Finlandia Prize to Fulbright Alumnus Jussi Valtonen A Northern Look on Global Change Stipendit arktiseen tutkimukseen
vol. 24 nro 2 (60) syksy/fall 2014
fulbright center news
Fulbright Arctic Initiative
Finland – an Arctic Expert
From the Executive Director The vision of the Fulbright Center in Finland is to empower
Finland’s new Arctic Strategy
Arctic superpower in tourism. And
was adopted a year ago. Besides
finally, one third of all citizens
a clear-cut strategy, it includes
living in the Arctic – above the 60
an extensive set of objectives
degree of latitude – are Finns.
for Finland’s Arctic policy and
The Arctic Council is the pre-
concrete actions to reach those
eminent forum for Arctic issues,
objectives. The strategy addresses
recognized by all. The Coun-
education, research, social issues
cil’s institutional role has been
for local residents, the economy,
steadily growing following the
infrastructure, the environment,
establishment of a permanent
stability and international coop-
secretariat, the adoption of bind-
eration in the Arctic.
ing agreements and the extension
the minds that will find global solutions to tomor-
Finland’s role in the funda-
of the Council’s agenda. Finland
row’s challenges by fostering academic and professional
mental change currently ongoing
promotes broadening the Arctic
expertise and excellence in leadership. The program was
in the Arctic is to promote sustain-
cooperation towards economic
established to create global citizens – those who dare to
able development and stability,
and business issues, including
address universal problems with innovative solutions, and
both nationally and internation-
the work of the recently estab-
create meaningful change.
ally. Simultaneously, Finland is
lished Arctic Economic Council.
One of the most critical global questions facing us today
engaged in efforts to exploit the
Both the U.S. and Finland stress
is how we deal with the Arctic. What happens in the Arctic
economic opportunities emerg-
further strengthening of the
does not stay in the Arctic: it has global implications. At the
ing in the North. These two goals
Council. We support the Council
Arctic Circle 2014 Assembly in Reykjavik in October, Finnish
are not mutually exclusive, as
being open to global cooperation
President Sauli Niinistö poignantly reminded the audience
long as the economic activities in
and enhanced interaction with
that not only is the future of the Arctic in our hands, at the
the vulnerable Arctic regions take
observers. Finland fully supports
same time our own future is in the hands of the Arctic (p. 5).
into account the environmental
the U.S. proposal to arrange the
This Fulbright Center News focuses on the Arctic, and
concerns and are sustainable also
Arctic Summit in 2016, if circum-
we are so pleased to have Finland’s Arctic Ambassador
in terms of local communities.
stances permit.
Hannu Halinen as our invited columnist (p. 2). Our grant-
In short, Finland’s Arctic Vision
The U.S. will chair the Arctic
ees and alumni talk about their careers in pursuit of Arctic
states: “Finland is an active Arctic
Council on 2015–2017 and Finland
questions, and we are announcing several new initiatives
actor with the ability to reconcile
will follow thereafter. Together
that address the Arctic.
the limitations imposed and busi-
we are aiming at more focused
The new Fulbright Arctic Initiative provides interdisci-
ness opportunities provided by
alignment of interests between
plinary research opportunities to both established experts
the Arctic environment in a sus-
chairmanships. This will involve
and early career specialists from all eight Arctic Council
tainable manner, while drawing
active dialogue and longer-term
countries (p. 4). Using a collaborative model to translate
upon international cooperation”.
thinking between our two coun-
theory into practice, program participants will address
To give some examples of the
tries and partners in the Arctic.
public policy research questions relevant to the challenges
Finnish Arctic expertise: our
We are seeking for an informal
Arctic nations share. Finland has a special role in this new
airports stay open even during
bilateral Arctic framework – a
program as it will host a plenary meeting of the Arctic Ini-
heavy snowstorms (because of
partnership, if you will – to inten-
tiative scholars in early 2016.
our snow-how) and all our ports
sify the already existing good
The Fulbright Center has also founded a new Travel
are ice-covered during winter,
cooperation on Arctic issues, and
Grant program for key strategic research areas, including
but neither are they ever closed,
to widen bilateral relationships
the Arctic (p. 4), and is actively looking into other possi-
thanks to our ice-breakers. Sixty
in new areas. We are thinking
bilities to join forces with institutions and organizations
percent of all ice-breakers in the
of extended cooperation in par-
in Finland and abroad to find new ways to advance the
world are built in Finland and we
ticular in science, technology and
research and teaching of this critical area. Currently, the
are busy with new innovations
research; in climate and envi-
Center assists in the planning of a summer school on Arctic
in ice-breaking and ice manage-
ronmental issues; in information
cooperation and cross-border expertise at the Lapland
ment technologies. Furthermore,
and communications technology;
University of Applied Sciences (p.6).
to live and work in a cold climate
and in safety and security related
In a globalized world, cross-border and multilateral
is natural for all Finns. Machinery
sectors, as well. The Finnish
cooperation is increasingly important. Respectively,
and houses are built to last even
Fulbright Program is already a
the Fulbright Center in Finland seeks to complement its
the coldest temperatures, cars are
partner
traditional bilateral programs by developing an increas-
winter-tested in Finland, cloth-
in this
ing number of collaborative, multilateral initiatives. The
ing is high-tech; comfortable but
strategy
new Fulbright Arctic Initiative is an excellent example of
always keeping you warm. Con-
through its
regional cooperation. Another one is the ongoing Fulbright
cepts such as renewable energy,
grant and
Inter-Country Travel Grant Program that the Fulbright
cleantech and green mining are
outreach
Center in Finland helps to coordinate to facilitate U.S.
routinely applied in our Arctic
programs.
scholar mobility in all of Europe. There are other examples,
activities. You know that Santa
and even more are in the planning.
Claus comes from the Arctic
None of this would be possible without our numerous
Circle in Finland, but did you
partners in Finland, in North America, and around the world.
know that 90 percent of all hotel
Thank you for joining us for Fulbright Finland… for the future!
beds in the Circumpolar Arctic are
Hannu Halinen
in the Finnish Lapland; we are an
Arctic Ambassador of Finland
Terhi Mölsä
In This Issue 2
Kolumnit
4
Fulbright Arctic Initiative
4
New Research Travel Grants
5
Deputy Assistant Secretary Curtis in Finland World-Famous School System and Arctic Cooperation
5
Fulbright at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik
6
Fulbright in Finland Launched the Fulbright Speaker Program
6
Summer School on Arctic Cooperation and Cross-Border Expertise
7
Fulbright Bicentennial Agreement Renewed
7
Researching State Strategies towards the Arctic
7
Finland Fulbrighter Teaching Nursing Educators in Kazakhstan
8
A Northern Outlook on Global Change
12 My Life Changing Experience as a Fulbright Fellow A Career in Pursuit of Arctic Questions 14 First Finnish Fulbright Grantees for 2015–2016 Selected From Peace Mediation to Cleantech and Startups Photo: Hanna Strengell
Cover: After dismantling their ‘chums’ (tents), members of the Serotetto extended family with Bruce Forbes (in front) have a tea/coffee break before moving their large reindeer herd to the next camp. As year-round nomads, the tundra Nenets of the Yamal Peninsula in West Siberia migrate hundreds of kilometers each year between winter lichen grounds in the northern boreal forest and summer pastures along the Kara Sea. Although children attend boarding school on southern Yamal for the academic year, large nuclear families remain the norm, with all ages active in herding during the summer and over long holidays like Christmas. Arctic researcher and Fulbright alumnus Professor Bruce Forbes talks about saving the Arctic tundra, involving local people in research, and influencing public policy on northern landscapes at both national and international levels on pages 8–11.
