Finnish researchers face pressure from forestry industry and authorities over academic freedom

Many Finnish forestry researchers report experiencing inappropriate pressure in their work. This pressure comes from companies, lobbying organizations within the forestry sector, and even governmental authorities. Various researchers, interviewed by Yle, have expressed concerns that this pressure affects how and about what they can safely speak.

The discussions around this issue highlight that if researchers do not support the perspective of the forestry industry, their work may be labeled as biased. Kaisa Raitio, a professor of environmental communication and conflict researcher, noted that this creates a dichotomy where one is either for the industry or against it.

The issue was highlighted by Tapio Määttä, the rector of the University of Eastern Finland, who recounted experiences where representatives of the forestry sector attempted to silence researchers by directly contacting university leadership – a practice dating back 20 years. While Määttä acknowledges that most communications are constructive, he also recognizes instances of attempts to stifle researcher voices, indicating a misunderstanding of academic freedom.

Raitio, who faced severe criticism during her doctoral research, believes scrutiny of powerful industry players should not be problematic. She emphasizes the need for researchers to openly share such experiences to protect the integrity of their work.

Additionally, Janne Kotiaho, chairman of Finland’s Nature Panel, reflects on facing pressure from authorities, stating that false claims often challenge researchers during discussions, thereby creating an atmosphere that can lead to resignation from important societal conversations.

The forestry sector’s sensitivities around critique have led to some researchers feeling hesitant to engage in public discourse, fearing that even minor changes to established practices might threaten the economic foundations of forestry.