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The vicious circles of poverty and violence

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In their doctoral theses, Mohammad Jasmin Uddin and Laila Ashrafun debate the influence of micro-credits on female poverty, and mechanisms of domestic violence against women in Bangladesh. “Poverty does not belong in civilized human society. Its proper place is in a museum, and that's where it will be”.

Meet the Chancellor Candidates

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A new Chancellor will be appointed for the University of Helsinki next week.A new Chancellor will be appointed for the University of Helsinki this spring, as the five-year term of the present Chancellor Ilkka Niiniluoto comes to an end. Applications for the position were submitted by Marja Makarow, Vice President for Research at the Academy of Finland, and Thomas Wilhelmsson, the present Rector of the University.

Message travels in the plant cytoplasm, but how?

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All the cells in a plant are connected with each other by means of thin cytoplasmic threads. Academy professor Yrjö Helariutta is determined to find out what kind of messages the cytoplasm delivers to the roots and how this signaling is mediated. Yrjö Helariutta studies plants and tries to find out how the roots receive information from neighbouring cells, for example, or from the whole plant itself.

Thomas Wilhelmsson appointed Chancellor of the University of Helsinki

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The University Collegium has appointed Rector, Doctor of Laws Thomas Wilhelmsson, 63, to the position of Chancellor of the University of Helsinki. His term will be June 1st 2013 – September 30th 2017.Doctor of Laws Thomas Wilhelmsson has served most of his professional career at the University of Helsinki.

What are stereoisomers?

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The scent of citrus and that of pine resin are stereoisomers – their chemical structure is similar. A tiny structural difference has a profound impact on our sensory experience.Kristiina Wähälä, Professor of organic chemistry, explains stereoisomerism.Stereoisomers are compounds which share a molecular formula and chemical bonds, but differ in their spatial structure.

From the surface to the core of Euroscepticism

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The Estonian political scientist Katri Vallaste investigates in her doctorate how Euroscepticism is constructed by Finnish, Estonian and Swedish media, and how it is perceived from inside sceptics’ circles. “Many researchers concerned with Euroscepticism ask: ‘Where does it come from, and how do we get rid of it?’ states Katri Vallaste.

Vulnerable efficiency

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Called into life by the American Dana Foundation in 1996, Brain Awareness Week (BAW) activities span around the globe today. The aim is to familiarise people with the latest research into the most astonishing human organ.There is almost nothing as complex in the universe as the human brain, and its capabilities are nearly inexhaustible.

Multilingualism as a challenge to universities

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How do the increasingly international activities of universities affect the status of national languages?As the use of English continues to spread in Finnish universities, concerns have been raised about it threatening the status of Finnish and Swedish as languages of science and education.

Government plans raise concerns

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The University and the entire academic community will soon know more about the future of university funding and student financial aid, following the Finnish Government’s spending limits discussion on 21 March. Related to this, students will stage a mass demonstration on Wednesday.

Theoretical input into political debate

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Professor of Urban Geography Mari Vaattovaara, the recipient of this year’s J.V. Snellman Award, aims to conduct socially relevant research. The J.V. Snellman Award will be presented in conjunction with the University’s anniversary celebration on 26 March for outstanding efforts to disseminate scholarly knowledge.

One year lasts a lifetime

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University of Helsinki’s student Cecilia Wester is this year’s Brittingham Scholarship awardee.“If you have ever even thought about going abroad, I highly recommend it” suggests Cecilia Wester, final year Social Work Master’s student. Of course it is hard to leave everyone and everything you love behind, but I can guarantee that you will not regret it!”Only one whole year Brittingham Scholarship is awarded to a Finnish student annually; this year it is Cecilia Wester.

On foreign ground

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Tropical problems are best resolved in the tropics, says Kristina Lindström, professor in sustainable development.Many of us first associate Ethiopia with famine, which is not wholly unfounded, as much of the country’s land has been consumed and worn away by erosion.“Lots of people and cattle, small plots for cultivation and overgrazing of common land,” says Kristina Lindström, the newly appointed professor in sustainable development, reeling off reasons for the country’s problems.

Helsinki Think Company promotes academic entrepreneurship

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Helsinki Think Company, recently opened at Vuorikatu 5, is a city-centre forum for new entrepreneurial activities. It is a communal workspace where students, researchers and entrepreneurially minded individuals can build networks.Helsinki Think Company promotes a new form of entrepreneurial community and academic entrepreneurship, incorporating academic knowledge, social issues and profitable business activities.

Over 26,000 applications to the University of Helsinki

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In the spring 2013 joint application, the University of Helsinki received 26 632 applications, up 1,500 from 2012. The biggest rise in the number of applicants was recorded by the Faculty of Theology. In the recently ended main admissions process, the Faculty of Theology received 782 applications compared to last year’s 619.

Managing forests – managing climate?

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Researchers, students, politicians and business representatives discuss the influence of forest management on climate change at the ongoing HENVI Science Days.It is a well-known fact that mitigating climate change means the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Another well-known, but often neglected, phenomenon is that carbon dioxide is effectively bound by green plants through photosynthesis and eventually stored in biomass.

Why does everyone like John Irving?

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On Friday, 19 April, an unusually large number of people will have the opportunity to meet an author important to them when John Irving reads excerpts from his latest novel In One Person and answers audience questions at the University of Helsinki. The popularity of this North American author is extraordinary.

University of Helsinki to have four doctoral schools

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The University of Helsinki wishes to improve doctoral education and enhance its international visibility by establishing four doctoral schools. The University will introduce a doctoral education system consisting of four doctoral schools at the beginning of 2014. The objective is to improve doctoral education and enhance its international visibility.

Plants and microbes cooperate to clean up contaminated soil

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It is expensive to clean up soil drenched in chemicals, but plants can do part of the work in collaboration with microbes. Microbe-based phytoremediation is gradually making inroads into Finland. Finland has no shortage of sites that were formerly home to a wood impregnation plant, foundry or landfill.

Nine applicants for the position of rector of the University of Helsinki

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The Board of the University shall select the rector for a fixed term of no more than five years in its meeting on 12 June. The following nine people applied for the position of rector of the University of Helsinki by the deadline: Doctor of Philosophy Ulla-Maija Forsberg, 52, is professor of Finno-Ugrian language studies at the University of Helsinki.

Microcredits no shortcut to happiness

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The importance of microcredits in reducing poverty among women in developing countries has been exaggerated.“Microcredits should not be marketed as a panacea for development. They are connected to other livelihood strategies targeting women, plus they cannot replace traditional aid to developing countries,” says Johanna Hietalahti, Master of Social Sciences.
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