15 Research on the New Fulbright Flex Award: Helping Cities Adapt to the Impacts of Climate Change 15 Fulbright Center and Vanderbilt Cooperate to Provide Unique Opportunities for Finnish Undergraduates 15 Alumni Vice-Chair Laura Hirvi to Lead the Finnish Institute in Berlin 16 Highlights of the American Fall in Finland 18 Voices Across the Atlantic – Campus Perspectives 20 Fulbright Alumni Find Creative Ways to Give to the Program 21 Alumni News 21 Fulbright-alumni Jussi Valtoselle kirjallisuuden Finlandia-palkinto 22 News / Uutisia 23 Fulbright Center 24 Kalenteri / Calendar of Events
Cover photo: Roza Laptander
Fulbright Center News on Fulbright Centerin sidosryhmälehti, joka ilmestyy kaksi kertaa vuodessa painettuna ja verkkoversiona. Artikkeleissa ilmaistut mielipiteet ovat kirjoittajien omia. Aineisto vapaasti lainattavissa, lähde mainittava. The Fulbright Center News is a biannual magazine published by the Fulbright Center Finland in print and online. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Fulbright Center. Reproduction allowed, source must be cited. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material in this publication, the Fulbright Center does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-center/fulbright-center-news
Päätoimittaja/Editor-in-Chief Terhi Mölsä Executive Director Toimittajat/Editors Johanna Lahti (toimituspäällikkö) Tanja Mitchell Suzanne Louis Ulkoasu ja taitto/Layout Tanja Mitchell/Fulbright Center Avustajat/Contributors Louisa Gairn
The Fulbright Center Hakaniemenranta 6 FI-00530 Helsinki FINLAND Tel. +358 44 5535 286 E-mail: office@fulbright.fi ISSN-L 1456-0461 ISSN 1456-0461 (Painettu) ISSN 2242-4245 (Verkkolehti) Cover paper: Maxigloss 200 g/m2 Paper: G-Print 115 g/m2 Circulation: 1 300 Printed by Erweko Oy
Editorial Council Anitta Etula Director of International, Relations University of Eastern Finland Outi Hakanen Counsellor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Department for Communications Sirpa Holmström Head of International Services, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences Erika Holt Principal Research Scientist, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Sanna Kangasharju Press Counselor, Media and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Finland, Washington D.C. Ossi V. Lindqvist Professor Emeritus
Grant News
Fulbright Arctic Initiative Building on the strong existing network of Arctic Studies scholars and policy
held in early 2016.
experts in the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State has launched
“Finland is an important partner in
the Fulbright Arctic Initiative. This new program seeks to inspire collaborative
the Arctic, and I am pleased to have the
research on the impact of climate change on people and the environment in the
opportunity to work closely with Finnish
Arctic. Finland has a special role in this new program.
colleagues to address our shared challenges in the Arctic during the upcoming
“The Fulbright Arctic Initiative is an
The Fulbright Arctic Initiative will
U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council.
innovative program that will provide
support approximately 16 participants
I am delighted that U.S. and Finnish
interdisciplinary research opportunities
for advanced research and collaborative
researchers will collaborate along with
to both established experts and early
study for an 18-month period in 2015–
scholars from the other Arctic nations
career specialists from the Arctic Coun-
2017, coinciding with the United States’
as part of the Fulbright Arctic Initiative. I
cil countries: the United States, Canada,
chairmanship of the Arctic Council.
look forward to hearing more about their
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway,
Beginning in May 2015, the scholars will
work,” says U.S. Special Representative
Russia, and Sweden,” says Dr. Michael
work in thematic teams to explore public
for the Arctic, Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr.
Sfraga, Vice Chancellor, and Profes-
policy research questions and engage
Arctic researchers have over the
sor of Arctic Policy at the University of
governments, NGOs, businesses, and
years been an important group in the
Alaska Fairbanks, and one of the two
Arctic communities.
Finnish Fulbright program, and some
Lead Scholars of the program. The other
The participants will be selected
of them are featured in this issue of
Lead Scholar is Dr. Ross Virginia who
through an open, merit-based compe-
the Fulbright Center News. Dr. Virginia
is the Director or the Institute of Arctic
tition. All grantees will attend three
points out the long-term research col-
Studies, and Myers Family Professor of
seminar group meetings, complete
laboration between his home university
Environmental Science at Dartmouth
a research visit for a minimum of six
Dartmouth and institutions in Finland.
College.
weeks and up to three months, and main-
“We value our close relations with col-
tain ongoing virtual communication with
leagues and institutions in Finland. I see
fellow grantees and lead scholars.
these relationships only growing as Fin-
“Using a collaborative model to translate theory into practice, pro-
land takes on the Chairmanship of the
gram participants will address public policy research questions relevant to
Finland to Host the Arctic Seminar
Arctic Council following the U.S. lead in
Arctic nations’ shared challenges. Over
Finland has a special role in the Ful-
2015–2017,” Dr. Virginia concludes.
an 18-month period, the scholars will
bright Arctic Initiative program as a host
assess the impact of change in the Arctic
of one of the three scholar meetings.
in four key areas: Energy, Water, Health,
Finland will serve as the host of the pro-
and Infrastructure,” Virginia adds.
gram’s mid-term seminar meeting to be
Stipendit arktiseen tutkimukseen nyt haussa
Education, Entrepreneurship, and the Arctic
New Research Travel Grants
Lokakuussa julkistetun kansainvälisen Fulbright Arctic Ini-
The Fulbright Center has recognized the need to more actively
tiative -ohjelman stipendit ovat nyt haussa! Tämä arktisille
engage researchers and faculty on the departmental level at
tutkijoille suunnattu täysin uusi ohjelma tarjoaa ainutlaatuisen
Finnish higher education institutions to ensure awareness of
mahdollisuuden poikkitieteelliseen tutkimusyhteistyöhön ja
the Fulbright Center programs. At the same time, the Center
verkostoitumiseen sekä kokeneille että uransa alussa oleville
has also received feedback from departments at Finnish HEIs
asiantuntijoille. Stipendiä voivat hakea arktisen neuvoston
on the need for short-term travel grants for research col-
jäsenmaiden (Suomi, Venäjä, Yhdysvallat, Kanada, Tanska,
laboration with current as well as new partners in the United
Islanti, Norja, ja Ruotsi) kansalaiset. Hakuaika päättyy 2.2.2015.
States. The Fulbright Center has founded a new grant program
Ohjelman stipendit ovat Yhdysvaltain rahoittamia. Ohjel-
that combines these two aspects. The new Fulbright Center
maan liittyy myös tutkijatapaamisia, jotka järjestetään
Travel Grants for Research Collaboration will offer short-term
kansainvälisessä yhteistyössä eri maissa. Kolmesta tutkija
travel grants to researchers from Finland to the Unites States.
tapaamisesta yhtä isännöi Suomi.
Lisätietoja www.fulbright.fi/fi/ stipendit-tohtorintutkinnon-jalkeiseen-tutkimukseen-jaluennointiin/fulbright-arctic-initiative www.cies.org/program/fulbright-arctic-initiative 4
Text: Terhi Mölsä
www.fulbright.fi
The program pays special attention to applications from three strategic areas defined by the Fulbright Center Board: The Arctic, Education, and Entrepreneurship. Applicants do not need to be Finnish citizens. The competition will open in February 2015. Stay tuned for more information!
Deputy Assistant Secretary Curtis in Finland
World-Famous School System and Arctic Cooperation No time was wasted during the visit
in education while promoting cultural
to Finland by Meghann Curtis, U.S.
understanding.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Meghann Curtis (second from right) took a
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
As part of the visit, Ms. Curtis
first-hand look at the world-famous school
and Mary Kirk, Director of the Office
launched also the first ever Fulbright
system and promoted Arctic cooperation in
of Academic Exchange Programs in
Dialogue at the Finnish Ministry for
Finland. Here at the Koulumestari
the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau
Foreign Affairs with a roundtable dis-
School in Espoo.
of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
cussion on Transatlantic Cooperation in Teacher Exchange and Education. Finn-
Finnish Fulbright alumni and cur-
ish and American education experts,
Foreign Affairs and at the Ministry of
rent
grantees
including various State exchange pro-
Education and Culture.
demonstrated how through the Ful-
gram alumni, were invited to share their
bright Distinguished Awards in Teaching
perspectives on the theme.
American
Fulbright
“The Finnish Fulbright program really stands out around the world as
Program and the Fulbright Speaker
Visitors also highlighted Arctic coop-
one of the best,” Curtis concluded after
Program, American and Finnish edu-
eration and Finland’s prominent role in
her two-day immersion into Finnish-
cators get to share their best practices
it during meetings at the Ministry for
American Fulbright experience.
Fulbright Center Finland participated at the Arctic Circle 2014 Assembly in October in Reykjavik, Iceland, where the new Fulbright Arctic Initiative program was announced. The conference gathered 1,400 people representing 34 nations. President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö (in the photo) spoke at the Opening Plenary of the conference as well as opened the country
Photo: Terhi Mölsä
Fulbright at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik
session on Finland. Analyzing the opportunities and risks in the Arctic, President Niinistö highlighted the particular importance of high-quality research, cleantech and Arctic know-how. In his speech president Niinistö also reminded the conference that it was on a Finnish initiative that the first meeting between ministers of the Arctic countries was held in Rovaniemi in 1991. “It was a historic meeting, establishing the idea of the eight Arctic states. The meeting produced the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy and launched the Rovaniemi Process, which then led to the establishment of the Arctic Council,” said President Niinistö.
www.fulbright.fi
5
News
Fulbright in Finland Launched
The Fulbright Speaker Program Every year the Fulbright Center in Helsinki brings over 40 American professors, graduate students, teachers and professionals to Finland. Their expertise is now available throughout the country through the Fulbright Speaker Program. Through the new Fulbright Speaker
The Fulbright Speaker Program also
Program schools, organizations and
gives American grantees a chance to
engaged students to talk about “What is it
institutions all around the country
learn about the world famous Finnish
like to be a teenager in the U.S.” during a visit
have the opportunity to invite Ameri-
education system and schools while
to Helsingin yhteislyseo high school.
can grantees to give talks on specific
meeting teachers who are genuinely
research topics or more general Ameri-
excited to learn about the grantees and
can themes. At the same time, grantees
have them in their classroom.
