Statement “Bending, but not breaking”

“Bending, but not breaking – From the coronavirus pandemic to strengthening Finland’s crisis resilience” is a statement by a group of independent experts convened by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters.

In spring 2020, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters convened a multi-disciplinary group of experts to present their views on Finland’s crisis resilience based on the lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic crisis, with the goal of a strong and resilient Finland. The statement looks further into the future, rather than focusing on the short-term recovery from the current crisis.

This statement is an invitation to join the discussion, created based on the work done by the group and representing an independent scientific perspective.

The “Bending, but not breaking statement” invites us to discuss ways of improving crisis resilience at the individual, community and societal levels. There are many types of crises, and they cannot be overcome by following a single model. The most sustainable solution is a society that is able to adapt and strengthen its creative potential through the joint efforts of scientists, government and businesses.

Statement

in English / på engelska / englanniksi
Bending, but not breaking – From the coronavirus pandemic to strengthening Finland’s crisis resilience (.pdf)

in Swedish / på svenska / ruotsiksi
Böjs men brister inte – Från coronapandemi till att stärka Finlands kristålighet (.pdf)

in Finnish / på finska / suomeksi
Taipuu vaan ei taitu – Koronaedpidemiasta Suomen kriisinkestävyyden vahvistamiseen (.pdf)

Summary

Group of experts

The group of experts consisted of ten experienced scientists who are academics of science and recent presidents of the Academy. They represented a wide range of disciplines and have in-depth experience of interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in societal debate. The group was chaired by Anna Mauranen, the president of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. The group worked from June 2020 to January 2021.

Chair

Anna Mauranen
President of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, Professor Emerita of English at the University of Helsinki

Members

Eva-Mari Aro
Academician, Professor Emerita of Molecular Plant Biology, University of Turku 

Riitta Hari
Academician, Professor Emerita of Systems Neuroscience and Brain Imaging, Aalto University

Sirpa Jalkanen
Academician, Professor of Immunology, University of Turku

Markku Kulmala
Academician, Professor of Aerosol and Environmental Physics, University of Helsinki

Arto Mustajoki
Professor Emeritus of Russian Linguistics, University of Helsinki

Risto Nieminen
Academician, Professor Emeritus of Physics, Aalto University

Ilkka Niiniluoto
Academician, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Helsinki

Kari Raivio
Chancellor Emeritus, University of Helsinki

Jorma Sipilä
Professor Emeritus of Social Policy, University of Tampere

Kirsi Tirri
Professor of Education, the University of Helsinki

Secretaries

Pekka Aula
Secretary General of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters

Jaakko Kuosmanen
Academy secretary, Sofi (Science Advisory Initiative of Finland)

Rosa Rantanen
Science coordinator, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters