New expertise for green transition projects

Kujala holds a Master's degree in Cultural Anthropology and has complemented her studies with courses in sustainable development. Before taking up her current role, she worked in the third sector on issues related to social sustainability, particularly equality and the inclusion of minority groups.

"I wanted to broaden my expertise in green transition issues and develop my project management skills. SYKLI's training programme offered an excellent opportunity to do so," she says.

Her work at OBS has focused on project planning, where she has been able to draw on her background in cultural anthropology. During the remainder of the year, Kujala aims to become more closely involved in the activities of the H2Go Investigate project.

Support and learning through mentoring

Moving into a new working environment has provided an opportunity to learn both about green hydrogen and academic project work. Mentoring has played an important role in supporting her development: she is mentored by Senior Research Fellow and Adjunct Professor Mari Juntunen from the Unit of Marketing, Management and International Business.

"Noora has already brought valuable expertise to our interdisciplinary hydrogen research. I am very much looking forward to her future contribution to the H2Go Investigate project," says Juntunen.

"Project planning was already familiar to me, but the hydrogen-related operating environment was entirely new. Whenever questions have arisen, I have always received support and guidance very quickly," Noora explains.

Themes related to sustainable development were already familiar to her from previous studies and a higher education internship focusing on the United Nations' Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals:

"It was interesting to revisit these themes and see how the discussion and practices have evolved over recent years."

Her work at OBS will continue this autumn in the role of Project Researcher within the H2Go Investigate project, where she will be involved in preparing workshops and other stakeholder engagement activities.