U.S. Fulbright grantee Molly Schwartz
can give back to the Finnish community
The new Fulbright Speaker Program
and contribute to the internationaliza-
is expected to facilitate a large number
tion of Finnish education by providing
of speaking engagements throughout
More information
intercultural interaction for students
the year and directly reach hundreds of
www.fulbright.fi/en/
and in many cases also insight into the
young Finns in all parts of the country.
internationalization-services/ fulbright-speaker-program
subject matter being studied.
Summer School on Arctic Cooperation and Cross-Border Expertise New Fulbright Speaker Program Initiative in Tornio The Fulbright Center is collaborating on a pilot program with the Lapland University of Applied Sciences in Tornio in organizing a “Summer School on Arctic Cooperation and Cross-Border Expertise.” Through the Fulbright Speaker Program, grantees now have an opportunity to gain expertise in Arctic cooperation while lecturing in an international environment at the Lapland University of Applied Sciences. At the same time, American Fulbright speakers get to experience the midnight sun and northern environment in Tornio. The summer school will take place in June 2015. More information www.fulbright.fi Photo: Visit Finland, Elina Sirparanta
6
www.fulbright.fi
Mark Miller, the 2014–2015 Fulbright Bicentennial Chair gave his inau-
Michael Brown (left) discussing arctic issues with Heikki Autto,
gural lecture in November. Miller spoke on “The Interactions between
Member of the Finnish Parliament from Enontekiö representing
the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court” to a rapt audience at
Northern Finland. Mr. Autto hosted a luncheon for the American
the University of Helsinki.
Fulbrighters at the Finnish Parliament in late November.
Fulbright Bicentennial Agreement Renewed
Researching State Strategies towards the Arctic
The Fulbright Center and the University of Helsinki have
Michael Brown from the University of Washington spends
renewed their cooperation agreement regarding the Distin-
this academic year at the University of Lapland as a Fulbright
guished Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies. The
graduate student researching the potential futures for state
Chair was established in 1976 to institutionalize the teaching
strategies towards the Arctic. Read online Michael’s article
of American history, culture and language at the University of
about his Fulbright project, and how he became interested in
Helsinki. The Bicentennial Chair has played a crucial role in
Finland, and Lapland. Michael also writes about his obser-
developing the interdisciplinary approach to American stud-
vations about life in Finland so far, and gives some tips for
ies found at the University of Helsinki and at other Finnish
prospective Fulbrighters.
universities with American studies programs. It is the oldest Fulbright Distinguished Chair worldwide and one of the most
Read Michael Brown's article
prestigious appointments in the Fulbright Scholar Program.
www.fulbright.fi/en/read-online/michael-brown
Finland Fulbrighter Teaching Nursing Educators in Kazakhstan Fulbrighter Bradley Boehringer (fourth from left) during his recent visit to Kazakhstan. evolution. The aim is to elevate the level of the nurse from something more than a minimally educated physician’s servant to that of an independent, highly trained
and
autonomous
thinker,”
Boehringer explains. “While I think that changing the way a culture perceives nursing will likely take a bit longer than a single run through of a new degree program, I am impressed with their tenacity in the Bradley Boehringer, a U.S. Fulbright
bachelor’s level nurse training pro-
pursuit of this project and proud to say
fellow at Laurea University of Applied
gram,” Boehringer says. “The first of
that I was, if for only a short time, a part
Sciences, Finland, recently returned
the new BSN enrollees occurred this fall.
of this project.”
from a two-week trip to Kazakhstan
This is a huge step forward for health-
where he taught the local nursing
care in Kazakhstan.”
educators.
“At the direction of the Kazakh
Bradley Boehringer’s story about his two-week teaching experience in
Ministry of Health, the World Bank and
Almaty and Kokshetau, Kazakhstan
“The students were physician trained
numerous other international consul-
www.fulbright.fi/en/read-online/
nursing educators representing six
tants, of which Finland is leading the
fulbrighter-teaching-nursing-educators-
medical colleges that are piloting a new
movement, nursing has begun a rapid
kazakhstan
www.fulbright.fi
7
Alumni in Focus
A Northern Outlook on Global Change Arctic researcher and Fulbright alumnus, Professor Bruce Forbes talks about saving the Arctic tundra, involving local people in research, and influencing public policy on northern landscapes at both national and international levels.
8
www.fulbright.fi
Bruce Forbes is a passionate advocate for Arctic landscapes and the people whose
only climate change, but also changes in
livelihoods depend upon them. A geographer and ecologist working on Arctic
land use. “We look at oil and gas devel-
ecological and social systems, Bruce first came to Finland as a Fulbright grantee
opment, forestry, mining, and tourism,
in 1994. His circumpolar fieldwork has taken him to the Alaskan wilderness,
alongside traditional land uses like rein-
the Canadian High Arctic and the Siberian tundra, gathering scientific data as
deer herding here in the north of Finland
well as cooperating with indigenous Inuit, Nenet and Sámi hunters and herders.
- basically, what we use land for here in
Now based in Finnish Lapland, he leads the interdisciplinary Research Group for
the north. Reindeer herding has been
Global Change at the University of Lapland’s Arctic Research Center.
here a long time, but now there’s a lot of competition for space.”
Bridging Disciplines to Understand Environmental Change
“We also look at these changes not ally, with both Finnish and foreign
only from the perspective of the last few
researchers from different disciplines.
decades of global warming, but also in
We have people working on ice and cli-
the context of centuries, even millennia,
“Finland and the University of Lapland
mate, sustainable development, and
of climate change. For example, study-
were a very good fit, both geographically
environmental law, all here in one build-
ing tree rings and glaciers can reveal
and institutionally,” Bruce explains.
ing. It was a great place to land!”
changes in the environment and climate
“The Arctic Center works internation-
The Global Change group study not
over a long period of time.”
>>
We need to gear the research so that it has an impact, and is what the community wants and needs, both now and in the future.
Photo: Bruce C. Forbes
www.fulbright.fi
9
Alumni in Focus
From Citizen Involvement to Policy Impact Much of the research conducted by Bruce and his colleagues is applied and participatory, involving cooperation with local people to help address local as well as global concerns. This is something that distinguishes their work from other Arctic research centers, Bruce explains.
In just a few decades, much of the world’s tundra landscape will disappear. This change is likely to have far-reaching impacts, not only for the local people and species whose lives depend on this landscape, but also for the global climate.
“We listen to people’s concerns about land use and environmental changes
from competing modern industries
an impact, and is what the community
at the community level, and we try to
are at risk of crowding out traditional
wants and needs, both now and in the
use science to help sustain northern
ways of life. The Sámi herders are con-
future.”
communities that are under pressure.
cerned above all with maintaining their
We talk to indigenous people, like the
livelihood, and handing it on to future
Sámi, as well as non-indigenous local
generations, Bruce explains. “They want
Safeguarding Tundra and the Climate
residents. We’ve got a lot of volunteers
to get younger people involved, but this
Bruce points out that the UN Intergov-
helping with our research, for example
is becoming more and more difficult in
ernmental Panel on Climate Change
monitoring changes in bird populations.
these marginal landscapes.”
predicts that in just a few decades,
Citizen involvement is very important to
The issue of reindeer herding is a
much of the world’s tundra landscape
complex problem, Bruce notes. “Since
will disappear. This change is likely to
“Right now, we’re running participa-
the end of the Second World War,
have far-reaching impacts, not only for
tory workshops with reindeer herders in
reindeer herding has been treated by
the local people and species whose lives
Norway, Finland and Sweden. They’ve
governments as an agricultural enter-
depend on this landscape, but also for
been telling us about the changes they
prise, whereas for the Sámi, it’s more
the global climate.
see in the Arctic landscape. It’s impor-
of a livelihood. In traditional agricul-
“We’re talking about losing most of
tant to get local people’s perspectives on
tural research, it’s all about numbers,
the tundra by mid-century, replaced by
how landscape changes affect their live-
or quantity. That doesn’t involve cul-
tall shrubs and forest. It’s important to
lihood, and how they coexist with other
tural or social imperatives at all. For the
realize that trees and shrubs in these
land uses. For example, the Lappi herd-
Sámi , it’s not just about making money;
northern landscapes do not sequester
ing district in Finland has a long history
it’s about passing on a heritage, which
a lot of carbon, but they do change the
of forestry, hydropower and mining,
doesn’t boil down to how many kilos of
thermal balance and actually accelerate
but now there’s also great deal of tour-
meat you can produce.”
global warming. The vegetation is dark
us.”
