I have a PhD in epidemiology and am currently working as a Chief Researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

I am particularly involved and interested in projects related to climate change. We are studying health effects of climate change and also ways how individuals can mitigate climate change while also improving their own health.

These co-benefits – for humans and nature – are part of the Planetary health-thinking that I would like to advocate. In Planetary health it is acknowledged that the health and wellbeing of humans is dependent on the health and wellbeing of the natural ecosystems. Thus, developing sustainable practises in all fields and policies – from industries to hospitals and homes – is important.

I have earlier work experience as a researcher/environmental and occupational epidemiologist from Harvard School of Public Health (post-doc with prof. Joel Schwartz and dr. Antonella Zanobetti on outdoor temperature), Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (on various topics, including home neighbourhood characteristics), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (prof. Paul Wilkinson and dr. Cathryn Tonne on traffic-related air pollution and noise) and Stockholm University’s Stress Research Institute (on work stress and home and workplace neighbourhoods).

Outside work I enjoy being in nature, doing outdoor sports such as xc-skiing, running and picking berries, but have recently also started bouldering as an indoor hobby.