Introducing Laura Ticklén: “My job is to translate research-based knowledge into the language of communication”
Communications specialist Laura Ticklén oversees the entire communications portfolio of the Finnish Climate Change Panel. She crafts clear, accessible messages on current topics that are easy for the media to pick up. A key part of her role is supporting panelists in stakeholder communication.
Laura Ticklén manages the Climate Change Panel’s communications strategy, implementation, monitoring, and development. Her many years of experience in various communication roles give her confidence in handling the big picture.
“There’s enough work for one person in this role, and I’m happy to be that one person who gets to take care of the whole,” Ticklén says.
“The most important thing is knowing how to ask the right questions”
The Climate Change Panel operates under a mandate from policymakers, with a legal duty to provide knowledge to support decision-making. The panel includes 15 researchers from ten research institutes and universities.
“Our panelists have tremendous expertise and dedicate a lot of time to their work. The materials produced by the Climate Change Panel also draw on the full expertise of their home institutions.”
Ticklén previously worked in the field of natural resources, but climate issues were not her main focus. As a communications specialist, she needs to understand the subject matter, but she doesn’t need to be a deep expert in climate science.
“It’s actually an advantage that I don’t know these fields too well. It allows me to look at things from an outsider’s perspective and ask the kinds of questions that lead to newsworthy angles. That’s one of the most important tasks of a communicator,” she explains.
The job requires the ability to distinguish between major and minor issues and to understand how things are connected. What has always motivated Ticklén in communications work is the opportunity to gain insight into a wide range of interesting fields.
“In this role, I’m especially drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the work. It’s fascinating to gain understanding of climate issues from multiple perspectives.”
Collaboration with other climate communicators brings variety and fresh ideas.
“We have a group coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment, which includes communicators from ministries, research institutes, and related organizations. I also represent Finland in the communications group of the International Climate Councils Network.”
“I hope the media always feels they can reach out easily”
At the Climate Change Panel, everyone communicates—panelists themselves are primarily responsible for interaction with key stakeholders, supported by the secretariat. Ticklén’s role is to support their outreach to decision-makers and help sharpen their messages.
“As a communications professional, I can advise them on how to tailor their message to the context and target audience.”
Her main focus is mass communication. She manages communication channels such as the website and social media, and organizes media events.
“Publications like reports and memorandums are the core of the Climate Change Panel’s work. When they’re released, the entire secretariat works together to ensure successful communication.”
The Climate Change Panel is politically neutral and aims to engage equally with representatives from all parties.
Openness is at the heart of the Climate Change Panel’s operations, and all information is produced for use not only by decision-makers but also by the media and the general public.
“The Climate Change Panel doesn’t produce information for just one decision-maker—we publish everything openly on our website,” Ticklén says.
For anything related to the Climate Change Panel’s communications, such as the website, Ticklén can be contacted by phone or email.
For interview requests, the media can contact panelists directly, but the communications specialist can help identify the right expert.
“You can also reach out to me if, for example, you’re not receiving press releases or need a photo of someone being interviewed.”
Ticklén has worked to build a relationship of trust with the media that allows for direct contact. She says Finland has excellent journalists covering climate policy, and climate issues are increasingly linked to all areas of society.
“Journalists can ask me about anything they’re wondering related to climate topics. I’m happy to have background conversations even outside of urgent interview needs.”