10
ism development going on, all of which
“We can help these communities by
in contrast to the white snow, and so it
has an impact on traditional herding
putting science to work, looking at how
absorbs radiation that would otherwise
communities.”
the tundra landscape has changed, and
be reflected by the tundra.”
Although the northern landscape
what might happen in the future. We
“The herders have all been saying
may seem vast, the increasing demands
need to gear the research so that it has
that the snow pack has changed. They’ve
www.fulbright.fi
Photo: Timo Kumpula Photo: Hanna Strengell
observed that shrubs lead to loosely-
how do you do that? Luckily, we don’t
ments and international funders like
packed snow, which in turn leads to
have to hypothesize – we can simply
the EU, Bruce observes. “It’s not enough
faster melting and an earlier growing
ask the older members of the commu-
to have an interesting research question,
season – something that is also pre-
nity, and learn from the techniques they
it has to have the potential to make an
dicted in our scientific models. The Sámi
used.”
impact.”
want to halt this environmental change
However, protecting and maintaining
Bruce highlights the forthcom-
from a herding perspective, but the
the tundra following traditional Sámi
ing Fulbright Arctic Initiative as a good
world needs to prevent it to help combat
land management practices will require
example of support for research with
climate change. This is not a local issue
a significant change
an impact. The pro-
but a global one, as the Arctic feeds back
in policy. “Right now,
gram, which will begin
to the rest of the planet.”
governments consider
Local Knowledge with a Global Impact
this kind of land use to be overgrazing. It would require a major
Drawing on local and indigenous tradi-
shift in policy think-
tional knowledge can play a crucial role
ing to promote the use
in managing the Arctic landscape, with
of traditional reindeer
oral history an important component
herding to maintain
alongside the quantitative scientific
the tundra.”
research. “Tundra is important for climate,
The forthcoming Fulbright Arctic Initiative is a good example of support for research with an impact.
Bruce is convinced
in 2015, will support interdisciplinary research on the Arctic region with a strong focus on influencing public policy, ranging from climate change and management of natural resources to economic and social
that a mix of quantita-
concerns. Organized
biodiversity and reindeer herding. The
tive and qualitative research is needed
jointly by Fulbright and the U.S. Depart-
herders prefer treeless areas to corral
to inform political decision makers.
ment of State's Bureau of Educational
their animals, which are semi-domestic.
“Understanding the real nature of land
and Cultural Affairs, the initiative will
We are investigating whether it is pos-
use and landscape change in tundra
support cross-disciplinary collaboration
sible for reindeer grazing to prevent
areas requires intensive interaction
between U.S. and international scholars
shrubs and trees from advancing. For
between scientists and herders. So, we
from Arctic rim countries.
example, we’ve found that old reindeer
can talk to the herders and find out what
“We’re linking science with the com-
milking meadows abandoned during the
is going on from their perspective, but at
munity, but we’ve also got to link science
past century still remain clear of trees
the other end of the scale we can use sat-
and policy. To do that, it’s best to involve
and shrubs.”
ellites to quantify the landscape changes
policy makers who are already inter-
over a large area. It’s a mixture of social
ested and engaged in the topic.”
“Climate change is not new, so how did people adapt in the past? There are still some people alive who understand
anthropology, ecology and geography.” Text: Louisa Gairn
early twentieth century, before the
Looking Towards the Future of the Arctic
Professor Bruce Forbes recently concluded his
changes in agricultural policy. If you
This kind of policy-relevant research
eight years of service on the Fulbright Center
want to remove shrubs from the tundra,
is increasingly demanded by govern-
Board of Directors in Finland.
what land management was like in the
www.fulbright.fi
11
Photo: Chris Polashenski
My Life Changing Experience as a Fulbright Fellow
A Career in Pursuit of Arctic Questions In the spring of 1983 I was in the last semester of undergraduate studies at the
time. Our study system at Kevo was
University of Alaska Fairbanks when my advisor, Professor Stephen MacLean,
the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata,
invited me to do a Master’s degree with him in the Institute of Arctic Biology. He
whose larvae feed on mountain birch,
explained that it would involve immediate arrangements to spend the summer
and whose populations regularly attain
conducting research in Finnish Lapland. I instantly accepted with great enthu-
such spectacularly high abundances that
siasm – and then ran to the library to locate Finland on a globe. In my defense,
they defoliate vast expanses of forest,
Finland was about where I thought, but I spent a long time that day studying
with relevance, for example, to reindeer
the globe and trying to imagine what it would be like. As excited as I was, I still
herding by Sami communities. By virtue
underestimated the extent to which this would change my life.
of work by Professor Haukioja, his students, and similarly productive groups
I spent the next two summers at the
publishing a number of research papers.
in Sweden and Norway, Epirrita is among
northern edge of Finland, well above
This productivity was instrumental
the best studied insects in the world. It is
the Arctic Circle, conducting ecological
in gaining acceptance into a top Ph.D.
a global model for understanding popu-
research at the Kevo Research Station,
program (with Professor Mark Scriber
lation cycles, distribution limits, and the
Lapin tutkimuslaitos Kevo. There it was my
at Michigan State University), an excel-
role of predators and plant defenses in
good fortune to be adopted by Profes-
lent Postdoctoral position with the U.S.
plant-herbivore interactions and plant
sor Erkki Haukioja of the University of
Forest Service, and then an Assistant
pestilence.
Turku and his students. In 1985, with the
Professorship in Biological Sciences
During my Fulbright, we studied
encouragement of Professors MacLean
at Dartmouth College. The luster of a
effects of temperature on the growth
and Haukioja, I applied for and received
Fulbright on my CV didn’t hurt either.
of caterpillars, and documented that
a Fulbright Scholarship to spend a full
However, these immediate professional
larvae could double their mass in a day
year in Finland, the summer at Kevo and
rewards have since been dwarfed by a
at warm temperatures vs. requiring
the remainder in Turku with my wife and
few decades of rich continuing returns
weeks to accomplish the same growth
young daughter, where I was hosted by
from my Fulbright experience.
at cooler temperatures. We also discov-
Professor Haukioja and the Department
I didn’t know it then, but the research
ered that larvae were highly dependent
questions that I began exploring during
on nutritious immature leaves, which
With the benefit of this incredibly
my Fulbright would become even more
are only available for a brief period in
stimulating environment, I succeeded in
fascinating and more relevant with
early summer. This inspired us to build
of Biology of the University of Turku.
12
www.fulbright.fi
Alumni in Focus
lots of simple greenhouses around birch
opportunity began with my first visit to
trees, which showed that early summer
Uppsala as a Fulbright Scholar in 1986.
temperatures influenced a race between
Ever since my own life chang-
feeding larvae and maturing birch leaves.
ing experience as a Fulbright Fellow,
It turned out that larval growth was more
nothing brings me more professional
temperature sensitive than leaf matu-
satisfaction than helping young schol-
ration, such that warmer temperatures
ars of today have similar opportunities
favored the growth and survival of cater-
for international exchange, and to gain
pillars, which influenced the abundance
the skills and international awareness
of egg-laying moths in the fall and cater-
that are so urgently needed in the 21st
pillars the next spring.
century. Thus, I am delighted to play
These studies during my Fulbright
a supporting role in the new Fulbright
have since evolved into the question of
Arctic Initiative. This program, led by
how temperature influences species
my colleagues Ross Virginia (Dart-
interactions in general. For example
mouth) and Mike Sfraga (University of
current projects of my students include
Alaska Fairbanks), will support a team of
studies of how temperature influences
about 20 scholars, with members from
predation of mosquito larvae by aquatic
each of the eight countries in the Arctic
beetles in Greenland, and predation of
Council, to study the impact of change
caterpillars by birds and wasps in New
in the Arctic and engage in collaborative
England forests.
thinking, analysis and problem solving.
Ever since my own life changing experience as a Fulbright Fellow, nothing brings me more professional satisfaction than helping young scholars of today have similar opportunities for international exchange, and to gain the skills and international awareness that are so urgently needed in the 21st century.
