon energy development technology is crucial to achieving emission reduction goals

15.3.2023

A new CAETS Energy report highlights that despite cost-effective greenhouse gas mitigating technologies emissions are still growing worldwide. The report suggests reducing emissions through the electrification of energy and mass scale implementation of existing technologies.

In their new report “Towards Low-GHG Emissions From Energy Use In Selected Sectors”, the Energy Committee of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS) reviews existing technologies which can be used immediately to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in seven key sectors. The examined sectors are Food and Agriculture, Buildings and Smart Cities, Oil and Gas, Chemicals, Cement, Iron and Steel, Information and Communication technologies.

The deployment of these technologies would lead to deep emission reduction before 2040. However, these technologies are not sufficient to meet net zero targets by mid-century. Net-zero goal describes the reduction of greenhouse gases in accordance with the 1.5 C goal, and the neutralization of the remaining emissions from 2050 onwards. Therefore, the report also highlights research and development needs for new or improved technologies and demonstrations for the near ready technologies (RD&D).

The new report was written by the members of the Energy Committee in 2021-2022. The Report offers insights, conclusions and recommendations that are useful for leaders of industry, governments, professional organisations, non-governmental organisations, and citizens to reach the 2030-2050 goals on GHG emissions.

Electrification is the key to reduce emissions

The report indicates that reducing GHG emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), can be achieved through the electrification of all or part of the energy used, from home heating and cooking to industrial processes. The potential of the reduction depends on the sources of electricity, which highlights the importance of decarbonising the production of electricity. Electricity and heat categorised as low-carbon are mainly produced by hydro, solar, wind and nuclear power.

In addition to low carbon electricity, central to reducing emissions is low-carbon heat, including the direct thermal use of solar radiation or heat networks using low-carbon sources and waste heat from industry. The report reminds that some industrial processes cannot be fully electrified, like cement production.

Another approach is to capture the CO2 which is produced on industrial sites and to use it or to store it underground (Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, CCUS). The report indicates that the use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) will certainly be needed to reach “net-zero” by mid-century.

Mass scale implementation of existing technologies, research and development are required

The report emphasises the urgency of actions to reduce emissions and advocates massive and rapid deployment of the available technologies. The difficulty lies in implementing them quickly and affordably, in a way that is tailored to each country, region and sector of activity. This will not be possible without long-lasting support from governments and, last but not least, consumers and citizens.

Some of these technologies are already deployable while others are near-to-deployment and promising. Together, these technologies allow very significant emission reductions. However, the report stresses the importance of supporting RD&D and developing interaction between universities and engineering companies to improve existing technologies and promote the development of new ones. This provides opportunities to explore potentially new, easier and shorter paths to succeed in globally reducing our GHG emissions in the next 27 years.

Read the Full Report: https://www.newcaets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CAETS-ENERGY-REPORT-2022.pdf

CAETS (The International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technical Sciences) is a global cooperation forum of engineering and technical science academies. The Council of Finnish Academies is a member of CAETS. In 2024 the chair of the cooperation forum will be Mika Hannula, the vice president of Turku University.

EASAC report: Neonicotinoid insecticides have detrimental effects and require more efficient regulation

28.2.2023

An EASAC report on the effects on neonicotinoid insecticides in 2015 led to an European Union wide ban of most damaging neonicotinoid pesticides. Now a new report by EASAC member academies confirms previous results about the detrimental effects of neonicotinoids and points out loopholes in the regulation.

The new report “Neonicotinoids and their substitutes in sustainable pest control” by The European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is focused on an area where the European academies together have had great impact in the past: pesticides and their use in European agriculture. Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides, chemically similar to nicotine, used in agriculture.

The first report by EASAC member academies on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in agriculture was published in 2015. The report suggested that widespread use of neonicotinoids has severe effects on a range of organisms that provide ecosystem services like pollination and natural pest control, as well as on biodiversity. Furthermore the use of neonicotinoids in agriculture not only burdens the environment but also the climate as the manufacturing and logistics of neonicotinoids are a significant source of agricultural emissions.

“The new report confirms what the previous report suggested: neonicotinoids have detrimental effects on organisms, nature and biodiversity. General environmental contamination caused by neonicotinoids has adverse implications in relation to food production and global food security”, states Professor Ian Hardy, one of the contributors to the new report.

The report was prepared jointly by EASAC academies. Professor Ian Hardy from the Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki participated in the working group that prepared the report.

