Alexandra Has Cracked the Code on Science Diplomacy

Alexandra Middleton, Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance at Oulu Business School, has devoted her career to sustainability research.

Born in Murmansk, with parents working in the Russian Arctic, she has always had an interest in and fondness for the Arctic, which now has come to define her career.

"The Arctic is so multifaceted," she says. "You never get bored."

Sustainability in business

In her 20s, Alexandra moved to Finland to pursue a master's degree in financial and management accounting at the University of Oulu and eventually a PhD in economics.

The researcher says that she has always had an interest in sustainability, even before the term 'became mainstream.'

"In 2010, my PhD included an article on the value of environmental impact for investors. I was collecting data to see whether international investors valued the companies that have better environmental performance," she says, adding:

"This passion for sustainability in business and ethical and responsible business is a common thread through all of my research."

The appeal of Finland

The researcher's stay in Finland started with her education, but the country has now become her home.

She says the appeal of Finland lies in its quality of life.

"Finland has a high quality of life, stability, and trust in institutions. I can really trust the police here, for example. Everything seems to work smoothly here. It feels like your decision matters here, as well."

The researcher also has a family in Finland, which has further cemented her fondness for Finland.

"I think it is a really good environment here for kids. It's close to nature, the children are encouraged to be active, and they have free lunch and proper breaks," says Alexandra.

Thus, staying in Finland has been both a personal and professional choice. 

Science diplomacy through the EU

Alexandra's work gains recognition beyond academia, largely due to her consistent efforts to communicate her science to the general public.

She writes op-eds, gives lectures, and participates in debates and interviews. She makes sure to provide more 'digestible' versions of her research to make it available to the public, and she has also written a book about the Arctic in plain language.

"I haven't always been this focused on science diplomacy and communication. There is a pressure to excel in academia, to have this stack of publications," says Alexandra, and explains that her journey started with an EU project on science diplomacy, in which she had funds to travel and speak about her research at conferences and with policy-makers and diplomats. 

"I try to communicate in an accessible way. If all you do is publish scientific articles, they tend to be undiscovered, and it feels like you're only talking to your peers. But if I use more understandable language or make videos, for example, then I am creating awareness and sharing information in a more accessible way."

The researcher also publishes a bi-weekly newsletter on LinkedIn titled Arctic Highlights, in which she strives to showcase the complexity and diversity that exists within the Arctic region.

"I started the newsletter because the Arctic became quite covered in international news. And there were so many misunderstandings with views from the South and from the capitals. There were so many inconsistencies and myths about the Arctic that were repeated over and over."

"I thought I should start the newsletter to balance the narrative about the Arctic and to provide real knowledge about the region," she says.

Communication is a side quest

Yet, science communication is not necessarily what gets you furthest within academia. Alexandra calls it a side job.

"You either feel it as part of your identity as a researcher, or you don't. Or you can cultivate it if you feel that research is worth being heard and that it can make a difference for Arctic communities and people," she says, and continues:

"It's like a side job in a sense. You are not promoted on the academic career ladder based on how good a science communicator you are."

She says publications still hold the greatest value for those who want to advance in academia.

Cooperative projects to be proud of

Alexandra says she is most proud of some of the large-scale cooperative projects she has been part of.

"It has been nice to be part of the Arctic Business Index project from the very beginning. The project is one of the most influential projects that digs deep into regional developments and showcases how people live here, based both on demographics and economics, but also some environmental indicators," she says, and continues:

"It has been endorsed by the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group, meaning that it has gained a lot of recognition and importance. It is hard to get included on that level with Arctic Council working groups."

She also highlights the Fulbright Arctic Initiative, an interdisciplinary collaborative research effort focused on the Arctic region. 

The project focuses on three themes: Climate Change and Arctic Resources, Arctic Security and Governance, and Mental Health and Well-Being. Alexandra is part of the Arctic Resources group.

"We have been working on a white paper, and we are finalizing a policy brief on critical minerals in the Arctic that we will present at the Arctic Encounter conference in Alaska in April."

She adds that, in general, the Arctic research community is very welcoming and close-knit and that cooperation comes easily.

"If I need anything, it is so easy cooperate across borders," she underscores.

The ultimate goal

Finally, the researcher says she hopes her research can contribute to vibrant communities in the Arctic.

"The ultimate goal would be to contribute to securing vibrant and liveable Arctic communities and cities, and that we continue to be in harmony with nature and not be overly industrialized, while also living comfortable lives with access to culture, sports, travel, and so on."

"We want to have vibrant communities, but not overly affected by industries such as tourism. When something becomes too prominent in the economic mix, it becomes imbalanced."

"We need to study the real impact of the industries that come to the Arctic, like data centers, both economically and socially," Alexandra concludes.