In the 1980s, anthropogenic climate
This initiative builds on the historic
change was a barely noted theoreti-
strengths of the Fulbright Program but
cal possibility. Now, in a world that is
is also revolutionary in being organized
warming faster than we guessed even a
as interdisciplinary thematic working
few years ago, thermal effects on species
groups. In this pioneering initiative the
interactions has become a hot topic that
theme is rapid environmental change in
The Fulbright Arctic Initiative is a new
is broadly relevant to understanding
the Arctic, which is particularly relevant
vision of international scholarship and
how climate change is influencing eco-
as the U.S. prepares for its turn as Chair
training that matches the challenges of
systems and the priceless services that
of the Arctic Council.
the Anthropocene.
ecosystems provide to people.
As Planet Earth plunges into the
The greatest personal and pro-
Anthropocene, an era in which the
Matthew P. Ayres
fessional rewards of my Fulbright
ecosystems on which we depend are
Associate Director Institute of Arctic Studies
experience have flowed from the still
increasingly the product of our own
and Professor of Biological Sciences,
expanding circle of friends and col-
activities, there has never been a
Dartmouth College, U.S. Fulbright
leagues in Fennoscandia with whom I
greater need for international coopera-
Graduate Student 1985–86,
continue to interact almost daily. I have
tion and interdisciplinary scholarship.
University of Turku, Finland
published more than a dozen papers with more than two dozen different coauthors from Finland and Sweden, and there are more in the works. Since my Fulbright, I have returned to Finland more times than I can count, including a sabbatical in Turku where I taught a graduate course in Population Ecology that I remember for having learned more from my students than two outstanding Finnish Postdoctoral Scholars, Tiina Ylioja and Anu Valtonen, now scientists with the Finnish Forest Research Institute, Metla, and University of Eastern Finland. I have hosted shorter working visits at Dartmouth from more than a dozen other young colleagues from Fennoscandia. I have been honored to be “The Opponent” in two Ph.D. defenses in Finland. And I write this essay from Uppsala, Sweden, where I and a postdoctoral colleague from Dartmouth are August T. Larsson Guest Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; the pathway to this wonderful
Photo: Lawrence Hislop
vice versa. I have been fortunate to host
The author of the article Matthew P. Ayres is one of many Arctic researchers from the United States that have spent their Fulbright in Finland. Last year a group of "Finland Fulbrighters" got together in Abisko, Sweden during an Arctic Fulbright workshop: (l-r) Tim Frandy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (Fulbright in Finland 2009–2010), Christopher Nelson, Executive Director Terhi Mölsä from the Fulbright Center in Finland, Matt Ayres from Dartmouth College (1985–1986), Sophia Albov from University of Montana and the University of Helsinki (2013–2014), Amy Lauren Lovecraft from University of Alaska Fairbanks (Fulbright Inter-Country 2011), Paul Burgess from Tulane University (2011–2012), and Bruce Forbes from the University of Lapland (1994–1995).
www.fulbright.fi
13
First Finnish Fulbright Grantees for 2015–2016 Selected
From Peace Mediation to Cleantech and Startups Ensimmäiset vuoden 2015–2016 Ful-
startup-yrittäjien mahdollisuutta on-
bright-stipendiaatit
nistua ja kasvaa Suomessa, ja sitä kautta
nimettiin
jo
syyskuussa, kun Fulbright Centerin johtokunta valitsi 51 hakijan joukosta
luoda tänne pysyviä työpaikkoja.” Tuuli Mäkelä aikoo hakea Yhdys-
tohtoriopiskelijaa
valloista eväitä siihen, miten kehittää
ASLA-Fulbright Graduate –ohjelmaan
suomalaista cleantech -alaa vahvemman
sekä Fulbright-Technology Industries
liiketoimintaosaamisen ja kaupallista-
of Finland -ohjelmaan. Uudet sti-
mistaitojen avulla. ”Minua kiinnostaa
pendiaatit edustavat laajasti eri aloja
Yhdysvaltojen verraton yrittäjyys- ja
liiketaloudesta
innovaatiokulttuuri sekä erityisesti
10
maisteri-
ja
ja
insinööritieteistä
taiteisiin.
kokemukset ja parhaat käytännöt liittyen cleantech-innovaatioiden kehittämis-
Valtaosa uusista stipendiaateista aikoo
een
suorittaa Yhdysvaltoissa koko mais-
niistä olevan hyötyä myös suomalaisen
terin- tai tohtorin tutkinnon. Monet
elinkeinoelämän uudistumiselle ja kil-
ovat omalla työurallaan jo edenneitä,
pailukyvylle pitkällä jänteellä.”
erilaisissa
asiantuntijatehtävissä
työskenteleviä
14
ammattilaisia,
ja
kaupallistamiseen.
Uskon
Uudet stipendiaatit kokoontuivat
jotka
Fulbright-vuoteen valmistavaan en-
haluavat jatko- tai täydennysopinnoilla
simmäiseen koulutukseensa lokakuussa
syventää ja kehittää ammattiosaamista-
Fulbright Centerissä. Ensi toukokussa
an ja luoda kansainvälisiä ammatillisia
järjestetään vielä toinen koulutus, jossa
yhteyksiä.
pureudutaan Yhdysvaltoihin muuttoon
Annina Salvén ja Tuuli Mäkelä aiko-
liittyviin liittyviin käytännön seikkoi-
vat molemmat suorittaa Yhdysvalloissa
hin sekä kuullaan vinkkejä aiempien
maisterin tutkinnon. Salvén erikois-
vuosien stipendiaateilta.
Fulbrightkaudeltani toivon tuovani Suomeen maailmanluokan osaamista ja tietoa, mikä edesauttaa suomalaisten startup-yrittäjien mahdollisuutta onnistua ja kasvaa Suomessa, ja sitä kautta luoda tänne pysyviä työpaikkoja.
Planning for the Fulbright Year
tuu startup-yritysten kehittämiseen.
-seminaarin ohjelma
”Fulbright-kaudeltani
www.fulbright.fi/sites/default/
toivon tuovani
Suomeen maailmanluokan osaamista
files/liitetiedostot/stipendiaateille/
ja tietoa, mikä edesauttaa suomalaisten
suomalaisille/program.pdf
www.fulbright.fi
News Research on the New Fulbright Flex Award
Helping Cities Adapt to the Impacts of Climate Change Dr. David C. Major and his Finnish colleague Dr. Sirkku Juhola are undertaking new research to develop methods of helping small and medium coastal cities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Dr. Major of Columbia University, Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki, and Dr. Juhola, Assistant Professor in Urban Environmental Policy at the University of Helsinki, are also co-teaching a new course at the University of Helsinki. The course is titled Urban Environmental Policy and it uses climate change as an example of the contemporary challenges facing urban decision-makers. Dr. Major is the first U.S. scholar coming to Finland on a new Fulbright
years. The Flex Award is also designed
David C. Major, the first U.S. scholar
Flex Award. In order to engage U.S. schol-
for scholars who require multiple visits
coming to Finland on the new Flex Award,
ars currently unable to spend extended
abroad to accomplish their research
with colleague Sirkku Juhola.
periods of time abroad, the Flex Award
objectives. Dr. Major spends two months
allows multiple, short-term stays in
in the fall 2014 at the University of Hel-
More Information on Flex Awards
the host country over a period of two
sinki and returns to Finland in late 2015.
www.fulbright.fi
Alumni Vice-Chair Laura Hirvi to Lead the Finnish Institute in Berlin Laura Hirvi will start a three-year term as the leader
of
the Finnish Institute in Berlin
Fulbright Center and Vanderbilt Cooperate to Provide Unique Opportunities for Finnish Undergraduates
in
2015. Dr. Hirvi spent the academic year 2009–10 as an ASLA-Fulbright fellow at UC Santa Barbara. She is the VicePresident of the ASLA-Fulbright Alumni
Vanderbilt University and the Ful-
apply for fully-funded scholarships
bright Center toured high schools in
from Vanderbilt as well as the Ful-
“I am very much looking forward to
Tampere and the capital region in
bright Center’s Partnership Awards
applying the knowledge and skills that
early October with Vanderbilt's Direc-
for Undergraduate studies.
I acquired in my studies and previous
tor of Undergraduate Admissions John
Association in Finland.
work experiences in this new and
Gaines as the speaker.
exciting job,” says Laura Hirvi. More information
The Institute aims to create a
The Fulbright Center and Vanderbilt
Video: http://bit.ly/12Q26HQ
platform for experts from Finland and
have a cooperation agreement that pro-
www.fulbright.fi/fi/stipendiohjelmat/
German-speaking parts of Europe to
vides unique opportunities for Finns:
stipendiohjelma-kandidaattitason-
foster long-term collaborations and a
Finnish undergraduate students may
opintoihin
German-Finnish dialogue.
www.fulbright.fi
15
Highlights of the American Fall in Finland
Finland, the Exceptional! Each year at the end of August, the
Americans working together,” Professor
Fulbright Center arranges a three-
Gillette commented. “We most enjoyed
and-a-half-day
for
and benefited by the social and intellec-
arriving U.S. Fulbrighters in Helsinki.
tual interchange of the people we found
This year’s orientation, for the U.S.
in Helsinki.”
