Maija Mattila, D.Soc.Sc., started as Senior Adviser for the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers at the end of October. She will serve in the position for the extent of Miia Ijäs-Idrobo’s parental leave until the end of March 2023.
Maija came to FUURT from Kalevi Sorsa Foundation, where she was a Project Manager. She has also worked as a doctoral candidate at Tampere University, an assistant to an MP and a student union’s secretary for educational affairs.
Maija also has extensive experience in questions related to the advocacy of academic work. She has been a shop steward, President of the Tampere University Association of Researchers and Teachers Tatte, deputy member of the FUURT Board as well as a member of the Tampere University collegium and board.
“I consider it extremely important that the prerequisites for free science are improved. Without academics, we would not have high-quality academic research and education that create mental and material progress”, she states.
Maija will take part in the advocacy work for higher education and science policy on the national level, within the Akava community and as a support person for members. Her tasks also include counselling for grant recipients and international members, salary counselling and international co-operation. You can reach her by email at maija.mattila(at)tieteentekijat.fi and by phone at +358 (0)207 589 618.