Minna Kaljonen

Background

About Minna Kaljonen

As a research professor I am responsible of developing and leading inter- and transdisciplinary research on just sustainability transitions at the Finnish Environment Institute. I study how policies can trigger, support or hinder sustainability transitions, with specific focus on food systems. I work closely with practitioners and policy makers in finding solutions to systemic challenges of our time. My heart beats for pragmatic critical social science and development of more sustainable food systems, from plate to fields. I am a member of Expert Panel for Sustainable Development in Finland. I have given policy-support for European Environment Agency topics related to EU food policy, sustainable food systems and just transitions. In Finland I collaborate actively with policymakers and practitioners to support the use of research in the development of policy and practice. I am currently a member of working group supporting the planning of long-term food strategy in Finland (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry). I have published 60 peer-reviewed articles and over 110 other scientific and professional publications and circa 50 publications intended for general public linked to my research, several videos, pod casts, art works popularising research. I act as an editor for Sustainability Science and have acted as a guest editor for Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. I am the leader of the Nordic-Baltic Food Systems Research Network, which organized its 1st conference and policy forum in Helsinki May 2025.