President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö granted the titles at a presidential session March 10, 2017. The letters of appointment will be presented to the new Academicians at a ceremony to be held in Helsinki on 16 March.
Based on nominations made by the Academy of Finland, the President of the Republic of Finland may confer the honorary title of Academician of Science to highly distinguished Finnish scientists and scholars. The title can be held by no more than sixteen people at a time.
Academy Professor Eva-Mari Aro has been Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Turku since 1998. Aro’s area of specialty is plant molecular biology. She has introduced a whole new area of strength of photosynthesis research into the Finnish scientific landscape. At the same time, her laboratory has grown into one of the world’s premier centres of photosynthesis research. More information see home page of the Academy of Finland
Academy Professor Markku Kulmala is the world’s leading expert in the physics and chemistry of atmospheric aerosols. He conducts research at the forefront of international efforts to significantly increase our understanding of the mechanisms of climate change, creating new opportunities to reduce the pace of climate change and mitigate its effects. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of a new field of research that explores the interactions between ecosystems and the atmosphere. His integrative approach in particular has significantly reshaped established research environments and structures. More information see home page of the Academy of Finland
Professor Emeritus Ilkka Niiniluoto has had a prestigious career in the Finnish scientific and academic community. As a philosopher, he is the author of a number of works on the nature of science and scientific reasoning. During his extensive career he has also had a forceful and versatile role in society and public debate, actively engaging in university reforms and discussions, for instance. Niiniluoto’s unswerving analytical approach, even when it comes to difficult issues, has made him a very esteemed figure in science and research. More information see the home page of Academy of Finland