Professor Esa Väliverronen has been awarded the Pro Scientia – Tieteen puolesta prize by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, recognising his determined, visible, and impactful advocacy for science. According to the award citation, he has consistently and courageously advanced the role of science in society through his work as a researcher, public speaker, educator, and commentator on scientific policy.
The Pro Scientia prize is awarded to an advocate of science, a person or other instance that has significantly promoted the position of science in society. The prize in the amount of €10 000 is awarded every other year by the Finnish Academy of Letters and Sciences.
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Väliverronen has become a key figure in Finnish science communication and the interaction between researchers and society. By blending insights from scientific research and media studies, he highlights how researchers contribute to democracy and public discussion. He has helped increase understanding and trust in science and has set an example of how researchers can build bridges between science and society.
Väliverronen is an engaged contributor to public discourse, regularly participating in discussions concerning science and expertise. He authors articles that advocate for academic freedom.
“Science depends on the freedom of research. Researchers must be allowed to explore, experiment and make mistakes. Only then can science best progress”, Väliverronen points out.
He has enhanced public understanding of science and the credibility of knowledge at a time when society demands a more profound comprehension of science’s role. Väliverronen has also contributed to several Science Barometers.
His contributions as an educator reflect the significant impact of his work. As a Professor of Communications at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Väliverronen has spent decades preparing new generations of researchers to engage with issues related to publicity, reliability, and openness of knowledge.
The prize was awarded at the Night of Science of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters on Monday November 10th at the House of Nobility in Helsinki.