Event Formats

Pitching competition 

Six finalists showcase their research and demonstrate how it solves crucial problems in their field. This year's theme is "The problems my research solves - and why it matters?" 

The finalists were selected through a rigorous Call for Speakers application process, which required them to submit a one-minute video and a brief overview of their research and personal motivation. The competition took place on the main stage of the event, with each contestant given three minutes to present their pitch to a distinguished jury. 

Our jury comprised some of the most respected professionals in the industry. These include Laura Lindeman, Senior Director and Head of Work in Finland Unit at Business Finland; Erkki Ahola, Director of New Technologies at Technology Industries of Finland (Teknologiateollisuus); Johanna Moisio, Executive Director at The Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (Tieteentekijöiden liitto); and Jarkko Virtanen, Vice President and Head of Marketing & Communications at CGI Finland, Poland & Baltics. 

The jury evaluated the pitches and allocated up to 6,000 euros to the most deserving contestant(s) as they see fit.

Live interviews  

Our media stage offers researchers a chance to be interviewed about their work in front of a live audience. Interviews are conducted by journalism students from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. There are three different themed stages:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Sustainability Matters

  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Panel discussions

Panel discussions are 30 minutes long and take place on the main stage. Moderators and panelists have been invited by the event organisers.  

Panel discussion 1: Problems of our time: How science helps societies to survive and succeed 

Panelists are senior scholars from a variety of Finnish Universities. 

Panel discussion 2: How to better include international academics and experts in the Finnish public debate and decision-making? 

Panelists are stakeholders from media, research funding, business and the ministry of education.

Dean Challenge

The event starts off by introducing the Dean Team and announcing the "Dean Challenge," which focuses on the impact of foreign researchers on Finnish public debate and their role and visibility in the country. During this challenge, the deans develop three suggestions to be presented to panel number 2, which comprises stakeholders and decision-makers. The panel discussion involve a thorough analysis of these suggestions.

The members of the Dean Team have been invited by the event organizers and will be supporting the event pro-bono.

Science Theater 

The Science Theater is a more intimate space for a number of invited academics to talk about their work under the common theme: “My research topic and I”.

There were four talks with each speaker having 10 minutes for their talk and 10 minutes for interaction with the audience. The speakers can choose to show 1-3 pictures during their talk - no graphs or texts.

Speakers for this format have been invited in collaboration with the dean team and organisers. 

Networking party 

Science Night LIVE! at Heureka is a great opportunity to network and make new connections. The final 45 minutes of the event were dedicated to a networking party where speakers, hosts and members of the audience were welcome to make new friends and connections.