Maija Toivanen

I work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Frontiers of Arctic and Global Resilience research programme within the Geography Research Unit. My research focuses on geodiversity. I am particularly interested in integrating geodiversity into biodiversity research, nature conservation, and more broadly into various contexts within environmental research.

In my doctoral research, I developed GIS methods for the quantitative assessment of geodiversity across different scales. This work has produced, among other outcomes, a European-scale geodiversity dataset that enables the examination of geodiversity as part of biodiversity research. My expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) also plays a key role in the JUSTGREEN project, which investigates land-use justice in the context of the green transition. Previously, I have applied GIS methods in research on freshwater ecosystems, for example. In addition to my research, I regularly teach GIS methods.

Science communication is an important part of my work as a researcher. In 2023, I completed a Master of Arts degree in science communication, examining how researchers popularize their own science to wider audiences. I am also developing my university pedagogical competence as part of university pedagogy studies.