Loopholes threaten to water down EU-level regulations

The 2015 report caused great alarm in many European Union (EU) Member States with the Environment minister of the Netherlands declaring an immediate ban on neonicotinoid pesticides. The discussion led to the European Parliament banning the most damaging neonicotinoid pesticides EU-wide, which was a great success for science-based advice to policy-making. Despite the ban there remain many loopholes in EU legislation regarding ‘neonics’.

“Despite the open field use of neonicotinoids is banned, the use in exceptional circumstances is allowed and particular farming groups can apply for exemption permits. These permits should only be granted in exceptional situations, but in many places they are given too readily and on a regular basis”, Hardy describes the report’s findings.

Another regulatory loophole highlighted by the report are new insecticides entering the market that are not classified as neonicotinoids, despite having similar effects.

“New, permitted insecticides can at worst be even more harmful than the banned neonicotinoids”, Hardy states.

The report suggests several measures to be taken to tackle the regulatory loopholes. These include better testing framework and regulatory framework, revision of risk assessment and promotion of integrated pest management instead of chemical insecticide use.

Read the full report here: https://easac.eu/publications/details/neonicotinoids-and-their-substitutes-in-sustainable-pest-control.

The European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is a cooperation organization of European science academies. The Council of Finnish Academies (CoFA) is a national member of EASAC.

Regenerative Agriculture: Healthy Soil Best Bet for Carbon Storage

8.6.2022

Agriculture is the main driver of global deforestation and land conversion, and food systems account for more than a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. A new report by EASAC provides evidence that a transformation to regenerative agriculture holds promising keys to reducing climate risks while providing the growing world population with food and enhancing biodiversity.

EASAC report: Regenerative agriculture in Europe

“Transforming agriculture is the planet’s greatest untapped treasure for coping with the climate crisis. Today’s large-scale conventional agriculture has huge negative impact on soil. Soil erosion, the loss of flora and fauna and thereby nutrients in soils, has become a major factor in Europe,” explains Prof. Thomas Elmqvist, one of the lead authors of EASAC’s first-time scientific analysis of the potential of regenerative agriculture. The report shows that restoring biodiversity in soils, particularly in grasslands can dramatically increase their capacity to capture and store carbon.

“Sawing off the branch we’re sitting on”

While being responsible for a third of global carbon emissions, agriculture is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as shifts in temperature and rainfall. More and more farmers, and particularly the smallholders that produce about a third of the world’s food, are struggling with harvest and livestock losses while trying to adapt to the increasingly irregular weather conditions caused by a changing climate. “We are literally sawing the branch that we are sitting on,” says Orsolya Valkó of Hungary’s Institute of Ecology and Botany.

Need to protect scale of food production

“There seems to be a belief that regenerative agriculture can only be applied at small scale, and that making any changes to current industrial farming practices will make it impossible to feed a growing world population”, explains Prof. Thomas Elmqvist. “But the opposite is true: we have maybe a decade for a massive transformation. We need to get industrial farmers on board and take a landscape perspective to reach the goals. Ultimately, we can only protect the scale of food production by moving away from only emphasizing quantity of agricultural production to more quality and nutritional value of agricultural products.”

No contradiction to modern plant and animal breeding technologies

EASAC’s results demonstrate that many of the analyzed practices show synergies between carbon capture and storage and enhancing biodiversity, while not having large negative effects on food production in the long term. The scientists underline that regenerative agriculture does not contradict the use of modern plant and animal breeding technology, tilling, use of mineral fertilizer or pesticides. Instead, it aims for a limited, more targeted use. The use of chemical pesticides, for example, can be reduced by using biological alternatives, employing gene-edited crops that are pathogen-resistant, or even introduction of predators.

Most potent carbon capture storage on the planet

Regenerative agriculture can take large amounts of CO2 out of the atmosphere and tie it back into the soil. “We are literally standing on the largest and most potent carbon capture storage of the planet,” Orsolya Valkó says. “Many field tests show how high the soil’s storage performance is. If we want not only to preserve biodiversity, expand food production and at the same time fight climate change, there is no alternative to regenerative agriculture!”

Insufficient implementation of EU’s Biodiversity and Farm-to-Fork Strategies

EASAC recommends that regenerative agriculture should be prioritized by Member States when implementing the new Common Agricultural Policy. This includes more diversification within and among crops, introduction of permanent and perennial crops, expanded agroforestry and intercropping, keeping green plant cover on all farm fields during all seasons, and reduced tillage.