2014-2015
orientation
Fulbrighters,
was
again
“Orientation well prepared us for our
organized with the invaluable support
next special trip, the weekend follow-
of alumni and partners throughout the
ing the orientation. We flew to visit our
week’s program.
hosts in Oulu, both the university and the community people. They allowed
Among the Fulbrighters taking part was
us to stay at the housing we will use in
Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair
the spring so we knew what to expect.
Jay Gillette, who will begin his grant
We toured the city and the university,
term in the spring but came to Finland
and they hosted us for some convivial
to attend the orientation with his wife,
meals together (Finns eat well). We met
B.J. Deering. “We thought it was imper-
our academic leadership and discussed
ative to meet and participate with the
the role that I will contribute during my
2014–2015 cadre of Fulbrighters, before
Fulbright assignment.”
we all scattered to our appointed universities,” Gillette says.
“We would urge any potential Fulbright scholar to engage fully with the
“We found the full set of orienta-
Finnish program, ahead of time and at
tion activities useful—working with the
your own expense if necessary. You will
Fulbright Center staff foremost, par-
benefit fully, and add more knowledge-
ticularly the director and our program
value on your part as well,” Gillette
coordinator.”
concludes.
“Yet the most important point of engaging fully with orientation is meet-
Orientation program
ing and interacting with that unique
www.fulbright.fi/en/guide/
community of scholars, Finns and
orientations-for-american-grantees
American Voices Seminar 2014
Lobsters, Hipsters, Lawyers, and Defective Dete U.S. Fulbrighters’ mid-October weekend is traditionally dedicated to Turku, as they gather for the American Voices Seminar. This October an audience of about one hundred students and faculty from the University of Turku and other institutions in Turku, as well as Fulbright Center and U.S. Embassy staff, spent two days at the Seminar enjoying presentations ranging from Latino influence in the U.S. to the Mystery of Violin Making. Mark Miller, Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies opened the seminar with an academic keynote on
Ramón Barthelemy studies Educational pathways of women in Finnish physics programs at the University of Jyväskylä. In Turku he talked about Inequality in America: How Birth Can Determine Path. 16
www.fulbright.fi
ectives American Lawyers as Elected Politicians.
There is always time for
“The American Voices seminar was a
questions and discussion
great way for the various Fulbright stu-
after each presentation at the
dents and scholars to share something
American Voices seminar.
that they thought was typically American with a mostly Finnish audience,” says Miller. “Some of the presenta-
across the Atlantic. According to Paak-
tions were more academic, while others
kanen, it also gives a touch of American
showcased parts of American culture
present day life and academic interests
Education, Innovation, Science and Art
including marching bands, how hipsters
and may give a boost for more curiosity
differ on the West and East Coasts, and
for students. It also creates a chance to
popular American novels, movies, and
present the University of Turku and the
March 5–6, 2015 at the University of Jyväskylä
TV shows. I was very impressed with
oldest city in Finland to all incoming
the wide variety of American themes
Fulbright grantees.
and ideas that were wonderfully pre-
The American Voices seminar pro-
sented by my very talented Fulbright
vides an opportunity to learn about
colleagues.”
various aspects of the American society
Irinja Paakkanen, Head of Interna-
and culture through the experiences of
tional Affairs at the University of Turku
American Fulbright grantees currently
has been attending American Voices
in Finland. The seminar is organized by
seminars for several times. She values
the University of Turku North Ameri-
the opportunities it offers for network-
can Studies Program and the Fulbright
ing on campus across the disciplines and
Center.
20 14
20 14
Education, Innovation, Science and Art
Fulbright Forum 2015 provides a unique opportunity to hear current American Fulbright scholars and graduate students 20 14 present on their researchScience in Finland. Education, Innovation, and Art The seminar is open to the public and free of charge. Fulbright Forum is organized by the Fulbright Center in cooperation with the University of Jyväskylä. More information www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-forum
www.fulbright.fi
17
Highlights of the American Fall in Finland
Fulbrighters Celebrate Thanksgiving and Make a Momentous Visit to the Finnish Parliament American Fulbrighters in Finland this Fall were treated to several exciting activities during the traditional Thanksgiving holiday season. A tour of the Parliament of Finland was the highpoint of the two days in Helsinki. Fulbrighters were greeted by
Deputy
Director of the International Department Guy Lindström and Assistant for International Affairs Maarit Immonen, who very generously provided luncheon and a guided tour of the building. Particularly interesting for the group was meeting with the luncheon host, MP Heikki Autto, Deputy Leader of the
Voices Across
National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group. As representative from Enontekiö, the northwesternmost region in
The invaluable impact that the Fulbright
programs
have
on
international education do not go unnoticed by those who work to advance campus internationalization. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Haaga-Helia) and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Turkey roasted to perfection and carved by Bradley Boehringer.
Pomona) are partnering this fall through
the
Finnish-American
Fulbright Program. Haaga-Helia is hosting Professor John Self Finland, Mr. Autto plays a
from Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins
significant role in the Arctic
College of Hospitality.
discussions, and there was ample opportunity to put
“The outcomes of Professor Self’s
forward
about
participation in this program are
the Arctic, Finnish Arctic
multidimensional. He will directly
strategy, and the EU level
impact students in Finland, add to
of involvement in Arctic
the discussion of international-
concerns.
ization at Haaga-Helia, and upon
questions
The tour concluded with
return to Cal Poly Pomona, continue
a visit to the Parliamentary
to share his experience with his stu-
Plenary Session which was
dents, fellow faculty, and the campus
Member of Parliament Mr. Heikki Autto
in order and taking a legislative vote.
community. Such an experience is
hosted a luncheon for Fulbrighters dur-
Fulbrighters were quite privileged to be
an investment beyond a personal
ing their visit to the Finnish Parliament.
present in the audience during the par-
experience and it will continue to
Mr. Autto expressed interest to learn
liament’s working session.
enrich, both academically and cul-
more about Fulbright and happily the
A visit to the Fazer chocolate factory
turally, the lives of students in both
Executive Director Terhi Mölsä had in
in Vantaa, followed by a potluck dinner
universities,” says Anneli Adams,
hand a copy of the DVD “Fulbright: the
featuring all the dishes expected on the
Executive Director of Global Initia-
Man, the Mission & the Message.”
Thanksgiving table, rounded out the
tives at Cal Poly Pomona.
eventful two days.
“For us at Cal Poly Pomona, Fulbright programs also help to develop
Text: Suzanne Louis 18
www.fulbright.fi
a core of internationally focused
Facilitating New Connections
Photo: Cal Poly Pomona
the Atlantic – Campus Perspectives Fulbright programs get to the core of campus internationalization as the program impact is directly connected to student learning. faculty whose commitment to develop-
“The Finnish-American Fulbright Pro-
ing culturally competent global citizens
gram supports our goal to increase the
is important. Fulbright programs get to
international staff.”
the core of campus internationalization
“Professor Self is our third Fulbright
as the program impact is directly con-
grantee who with his experience and
nected to student learning. As mentors,
expertise in hospitality education and
faculty hold significant roles in advis-
industry enriches our learning com-
ing students and nothing gets students’
munity. He brings a different cultural
attention to the importance of overseas
aspect to the classroom which is of
experience as hearing about its impor-
utmost value for the students,” Hol-
tance from the faculty.”
mström explains. “Having a visiting
Comprehensive internationalization,
scholar on campus also enables fruitful
a mission of senior international officers
professional and cultural encounters for
on U.S. campuses, benefits greatly from
faculty and staff, and these encounters
John Self having a discussion with
intentional incorporation of Fulbright
may foster relationships that develop
Haaga-Helia students Michael Beres-
programs into the campus internation-
into long lasting cooperation for the
ford and Sanna Langi who study hotel,
alization plan.
benefit of students and faculty in both
restaurant and tourism management.
The Fulbright-Haaga-Helia Scholar
universities. Faculty engagement plays a
Award program that provides Ameri-
crucial role in the development of inter-
can scholars the opportunity to teach
national cooperation.”
at Haaga-Helia was launched in 2012.
“For Haaga-Helia, cooperation with
“For us at Haaga-Helia, this program
Fulbright also means an opportunity to
is a great opportunity to advance our
promote the unique character of a Finn-
commitment to be our ambassadors
institution´s internationalization by
ish university of applied sciences in the
before, during and after the scholarship
opening doors for guest lecturers from
U.S. and to increase the awareness of
period,” Holmström concludes.
the U.S. and to connect with U.S. univer-
the benefits of the U.S.-Finnish coop-
sities,” says Sirpa Holmström, Head of
eration in the field of higher education.
