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New experts in the Team Finland Knowledge network: Sao Paulo and Los Angeles calling

Ministry of Education and Culture
Publication date 9.9.2022 10.50 | Published in English on 12.9.2022 at 15.11
News item
Sari Tojkander and Johanna Kivimäki.
Sari Tojkander and Johanna Kivimäki.

With the Ministry for Foreign Affairs having appointed Sari Tojkander and Johanna Kivimäki as senior specialists in higher education and research to Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, the Team Finland Knowledge network is further expanding. Besides the newly appointed members, the network established by the Ministry of Education and Culture includes seven other higher education and science specialists, stationed in London, Moscow, New Delhi, Beijing, Pretoria, Singapore and Washington.

The tasks of senior specialists in Team Finland Knowledge are to promote international cooperation in the fields of higher education, research and innovation, to raise awareness of Finland as an attractive location for studies, research and innovation, and to monitor and analyse higher education and science policy. 

Johanna Kivimäki, Master of Social Sciences, was appointed to the post of Senior Specialist at the Consulate of Sao Paulo for a fixed term from 24 October 2022 to 23 October 2027. Her profound knowledge of the Finnish higher education system and research system, her experience in advancing cooperation with Latin American countries and her knowledge of the region’s multinational actors were among the reasons listed in the explanatory statement.

Sari Tojkander, Doctor of Philosophy and adjunct professor in cell biology, was appointed to the post of Senior Specialist in Los Angeles for a fixed term from 24 October 2022 to 23 October 2027. Tojkander’s profound knowledge of the fields of Finnish higher education and research was acknowledged in the explanatory statement. Her knowledge of the host country is based on research carried out in the United States as well as extensive international cooperation. She also has solid work experience in research and development.

The Team Finland Knowledge network is part of the implementation of the policies to bring a more international scope to higher education and research (2017), and it supports and accelerates the international character of higher education and research. The network also carries out country branding work to make Finland an attractive alternative for students, researchers and other experts. In addition, the network builds connections for sharing Finnish knowledge, expertise and educational innovations. The network’s higher education and science experts are based in Finnish missions abroad.

Inquiries:
-    Tiina Vihma-Purovaara, tel. +358 295 330 327
-    The TFK network