EU and national governments must sharpen their instruments

The report welcomes the European Union’s Biodiversity and Farm-to-Fork Strategies as steps in the right direction but underlines that governments have done little so far to implement them. “We need sharp policies and sharp economic instruments,” says Elmqvist. “Targeting the farm scale is insufficient. Financial schemes should also benefit communities and associations of farmers managing landscapes in a coordinated way.”

European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) is a co-operative organisation for European science academies. The Council of Finnish Academies is a national member of EASAC.

Human Rights Committee’s recommendations for organising research and collaboration during the times of crisis

23.5.2022

Russia’s attack against Ukraine has led to an exceptionally widespread crisis on independent academic research in Europe. Human Rights Committee of the Council of Finnish Academies has made the following recommendations on organising research and collaboration during times of crisis for universities and research institutions. Their purpose is to ensure that Finnish universities and research institutions work in conjunction with their employees and research affiliates.

Ethical principles

The Human Rights Committee emphasises honouring the ethical principles of science during times of crisis and in relation to authoritative states. These include

the autonomy of science and research, including the freedom to choose the subject matter, angle, and method of implementation
the internationality of science and research
freedom of speech and
honouring human rights.

Legislation regarding universities

According to the Section 2 of the Universities Act, it is the universities’ mission to promote both independent academic research and artistic education, provide the highest level of research-based tuition, and to prepare their students to serve both their country as well as humanity at large. In carrying out their mission, the universities shall promote lifelong learning, interact with the surrounding society, and promote the social impact of university research findings and artistic activities. When it comes to research, ensuring the high international standards and adherence to the ethical principles and good scientific conduct is expected. Section 6 of the Universities Act also stipulates that universities enjoy freedom of research, art, and education.

Viewpoints on collaboration with countries and organisations

In the wake of Russia’s attack against Ukraine, The Ministry of Education and Culture has made a recommendation that Finnish universities cease all academic and scientific collaboration with their Russian associate organisations from 9.3.2022 onwards. The Human Rights Committee approves of the recommendation due to its intention to support Ukraine, while emphasising the notion that sanctions targeted towards countries, institutions, and organisations don’t necessarily require discontinuation of collaborative research between individuals. It is clear that actions based on the policies outlined by the Ministry of Education and Culture should be targeted towards supporting Ukraine, not against independent Russian or Belarussian researchers or students.

While applying these recommendations, universities and research institutes should avoid making categorical decisions with possible unintentional consequences. As befits their status as scientific organisations, universities should base their restrictive decisions on the best available data and expertise regarding the human rights situation and scientific field of the area in question. Utilising the knowledge regarding a specific country or a region ensures that the sanctions won’t cause harm to unintended groups of citizens, or system-critical research fields.

How authoritative states might be able to utilise these sanctions to silence the criticism within the country, increase the amount of oppression towards minorities and to wage information warfare, should also factor in the decisions made by universities.

Categorical decisions made by individual universities can also have an adverse effect on researchers working in Finnish universities and research institutions, as well as funding granted for their research projects. This in turn might have a long-term negative impact on the job- and career opportunities of these researchers. As employers, universities and research facilities should eschew any overreactions that might violate the autonomy of research. Researchers suffering from sanctions imposed by Finnish universities and research facilities should be offered a chance to re-negotiate the funding for their research projects if necessary.

During times of crisis, we recommend abstaining from dual-use research as well as research that might benefit the economic life of a country under sanctions.

All crises end someday. Earlier decisions should be re-evaluated during changing situations. It’s also worth remembering that all rebuilding-enabling scientific connections have not been completely severed during the crisis.

Viewpoints on collaboration with individuals

The Human Rights Committee is of the opinion that collaboration with individuals can in many cases be continued or even reinforced during times of crisis. International networks and collaboration can prove invaluable to the researchers operating in totalitarian states and in countries that are undergoing a crisis. They can also act as a deciding factor in whether their critical work is allowed to continue at all.

The ability of universities operating in totalitarian states to stand against their government’s decisions and regulations is limited. Also, researchers and teachers working in these countries should not be expected to express opinions that might pose a threat to their life, freedom, or research, nor should this act as a condition for continued collaboration.

The nationality or residency of an individual researcher should not be used as the sole reason for terminating collaborative research. Recommendations made with sanctions in mind should not lead to discrimination against a person.