Text: Anneli Adams and Sirpa Holmström
International Services at Haaga-Helia.
We appreciate our Fulbright grantees’
Photo: Tarja Leponiemi, Haaga-Helia
www.fulbright.fi
19
Photo: Wesley Hitt
Alumni News
Peter MacKeith Establishes the Fulbright Lecture in Nordic Architecture Program Fulbright Finland alum and Dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, Peter MacKeith has established the Fulbright Lecture in Nordic Architecture program through his financial gift. The program is done in collaboration with the Fulbright Center in Finland and parallel organizations in the other Nordic countries.
Peter MacKeith, Fulbright Grantee to
A few years after completing his
Finland 1989–90, now the Dean of the
Master of Architecture at Yale Univer-
Fay Jones School of Architecture at the
sity School of Architecture, MacKeith
University of Arkansas.
received a Fulbright scholarship to conduct research on Alvar Aalto, a Finnish
Fulbright Alumni Find Creative Ways to Give to the Program
architect. Rather than the 10 months he expected to spend in Finland, he remained there for 10 years, practicing and teaching at Aalto University, formerly Helsinki University of Technology. Due to the profound impact that scholarship and experience had on him, he decided to
The Finnish Fulbright Center welcomes its alumni and friends to consider if they
promote the legacy of the Fulbright U.S.
have a special wish to help strengthen the program. Many have volunteered time,
Scholar Program through a lecture series
talent, and treasure to help keep the programs vigorous. Here are two examples
focused in Nordic architecture. MacKeith’s sponsorship funds a lec-
of alumni projects that might inspire more creative giving.
ture to be given annually as part of the
Emergency Fund Established by Phillips Brooks
respective lecture series at four schools of architecture; the Fay Jones School of Architecture; the J. William Fulbright
Phillips Brooks moved to Helsinki in 1999 and
College of Arts and Sciences; the Sam
taught at the Department of English, Univer-
Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at
sity of Helsinki. He was a Fulbrighter in multiple
Washington University in St. Louis; Yale
countries. As a staunch supporter of the Fulbright
University School of Architecture; and the
mission, he endeavored to find a way to offer
University of Virginia School of Architec-
support to those who encountered unexpected
ture. A selected architect or designer from
adversity during their Fulbright program. Phil cre-
one of the five Nordic nations will give the
ated an emergency fund to make available monies
lecture as a four-school lecture tour, with
for immediate use. This was a personal mission
the schedule arranged in collaboration
for Phil who left behind a legacy of thoughtful and
between the four designated schools. It
direct gifting, responsive to the unexpected needs
also will be arranged at each school such
that all human beings experience. Phil passed away
that the Fulbright Fellowship program
in 2011 and his memory is forever linked with Ful-
can be promoted to students at the time
bright in Finland through his generosity.
of the lecture. “The significance of Senator Fulbright’s
Friends of Fulbright Finland Donors Recognized
vision
of
peace
through
international education exchange cannot be underestimated in the contemporary moment,” MacKeith says. “The Fulbright
recently
U.S. Scholar Program transformed my
donated to the Friends of Fulbright Finland Alumni
life, as did my experience in Finland and,
Enrichment Fund include: Gonzalo Arce, Stuart
indeed, the Nordic region. It is an honor
Brotman, Jay Gillette & BJ Deering, Salim Elwazani,
to be able to support both the continuing
Earl H. Fry, Leslie Kadish, Karen Jean Lee, Doug
reach of the Fulbright Program and the
& Joan Maynard, Brendan Mumey, Alex Ruiz-
vitality of Nordic architecture at the four
Torres, Rainey Tisdale, Matthew Turk, and making
universities that have defined my aca-
additional gifts, Kay Kohl and Kenneth Kolson.
demic career. To initiate this upon arrival
Fulbright
20
Finland
Alumni
who
have
In addition, numerous individuals have made extra contributions when purchas-
at the University of Arkansas is to truly
ing their Fulbright Finland…for the Future T-shirt.
come full circle in my life.”
www.fulbright.fi
Thank You!
Alumni News
En olisi koskaan tullut kirjoittaneeksi tällaista romaania, ellen olisi ollut Fulbrightstipendiaattina USA:ssa.
Kuva: Markko Taina
Fulbright-alumni Jussi Valtoselle kirjallisuuden Finlandia-palkinto
Kuva: Tammi, Markko Taina
Fulbright Alumnus Jussi Valtonen Wins the Finlandia Literature Prize Jussi Valtosen romaani He eivät tiedä mitä
vaikutti ratkaisevasti maailmanku-
Jussi Valtonen on toinen perättäinen
tekevät sai vuoden 2014 kirjallisuuden
vaani, ja tämä näkyy monella tavalla
Finlandia-palkinnon saanut Fulbright-
Finlandia-palkinnon. Professori Anne
myös romaanissa. Suhde Yhdysvaltoihin
alumni. Vuosi sitten Ville Kivimäki,
Brunila valitsi voittajan kuuden ehdok-
vaikutti myös kaunokirjallisiin vaikut-
lukuvuoden 2007–2008 ASLA-Fulbright
kaan joukosta. Valtosen voittajateosta
teisiini, mikä sekin näkyy mielestäni
–stipendiaatti, voitti Tieto-Finlandian
hän kuvasi ”tajunnan räjäyttäväksi
selvästi teoksessa.”
sotilaan psyykeä kuvaavalla teoksellaan
teokseksi.”
Valtonen opiskeli Johns Hopkins
”En olisi koskaan tullut kirjoit-
Murtuneet mielet.
-yliopiston kognitiotieteen laitoksella
ellen
lukuvuoden 2002–03 ASLA-Fulbright
Read more
Fulbright-stipendiaattina
Graduate-stipendiaattina. J.H. Erkon
www.fulbright.fi/en/alumni/
USA:ssa,” Valtonen sanoo. ”Vaikka
kirjoituskilpailun vuonna 2002 voittanut
alumni-treasures
lähdin
enkä
psykologi ja kirjailija Jussi Valtonen on
kaunokirjailijana, aika Yhdysvalloissa
kirjoittanut neljä kaunokirjallista teosta.
taneeksi olisi
tällaista
ollut
romaania,
tutkijakoulutettavana
Prince of Asturias 2014 -palkinto Fulbright-ohjelmalle Espanjan kuningas Felipe VI luovutti kansainväliselle Fulbright-ohjelmalle vuoden 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation -palkinnon Espanjan
Oviedossa
pidetyssä
juhlatilaisuudessa
lokakuussa. The Prince of Asturias Award -palkintoa pidetään “Espanjan Nobelina”. Se palkitsee merkittäviä kansainvälisiä saavutuksia tieteen, tekniikan, kulttuurin sekä humanitaarisen työn alalla. Palkinnon ovat aiemmin saaneet mm. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, kansainvälinen Punainen Risti sekä Nelson Mandela. Assistant Secretary of State Evan Ryan USA:n ulkoministeriöstä
Fulbright-ohjelman ehdokkuutta palkinnon saajaksi
yhdessä viiden eri maista tulevan Fulbright-stipendiaatin
olivat tukemassa myös monet merkittävät suomalaiset
kanssa vastaanottamassa 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for
Fulbright-ohjelman alumnit yhdessä Fulbright Centerin
International Cooperation -palkintoa Kuningas Felipe VI:ltä.
kanssa. Suomen Fulbright-ohjelmaa edusti tilaisuu-
Kuva: Fundación Príncipe de Asturias
dessa Fulbright Centerin toiminnanjohtaja Terhi Mölsä.
www.fulbright.fi
21
News / Uutisia
Heikki Ruskoaho to Chair the Academy of Finland’s Board Fulbright Center Board member, professor Heikki Ruskoaho, has been appointed the Chair of the Board of the Academy of Finland. The term of office of the new board
Fulbright Center numeroina 2014 Tilastot ovat FC:n tilikaudelta 1. 10. 2013 – 30. 9. 2014
Asiakastilastot •• Asiakaskontakteja 3 704, joista koulutuksen ja
appointed by the Finnish Govern-
kansainvälistymisen ammattilaisia n. 29 %
ment will last until the end of 2018.
•• 74 infotilaisuutta ja tapahtumaa Suomessa,
The Academy of Finland’s mission is to finance high-quality scientific research, act as a science and science policy expert, and strengthen the position of science and research.
joissa yhteensä yli 2 200 osallistujaa •• Verkkosivu: 227 300 sivun katselua ja 55 500 käyttäjää
Stipendiohjelmat •• Yhteensä 78 stipendiaattia, joista 42 suomalaista ja 36 amerikkalaista. •• Yhteisstipendit mukaan lukien jaettu
Interning at the Fulbright Center
yli 990 000 euroa apurahoina.
