Exploring atmospheric science in the heart of Finland

At the University of Oulu, I am a part of the Center for Atmospheric Research (ATMOS), which has a long-standing connection with the University of Helsinki through the Atmosphere-Biosphere Studies (ABS) network. Many of my colleagues, including my supervisor, Professor Nønne Prisle, has attended this summer school. Listening to their stories over the years made me eager to experience it for myself, and now I see why they spoke so highly of it.

Hyytiälä: a forest that breathes science

Hyytiälä Forest Station, located in Juupajoki, is like no place I have ever been before. It is a living, breathing laboratory where every part of the ecosystem is studied. It is also home to the Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations (SMEAR II), a renowned research site in the atmospheric science community. Rising 128 meters above the forest, SMEAR II is the tallest measuring station in any forest anywhere, and collects all kinds of data: greenhouse gases, aerosols, soil moisture, even how trees interact with the atmosphere. It has been doing this for nearly 30 years, and the data it provides is crucial for understanding climate change and air quality.

One of the things I loved most about Hyytiälä was how deeply connected it is to its surroundings. For ten days, I lived in this beautiful 62-year-old Scots pine forest, surrounded by nothing but nature. It was the perfect place to focus on learning, and it constantly reminded me why we do this work: to understand and protect these natural systems.

And it wasn’t just about science! One afternoon, a few of us decided to take a break and do something very Finnish – berry picking and mushroom hunting. The forest floor was alive with tiny blue treasures, which we picked by the bucketful. As we wandered further, we stumbled upon golden chanterelle mushrooms. Later that evening, we snacked on the mushrooms and berries while playing board games. It was such a simple, joyful way to connect with both nature and each other. Moments like these made me appreciate not only the science but also the life and traditions of the forest itself.

Learning and growing as a researcher

The summer school itself was a whirlwind of learning. The lectures covered everything from how tiny particles form in the atmosphere to large-scale climate models. It was intense, but also fascinating. The hands-on exercises were even better as we got to work with real data from SMEAR II, which made everything we learned feel immediate and practical. Seeing the instruments up close, including how they are maintained to ensure such high-quality data, was eye-opening. It gave me a new appreciation for the effort that goes into creating the datasets we often take for granted as researchers.

After a full day of lectures and practical work, there was always time to unwind. Evenings often ended with a sauna (a true Finnish tradition!) followed by a dip in the lake. One evening, I brought a cup of tea with me to the pier and just sat there, watching the sunset. The water was perfectly still, reflecting the glowing sky in shades of orange and pink. Everything was so quiet and peaceful, it felt magical, like time had stopped. It reminded me that this experience wasn’t just about academic growth, it was also about finding balance and joy in the process.

A professional and personal milestone

Attending the summer school was a huge step forward for me. It wasn’t just about expanding my knowledge of atmospheric science, it was about being part of a global community of researchers who are just as passionate about understanding our planet as I am. The friendships I made, the collaborations we started, and the ideas we shared are things I will carry with me throughout my career.

I am especially grateful to the University of Oulu Graduate School for making this experience possible and to my supervisor, Professor Nønne Prisle, for her support and encouragement. It felt amazing to follow in her footsteps, as well as those of the many ATMOS researchers who came before me.

For anyone thinking about a career in atmospheric sciences, I can’t recommend this summer school enough. Hyytiälä isn’t just a place to learn – it’s a place where science, nature, and community come together. I left with new skills, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. I cannot wait to apply what I have learned and continue contributing to this incredible field.