When universities and research institutes decide on what kind of collaborative research can still be continued, the responsibility for case-by-case decisions should be distributed between individual researchers and leaders of research teams and projects. After all, they are the foremost experts in their respective fields of research. Universities should also provide them with more information and understanding regarding the human rights situation of countries that are undergoing crisis, if necessary. This way they can be assured of the fact that there are ethical reasons behind the continued collaboration.

What universities, research teams and individual researchers can do in crisis situations

Russia’s attack against Ukraine has brought some factors into public knowledge that have already been regrettably familiar to the world’s scientific community. These include the status of individual academic research under authoritative governance, prerequisite of operations for universities in countries under attack or occupation, and as a result of this, the vulnerable position of researchers who have been forced to leave their homes. The Human Rights Committee has compiled some ways in which the Finnish research community could lend its support to researchers who find themselves in a dire situation. These ways help with the intention to support Ukraine and its people through university education and research collaboration as well.

Universities can lend their support to other universities that have been forced to cease their operations due to being caught in the middle of war of aggression. This support could take the form of collaborative research or coordinated teaching, as an example.
Universities can lend their support to other universities that have been forced to move their operations to another country.
Universities and research organisations (from now on, universities) can grant double affiliations to researchers who are in danger. This allows for researchers and teachers who find themselves in need of help due to human right violations to seek assistance from Finnish actors and the Finnish government as well.
Universities can fund the Scholars at Risk network’s operations.
Research teams and individual researchers can, by their own discretion and for good reasons, carry on with collaborative research with their co-researchers, as long as their research supports individual science.
Research teams and individual researchers can, by their own discretion and for good reasons, send invitations for others to attend researcher meetings and conferences without affiliations. In this case, it is important to arrange their participation without the need for their employer to cover the resulting expenses.
Research teams and individual researchers can, by their own discretion, look for ways to maintain research intended to strengthen and uphold civil society in collaboration with opinionated researchers operating in countries in crisis.
The safety of researchers operating in authoritative states must take priority in all actions.

The Human Rights Committee of the Council of Finnish Academies

Helsinki 31.3.2022

Additional information:

Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee of the Council of Finnish Academies, professor Liisa Laakso, liisa.laakso@nai.uu.se

Science Secretary Veera Launis, humanrights@academies.fi

Human rights of academics

Finnish Science Academies’ Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award to Scholars at Risk Finland

11.5.2022

From the left: Professor Liisa Laakso, Permanent Secretary Anita Lehikoinen, Professor Elina Vuola, Professor Risto Pelkonen, Member of Parliament Mari Holopainen and artist Pavel Rotts. (Photo: Nina Rapelo)

The awardee of the Finnish Science Academies’ Risto Pelkonen Human Rights Award was published on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, in Think Corner, Helsinki. The recipient is Scholars at Risk Finland (SARF), which is a national section of the international Scholars at Risk (SAR). Its mission is to protect scholars and promote academic freedom. The chair of SARF, professor Elina Vuola, University of Helsinki, received the award.

The Award is granted for active efforts in promoting human rights in academic communities. “By taking part in SAR network and providing for scholars at risk, universities show that they take responsibility for human rights on a global level. This is a necessity for the recur of science”, the Chair of the Award Committee, professor Liisa Laakso explained.

The award consisted of a video installation Climbing a memory by Pavel Rotts, Academy of Fine Arts of Uniarts Helsinki. In his work, Rotts explored collective and personal memories, historical trauma and the legacy of the Soviet system in contemporary culture.

Professor, archiatre Risto Pelkonen expressed happiness for the awardee, but also “confusion and sorrow in the face of current tragic world events.” Pelkonen is one of the founding members of Human Rights Committee of the Council of Finnish Academies.

The panel discussion, moderated by Emilia Palonen (University of Helsinki), related to the current political and humanitarian crisis in Europe and its effects to the global science community. Despite of the gravity of the topic, panelists – Kalle Korhonen (Kone Foundation), Siarhei Liubimau (European Humanities University), Olena Maslyukivska (University of Vaasa) and Margarita Zavadskaja (Aleksanteri Institute) – found some hope in having the possibility to sit in the same room and discussing about it.

“Scientific and artistic processes require courage, and courage we must be able to protect”, crystallized Permanent Secretary Anita Lehikoinen, Ministry of Culture and Education, in her speech.

Watch the full event Global Science Community – risks and responsibilities (2 hours, the panel discussion starting at 45′): the event recording

The programme of the event: programme

Text by Veera Launis