NEWSLETTER 4/2020

1. FUURT:s campaign: Why not permanent?”

Did you already notice FUURT:s campaign: ”Why not permanent?” Read more on:

https://tieteentekijat.fi/en/whynotpermanent/

The campaign seeks to address the situation of researchers with repeated temporary contracts at the universities, and looks for answers to how one could improve the present situation.

 

2. Invitation to FfÅA Autumn assembly

The members of FfÅA are invited to the FfÅA Autumn assembly on 17.11 at 18:00 at restaurant Tårget, Slottsgatan 3a.
Notify ffaasekreterare@abo.fi by 16.11 at 3PM if you will attend, and specify any special diets.

At the Autum assembly we will make decisions about statutory cases. Please also note that we also treat a suggestion for a statutory change that was initiated during the Spring Assembly, namely a proposition to change the statutes regarding the possibility of holding meetings virtually in extraordinary cases like these. A statutory change has to be accepted at two succeeding meetings to step into force.

FfÅA seek representatives from all faculties and personnel groups for the board. If you know of a good candidate or you are interested in a position yourself, please get in contact with us (ffaaordforande@abo.fi) or come to the Autumn assembly. We are especially looking for doctoral candidates!

3. Funding for History of the association

FfÅA turns 60 years in 2021. The association is now looking for a researcher that would be interested in writing the History of the association. We have four months of funding for Spring 2021. Please get in contact with chairperson Anna Törnroos-Remes, ffaaordforande@abo.fi for details.

 

4. Vote for Mira Karrasch for the university board


FfÅA supports akademilektor in psychology Mira Karrash in the election to ÅAU:s board. This is what Mira has to say about herself:

Why do I want to participate in the work of the University Board?

The University Board’s task is to make decisions on issues concerning the strategy, operations and finances, and to ensure that the operational management follows the strategy of ÅA as well as decisions made by the University Board. The strategy for 2021-2030 states that ÅA aims to be the workplace of the future. To achieve this, one must ensure that the staff not only cope with the challenges posed by constant change, but also thrive. As a psychologist, I have insights into how different organizational structures, data systems and working methods can affect people’s well-being, cognitive functioning and workload.

Themes that I see as important in the board work are:

  1. Maintaining cohesion and counteracting internal divisions within ÅA
  • between faculties and units
  • between administration and teaching / research
  1. Focus on getting more applicants to ÅA – a sufficiently high number of applicants is a prerequisite for a successful university
  • more Finnish-speaking and Nordic applicants
  1. Ensure research opportunities for the teaching staff and career opportunities for all employees
  2. Transparency in the internal distribution of resources
  3. Improve the academic community’s opportunities to influence and obtain information about operational decisions
  4. Improve procurement and choice of data systems with a focus on user-friendliness
Who am I? 

I’ve worked at ÅA since the year 2000, as an assistant, in various teaching and research positions, from 2008 as Senior Lecturer. I’ve also worked as a censor at the Finnish Matriculation Examination Board, as textbook author and as a privately practicing neuropsychologist (which I continue to do as a side job). Within ÅA, I’ve participated in various development work and held many positions of trust (Faculty Council, ÅA’s Board 2016-2017). I’m also vice chairman of YLL-ÅA (lecturers’ association at ÅA) and have represented this association in ÅA’s evaluation group for many years.

My research has focused on neurocognitive aspects of neurological diseases (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease). In recent years, I have also become interested in mental problems such as anxiety,

depression and fatigue, and how psychotropic drugs affect cognitive function and care prognosis. My publications are available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mira_Karrasch.

I’ve always liked teaching and considered that teaching efforts should be valued higher within the university community. I’ve held a lot of courses, seminars and guest lectures at ÅA and other Finnish universities, as well as for foundations, associations and companies. I was awarded the Åbo Akademi University Teacher’s Prize in 2007.”