Introducing Maria Karttunen: “I get to work with the best researchers in Finland”
Analyst Maria Karttunen’s core expertise lies in monitoring and analysing domestic politics. Her broad knowledge of climate-related themes is immensely helpful in her work, as the role requires understanding and structuring information from many different fields.
The Finnish Climate Change Panel’s most important task is to support decision‑making processes with up‑to‑date knowledge, and the science secretary plays a key role in this.
“The Panel does not make political decisions; it provides research-based knowledge to support decision‑making,” says Analyst Maria Karttunen.
Karttunen is a generalist in climate issues. She has studied both political science and sustainability science, with climate policy consistently present throughout her studies. This interdisciplinary background is an asset in her role.
Before joining the Finnish Climate Change Panel, Karttunen worked at a university with sustainability themes.
“In this job, it is crucial that research-based information reaches decision‑making at precisely the right time, and that requires foresight. Understanding both political decision‑making and the scientific community helps in interpreting scientific texts and translating them into clear, accessible language for decision‑makers,” Karttunen explains.
In her work, she is particularly responsible for monitoring and analysing domestic politics. The job involves extensive information retrieval, producing background materials, and writing — such as preparing statements and producing publications. She also helps panel members prepare for various public appearances.
Karttunen is closely involved in planning and carrying out stakeholder cooperation, especially the Panel’s interactions with the Government and decision‑makers.
“I coordinate our collaboration with politicians and ministry officials,” Karttunen says.
Contacts with civil servants and decision‑makers are essential for understanding what kind of information they need to support their work.
“In my work, I must be able to grasp knowledge from many fields”
The Finnish Climate Change Panel operates at the intersection of science and policy, which is why the research community is also an important stakeholder. Multidisciplinarity is one of the Panel’s strengths, and its projects involve researchers from a wide range of organisations.
Analysts support panel members in project coordination, monitoring progress, and finalising publications — particularly with impact in mind.
The Finnish Climate Change Panel’s members conduct research on a variety of topics, which means that an analyst must also understand and structure information across multiple scientific disciplines.
“Panel members have their own jobs in their home organisations and are experts in their own fields. They have only limited time to dedicate to the Panel’s work, so we support them so that they can make the best possible use of that time,” Karttunen says.
She had dreamed of working at the Finnish Climate Change Panel even before starting in her current position.
“I had thought that this could be a truly interesting place to work — and it really has been. I get to learn something new every day and work with the best researchers in Finland. It is inspiring to hear with what expertise and passion they do their work,” Karttunen says with delight.