Fulbright Centerin rahoitus •• 77,5 % Suomesta (Tukisäätiö, opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriö, yksityiset säätiöt, suomalaiset korkeakoulut, muut) •• 22 % Yhdysvalloista (19 % USA:n ulkoministeriö, 3 % muut) •• 0,5 % Kanadasta (Kanadan valtio)
Alumnit •• 436 aktiivia alumnia Yhdysvalloissa (Friends of Fulbright Finland -verkosto) •• Sadat alumnit Suomessa toimivat asiantuntijoina, tieteenalakohtaisina arvioijina ja valintalautakuntien jäseninä, johtokunnan jäseninä sekä muissa Fulbright Centerin Hogai Rahimpur interned at the Fulbright Center in early fall. Hogai comes originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. She did her schooling in Pakistan, and thereafter joined the American University of Afghanistan in 2009 to study International Relations. Hogai moved to Finland in 2012 and has now been study-
tehtävissä. •• Alumneista 120 on jäseninä myös ASLA-Fulbright Alumni -yhdistyksessä.
Vuoden 2014 kohokohtia
ing at Axxell multicultural school for one year. Axxell provides
•• Ensimmäinen Fulbright Forum: Education,
training for immigrants by offering Finnish language teaching
Innovation, Science and Art -seminaari
and helping immigrants to get familiar with Finnish culture and working life. The Fulbright Center hosts several interns every year.
Jyväskylässä. •• Kuudes Fulbright Centerin opintomatka Yhdysvaltoihin: “Communications and Community Relations”.
Internship opportunities at the Fulbright Center www.fulbright.fi/en/fulbright-center/open-positions
•• Kymmenes Fulbright Centerin North American Studies Roundtable. •• Pohjoismaiden Fulbright-koulutusseminaari
Fulbright Center Introduced Finnish Higher Education in Tbilisi
Fulbright Centerissä. •• Fulbright Speaker Program perustettiin.
Fulbright Center introduced the Finnish higher education system and education opportunities in Finland to U.S. univer-
Fulbright Center serves as
sity representatives and Eurasian audience in EducationUSA
the national EducationUSA
Regional Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, in late September.
center in Finland.
EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State supported network of hundreds of advising centers around the world, holds
22
regional forums periodically. The forums bring together advis-
Fulbright Center advises on
ers for intensive training and networking.
higher education in Canada.
www.fulbright.fi
Suomen ja Yhdysvaltain opetusalan vaihtotoimikunta Finland-U.S. Educational Exchange Commission (FUSEEC)
Vaihtotoimikunnan jäsenet / Fulbright Center Board of Directors Honorary Chair: H.E., Bruce J. Oreck Ambassador of the United States to Finland
Dr. Bo Pettersson Professor of the Literature of the United States University of Helsinki
Finnish Members:
Ms. Birgitta Vuorinen Counsellor of Education Ministry of Education and Culture Treasurer
Dr. Heikki Ruskoaho Professor of Pharmacology and Drug development University of Helsinki Vice-Chair Dr. Matti Kokkala Senior Advisor, Smart Cities VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Mr. Jeffrey K. Reneau Counselor for Press and Public Affairs American Embassy Chair Mr. David Yoken Senior Music Lecturer Arts Academy, Turku University of Applied Sciences
American Members: Ms. Jeanie Duwan Assistant Counselor for Press and Public Affairs American Embassy
Dr. Laura Stark Professor of Ethnology University of Jyväskylä Ex-officio: Ms. Terhi Mölsä Executive Director, Fulbright Center
Toimikunnan sihteeristö / Fulbright Center Staff Ms. Karoliina Kokko Vastaava ohjelmapäällikkö Senior Program Manager (grant program oversight) p. (044) 5535 268 •• Maisteri- ja tohtorivaiheen stipendit •• Neuvonta opiskelusta USA:ssa ja Kanadassa •• Alumnikoordinaattori
Ms. Sonja Kuosmanen Ohjelmakoordinaattori Program Coordinator p. (044) 5535 275 •• Distinguished Chairs •• Tutkija- ja asiantuntijastipendit •• Inter-Country-stipendit •• Fulbright-tapahtumat •• Verkkopalvelut •• Rekisterit
Ms. Johanna Lahti Apulaisjohtaja Deputy Director p. (044) 5535 278 •• Fulbright Center News
(toimituspäällikkö) •• Undergraduatestipendit suomalaisille •• Renewal-stipendit suomalaisille •• Inter-Country-stipendit •• Testaus ja testeihin liittyvät asiantuntijapalvelut •• Neuvonta opiskelusta USA:ssa
•• Asiantuntijastipendit suomalaisille •• Verkkopalvelut •• Seminaarit ja koulutustapahtumat
Ms. Tanja Mitchell
Projektikonsultti (osa-aikainen) Project Consultant (part-time) •• Friends of Fulbright Finland -verkosto •• Alumnikoordinaattori •• Fulbright Center News
Viestintäsuunnittelija (osa-aikainen) Communications Specialist (part-time) p. (044) 5535 277 •• Verkkopalvelut •• Julkaisut •• Fulbright Center News •• Neuvonta opiskelusta USA:ssa ja Kanadassa
Ms. Mirka McIntire
Ms. Terhi Mölsä
Ohjelmapäällikkö, Koulutus- ja opettajavaihto (osa-aikainen) Manager, Teacher Exchange and Education Programs (part-time) p. (044) 5535 269 •• Opettajaohjelma •• Study of the U.S. Institute for Scholars and Secondary School Educators
Toiminnanjohtaja Executive Director p. (050) 570 5498
Ms. Suzanne Louis
E-mails: firstname.lastname@fulbright.fi
Tukisäätiö FUSEEC/Fulbright Centerin toimintaa rahoittaa Suomen ja Yhdysvaltain Stipenditoiminnan Tukisäätiö / Säätiön hallitus: The Finland-America Educational Trust Fund / Board of Directors: Finnish members:
American members:
Agent / Säätiön asiamies:
Mr. Jouni Mölsä Director of Communications Department for Communications and Culture Ministry for Foreign Affairs Chair
Ms. Susan Elbow Deputy Chief of Mission American Embassy Vice Chair
Ms. Terhi Mölsä Executive Director FUSEEC/Fulbright Center
Ms. Jaana Palojärvi Head of International Relations Finnish Ministry of Education
Mr. Jeffrey K. Reneau Counselor for Press and Public Affairs American Embassy
The Finnish members are appointed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The American members are appointed by the American Embassy.
www.fulbright.fi
23
Toimintaamme tukevat mm.: Support comes to us from:
Hakaniemenranta 6 FI-00530 HELSINKI FINLAND
3. 11. 2015–2016 hakuaika päättyy:
marraskuu
marraskuu
•• Mid-Career Professional Development Grant
17. – 21. 11. International Education Week USA:ssa
13. 11. Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies -professorin virkaanastujaisluento
13. 11. Fulbright Center mukana Education Expossa Kaisakirjastossa
19. 11. Fulbright Center mukana Lapin yliopiston kansainvälisellä viikolla
27. 11. Thanksgiving: FC suljettu
U.S. Fulbrighters touring the Finnish Parliament
4. 12. Hakuaika kesälle 2015 päättyy:
joulukuu tammikuu
•• Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars and Secondary School Educators
2. 2. hakuaika päättyy:
helmikuu
•• Fulbright Arctic Initiative
2. – 3. 12. Fulbright Center mukana Studiamessuilla CIMOn ständillä
15. 12. Vaihtotoimikunnan kokous Fulbright Center Board Meeting
2. – 3. 2. ORIENTAATIO: Kevätlukukaudeksi saapuvien amerikkalaisten stipendiaattien orientaatio
6. 2. 11th Fulbright North American Studies Roundtable
6. – 7. 5. Fulbright Center Korkeakoulujen kansainvälisten asioiden hallinnon kevätpäivillä Helsingissä
12.5. ORIENTAATIO: Suomalaisten stipendiaattien lähtöorientaatio ja stipendien julkistamistilaisuus
14. 1. Fulbright Center mukana Turun yliopiston kv-viikolla
Vaihtotoimikunnan kokous helmikuussa 2014
•
Fulbright Center Board Meeting February 2014
Kevään infotilaisuudet julkaistaan Fulbright Centerin verkkosivulla tammikuun aikana
Fulbright Centerin stipendiohjelmien uudet hakutiedot julkistetaan helmikuussa
5. – 6. 3. Fulbright Forum Jyväskylässä
maaliskuu Fulbright Forumin yleisöä tauolla
huhtikuu toukokuu
30. 5. Friends of Fulbright Finland (FoFF) Gathering in Boston
www.fulbright.fi