Aleksi Lehtonen was appointed as a Research Professor

Associate Professor Aleksi Lehtonen was appointed as a Research Professor for a five-year tenure in the field of Carbon Dynamics in Forest Bioeconomy, in Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). Lehtonen started in his new position in Luke’s bioeconomy and environment -unit (BITA) on the 1st of September 2022.

Before being appointed as a Research Professor, Lehtonen worked as an Associate Professor in Luke, also in the field of carbon dynamics in forest bioeconomy. The focus of his work was, among other things, on carbon dynamics of forests and on climate impacts of forestry, as well as measures to mitigate climate change in the land use sector.

Lehtonen is happy for his new position.

– I’m feeling positive due to the appointment. The first month has gone by swiftly while working on the Horizon-project HoliSoils. In HoliSoils, we research holistic soil management practices, including modelling and monitoring for forest soils. I have also been commenting funding applications and writing a research article, so normal researcher work, Lehtonen comments on his first month in his new position.

At the moment Lehtonen focuses on the greenhouse gas effects of different forest management methods and on climate change mitigation in the land use sector. Even though the new job description is similar to his previous position, there are new challenges as well.

– For example, now I have the leading responsibility of the horizon project HoliSoils, which was launched about 1,5 years ago, Lehtonen says. Horizon-projects are internationally cooperative research and innovation projects funded by EU’s Horizon 2020 -program.

Looking into the future, Lehtonen has these projects in mind.  

– I’m looking forward to interesting research projects, which are supported by excellent research infrastructures, for example continuous greenhouse gas measurements in our field sites and Luke’s isotope laboratory. Up-to-date research infrastructure enables better understanding of ecosystems’ processes, and it also facilitates the development of ecosystem models, Lehtonen says.

Research Professors are in key positions for the scientific expertise and international visibility and effectiveness of Luke. The aim is to ensure top-level research in Luke’s strategic fields, as well as applicability of research in business.