Finnish Environment Institute appoints directors for the new term
Syke reviews its organisation every five years. During the spring, all leadership positions in its core operations, as well as the permanent position of Service development director, were open for applications. During the spring, all leadership positions in its core operations, as well as the permanent position of Service development director were open for applications. The new organisational term will begin on 1 January 2027.
As part of the organisational reform, the responsibilities and teams of the current Climate solutions and Quality of information units will be integrated into other units. The Circular economy solutions unit will continue under the name Circular economy and climate solutions.
“I am very grateful to all applicants for their interest in leadership positions at Syke. There was an exceptional amount of expertise among the applicants, and we were able to appoint experienced and highly motivated leaders,” says Director general Leif Schulman.
“The selected leaders have an excellent understanding of Syke’s operations and the operating environment. They are exceptionally well positioned to advance our evolving organisation and further strengthen Syke’s research, expert services, and societal impact during the coming term,” Schulman continues.
Leadership appointments
Service development director
- Lic.Phil. Heli Karjalainen
Director of science
Research directors
- DSocSc, Professor Pekka Leskinen, Circular economy and climate solutions
- PhD Aino Juslén, Nature solutions
- PhD Saku Anttila, Marine and freshwater solutions
- PhD, Adjunct professor Marko Tainio, Built environment solutions
- PhD, Adjunct professor Riikka Paloniemi, Societal change
Heli Karjalainen continues as the Service development director
Licentiate of Philosophy Heli Karjalainen has been appointed Service development director at Syke.
Licentiate of Philosophy Heli Karjalainen has been appointed as Service development director at Syke. Karjalainen has served in the position since the beginning of 2023. The Service development director is responsible for, among other things, the performance management process, comprehensive security, and the coordination and development of customer relations activities.
Sanna-Riikka Saarela appointed Director of science
Doctor of Philosophy Sanna-Riikka Saarela has been appointed to the five-year fixed-term position of Director of science starting on 1 January 2027. Saarela currently works at Syke as Development manager for the Director general’s office.
Syke’s Director of science is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and developing the quality, effectiveness, impact, and ethical standards of Syke’s scientific activities.
Five solution units to be led by research directors
Syke’s solution units implement the organisation’s mission and strategy by producing research-based knowledge, expert services, and practical solutions to support societal decision-making. From the beginning of 2027, the units will be led by research directors
The following individuals have been appointed to lead the solution units:
- DSocSc, Professor Pekka Leskinen, Circular economy and climate solutions
- PhD Aino Juslén, Nature solutions
- PhD Saku Anttila, Marine and freshwater solutions
- PhD, Adjunct professor Marko Tainio, Built environment solutions
- PhD, Adjunct professor Riikka Paloniemi, Societal change
The positions attracted strong interest. A total of 23 applications were received for the position of Service development director, 19 for the position of Director of science, and 29 for the Research director positions.
Syke also opened recruitment this spring for the position of Director of finance and administration, as the current Director of administration is retiring. The appointment will be announced later this summer.
