Working group for the coordination of the Government's research activities

The working group for the coordination of the Government’s research activities is a body that facilitates cooperation and exchange of information between the ministries. Through its work, the working group aims to strengthen the cross-sectoral oversight of research activities, improve the knowledge base for decision-making and develop approaches for communicating research data for use in preparation and decision-making processes. 

The working group acts as a contracting group for the joint research activities of the Government and its ministries and serves as a transmitter of research data between ministries and a forum for communication.

The working group also cooperates with other parties that disseminate, finance and produce research data. The working group consults with experts and organises hearings and other events needed to support its work and foster dialogue.

The members of the working group are responsible for coordinating the Government’s research processes and submitting prioritised proposals on information needs to the Prime Minister’s Office. The members of the working group promote cooperation between ministries in identifying information needs and coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Government’s research plan and the achievement of its objectives. The members of the working group are also responsible for transmitting research-based information to decision-makers in their respective ministries and branches of government.

The working group was appointed by the Prime Minister's Office for a term ending on 31 December 2027 and has members from all ministries. The term of the working group is assessed by the Prime Minister’s Office on an annual basis. If necessary, fixed-term sub-groups may also be appointed by decision of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Composition of the working group (email addresses: [email protected])

The working group for the coordination of the Government’s research activities liaises with other bodies that use, finance and produce research data.

Chair

Jouni Varanka, Ministerial Adviser, Prime Minister’s Office

Vice Chair

Sari Löytökorpi, Secretary General, Prime Minister’s Office

Members

Maria Ågren, Counsellor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, deputy member Veera Laine, Senior Researcher, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Panu Artemjeff, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Justice
Eeva Koivunen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Interior, deputy member Leena Seitovirta, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Interior
Ville Elo, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Defence, deputy member Marikaisa Tiilikainen, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Defence
Tuomas Laiho, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Finance, deputy member Olli Kärkkäinen, Strategy and Research Director, Ministry of Finance
Aleksi Kalenius, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, deputy member Ilmari Hyvönen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture
Elina Nikkola, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Tuire Valkonen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Transport and Communications, deputy member Saara Rantataro, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Transport and Communications
Johanna Alatalo, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, deputy member Tiina Salminen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Kati Takaluoma, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, deputy member Oskar Vuorinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Laura Höijer, Research Director, Ministry of the Environment, deputy member Juha-Pekka Maijala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of the Environment

Secretariat of the working group

Sari Löytökorpi, Secretary General, Chief Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 187, [email protected]
Risto Alatarvas, Expert Secretary, Senior Specialist, Prime Minister’s Office, tel. +358 295 160 024, [email protected]