Sami Sopanen
At work, I support researchers and other JYU staff in the preparation of project and funding applications as a part of the team at Research and Innovation Services (RIS). My job as a research funding advisor is varied, because my job description is broad, and it focuses on Pillars II and III of Horizon Europe applications, structural funds and the funding options of Business Finland. In addition to these, I am involved in various working groups and networks related to societal impact.
I feel that my work community effortlessly combines highly experienced experts with a warm atmosphere. I have great colleagues, who for their part help to create a balanced working environment as well as a fantastic opportunity to collaborate extensively both within the University as well as in external networks.
From regional development to research funding
Most things in my career so far have been related to regional development. In 2018, I graduated with a master’s degree in social sciences from the University of Eastern Finland, and my studies focused especially on regional development and environmental impact. Before moving to Jyväskylä, I worked as a project manager in a project developing innovation ecosystems in different regional cities and also in my hometown Savonlinna.
I have also worked as a researcher for Tampere University at the University Consortium of Seinäjoki, so I’m familiar with the academic world. Having seen the roles of both companies and universities in RDI activities benefits my current role greatly, as does having experience with how research knowledge is applied in practice to benefit regional business life and society.
I applied for the position of a research funding advisor at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ because I felt that my slightly unique competence profile and practical experience on project implementation and funding applications could serve the University’s goals very well. I also believed that at JYU I could strengthen my know-how and capabilities as well as learn a lot of new things in our team, which consists of highly experienced experts.
More targeted social impact
Our staff at the Research and Innovation Services (RIS) is often asked to provide insight into the effectiveness or commercialization of applications. Sometimes researchers contact us concerning their project plan because they want to know if there would be a suitable funding option for it.
The societal impact of research could potentially be improved by involving actors other than universities, such as companies in RDI projects, perhaps already in the preparation phase. Consequently, the project consortium would be more of a value chain than a cluster of universities. This way, the project activities could correspond more precisely to the needs of companies and the surrounding society.
I am part of the coordination group of the continuous learning of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and RDI which was founded by our vice rector for societal interaction, Pasi Raiskinmäki. Our goal is to be a university with even more societal impact, that is, we look for business partnerships and meet the training needs of companies. The cooperation activities could practically mean skillful workforce and knowledge to generate new innovations. I believe this is essential for increasing the vitality of the Central Finland region.
Jyväskylä is centrally located
I have lived in Jyväskylä due to work only under a year, but in my experience so far, the city has everything you need. Originally, I wanted to study here, so that is why Jyväskylä stuck in my mind. The city is also conveniently very centrally located with good connections.
The best thing about the city is the long recreational path around Lake Jyväsjärvi along with the harbour area. I often go to spend time at the local coffee shops and to the sauna and restaurant venue Viilu.
