Anna-Kaisa Ronkanen appointed Research professor of hydrology
Ronkanen has worked at the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) for nearly five years in various positions, most recently as Research development manager in the Marine and freshwater solutions unit. Previously, she has served at Syke as head of the groundwater team and as a senior researcher in water resources research. Before joining Syke, she worked at the University of Oulu in the Water, energy and environmental engineering research unit as a group leader and university lecturer.
“It is a pleasure to continue developing hydrological and water resources research at Syke in this new role. Working as a development manager broadened my perspective, particularly on coastal and marine research. I want to strengthen Syke’s hydrological research and its impact, especially in in relation to the green and digital transitions and integrated catchment-scale water management. Supervising early-career researchers and the long-term development of research infrastructures are also important priorities,” Ronkanen says.
In recent years, Ronkanen’s research has focused on catchment-scale hydrology and the integrated management of water resources. She has studied groundwater–surface water interactions, long-term hydrological changes, and their links to nutrient and carbon processes as well as aquatic ecosystem status. Another key theme has been the hydrological foundation of ecological restoration – that is, how hydrological solutions influence ecosystem functioning and water quality in the long term.
Her work has increasingly expanded to include the development of digital methods and research infrastructures. Ronkanen has contributed to building national and European research consortia that integrate high-frequency monitoring, hydrological modelling, and data analytics. The aim is to provide more accurate and timely information on changes in water resources and to support decision-making at both national and international levels.
As Research professor, Ronkanen is responsible for leading and developing research in hydrology, water resources and catchment processes, as well as for preparing and managing major research and development projects and research infrastructure proposals at Syke. She currently leads Syke’s team in the Digital Waters flagship initiative and in the VISIO project, which is developing a monitoring system for the green transition. She also plays a key role in the Water4All partnership programme in the national mapping, evaluation and support of water-oriented living lab environments.
Research professors at Syke are responsible for advancing the scientific content and international competitiveness of their research field, leading large project portfolios and promoting both scientific and societal impact. This appointment was made internally following external evaluation.
“It is fantastic that, with this research professorship, Syke can further strengthen its ongoing hydrological research and secure the scientific knowledge base of the field for the future,” says Research director Eeva Primmer.
