Management and coordination
Eva Pongracz, professor, University of Oulu, Project leader
I am a professor of energy systems and environmental engineering at the faculty of technology, university of Oulu. My research focuses on the energy and the green transition, reducing carbon emissions in energy system, smart homes and energy solutions, as well as demand response.
Heli Saarikoski, senior researcher, Finnish Environment Institute, Deputy leader of the Project, Director of WP6
I study public participation and the co-production of knowledge in advancing sustainability transitions.
Venla Riekkinen, Designer, Finnish Environment Institute
Interaction specialist of the project
My background is particularly in supporting municipal climate work through research, coordination, and communication. In the Flaire project, I am responsible for coordinating stakeholder collaboration and communications in collaboration with other partners and communications specialists.
Charles Der Boghossian, Doctoral researcher & Intermediate Coordinator, University of Oulu
I am a Doctoral Researcher in the field of energy and environmental technology at the University of Oulu. I have also started as intermediate coordinator at Flaire starting from September 2025.
University of Oulu
Maria Kopsakangas-Savolainen, professor
I am a professor of energy economics at the Oulu Business School and the Finnish Environment Institute. My research focuses on the functioning of energy markets, the effects of demand side flexibility on the electricity system, prices, and emissions, as well as electricity market regulation and issues related to consumer choices.
Sanna Tuomela, postdoctoral researcher
I study digital solutions for demand response and energy communities, with a particular focus on user interaction with technology. Additionally, I serve as the coordinator of the 6GESS project, which applies 6G technology to energy and health solutions.
Chao Ding, doctoral researcher
I am a PhD researcher in energy economics at the Oulu business school. I study household electricity consumption, with a particular focus on issues related to consumption flexibility.
Hannu Huuki, researcher
I am a doctoral researcher at the Oulu Business School
Hanna Holappa, Communication Specialist
Olen Oulun yliopiston vesi-, energia- ja ympäristötekniikan tutkimusyksikön viestintäasiantuntija. Flaire projektissa päävastuunani on verkkosivut ja niiden kehittäminen.
Adeleye Adetunji, Doctoral researcher
I am a doctoral researcher at the Water, Energy, and Environmental Research Unit, University of Oulu. My research applies quantitative methods to evaluate the value of demand-side flexibility in both households and the industrial sector. I focus on how electricity price volatility, policy, and energy market transitions shape the economic potential of flexibility solutions.
Finnish Environment Institute
Jani Lukkarinen, senior researcher, Director of WP4
As a senior researcher in sustainability transitions, I focus on environmental management issues ranging from household and neighborhood-level questions to challenges at the energy system and national levels. In my research, I utilize methods such as policy analysis, co-production of knowledge, and experimentation.
Enni Ruokamo senior researcher
I study the effects of information-based guidance and electricity prices on the timing of electricity consumption among households.
Hanna-Liisa Kangas, development manager
My research work focuses particularly on climate and energy policy in the construction sector and on new technologies.
Ulla Ala-Ketola, Communication Specialist
I work as a communication specialist at the Finnish Environment Institute. I'm involved in several research projects and networks relating to climate change mitigation.
University of Helsinki
Kaisa Matschoss, university researcher, Director of WP2
I work as a university researcher at the centre for consumer society research at the university of Helsinki. At the moment, my research focuses on the effects of the energy transition on the everyday lives of consumers and households. In the past, I have researched social practices to improve and reduce energy use, energy experiments and citizen participation in energy policy.
Outi Pitkänen, doctoral researcher
In FLAIRE, I use qualitative methods to study the flexibility of electricity use in households, paying special attention to energy vulnerability. I have previous research experience on the topic as my doctoral dissertation deals with the implementation of flexible electricity consumption in Norway from the perspectives of both innovation actors and households.
Suvi Silfvenius, Research Assistant
I assist in research related to demand side flexibility and energy vulnerability at Flaire. I am particularly interested in how geopolitical crises and the green transition affect energy consumption patterns and how the fairness of the transition can be taken into account. I am currently preparing a doctoral dissertation plan on energy fairness.
University of Turku
Maija Setälä, professor, Director of WP3
I work as a professor in the department of political science at the university of Turku. In the Flaire project, I coordinate a work package that examines the role of deliberative citizen discussions in energy policy decision-making and their potential impact on public debate."
Maija Jäske, senior researcher
I work as a senior researcher at the university of Turku. In the Flaire project, I study the possibilities and impacts of deliberative citizen discussions in energy policy decision-making and public debate."
Mikko Leino, senior researcher
I work as a senior researcher in the department of political science at the university of Turku. In the Flaire project, I am involved in organizing deliberative citizen discussions on energy policy, and I study the impacts of these discussions on participants, the wider public, and decision-making.
Mari Taskinen, Coordinator
I participate in the implementation of the project's communication and interaction on behalf of the University of Turku.
Toni Wessman, Project researcher
I am a project researcher at the University of Turku in the Department of Political Science. In the FLAIRE project, I study how citizen debates on energy policy can be used to develop the energy system.
Aalto University
Ilkka Keppo, professor, Director of WP5
Professor of energy systems, with a research focus on the development and use of energy system models and so-called integrated assessment models."
Behzad Zamanipour, doctoral researcher
I am a researcher in energy system modeling, focusing on pathways toward sustainable and clean energy systems.
Asghar Mohammad Tabar, doctoral Researcher
I am a researcher in energy economics, interested in data analysis to gain insights into customer preferences.
Yijie Su, doctoral researcher
I am focusing on energy system modeling, working towards a clean, efficient, and fossil-free energy system.
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