On December 17, 2024, the first director of the national LUMA Centre Finland was awarded the world’s first LUMA Science Ambassador recognition as thanks for her significant pioneering work in developing the network and LUMA activities since 2003, both in Finland and internationally. Prof. Aksela has developed and worked on a collaborative LUMA model. The model and its activities are described in the online book.
In 2013, she started collaboratively to build the national LUMA Centre Finland network of 11 universities and 13 centres. Prof. Aksela has been its first director between the years 2013–2025. At this stage, Prof. Aksela has chosen to step back from her role as director, transitioning into a supportive position while continuing her academic work. She will remain a full-time professor for up to five more years before retirement, dedicating 20% of her time to ongoing and new national and international LUMA initiatives. Additionally, she will support the newly appointed director, Professor Jan Lundell, who officially assumed the role on February 1, 2025.
Together we are more
For Aksela, the greatest gift is knowing that the important work of LUMA will continue in capable hands.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor for 21 years to serve and build operations alongside wonderful experts and partners in a community-driven and research-based way. Science belongs to everyone! Today’s children and young people are the creators of the future. It is essential to offer everyone the joy of discovery and success,” Aksela reflects.
“Gratitude is the overwhelming feeling in my heart today. A tremendous number of skilled individuals and organizations have contributed to the collaborative and research-based LUMA work worldwide. I also want to express my deep appreciation for teachers and highlight their invaluable role. Together, we have been able to build a future for young people. One of the greatest joys of my LUMA journey has been the strong sense of community and the incredible people. Together, we are more!” she concludes.
Active LUMA Work Since 2003
In 2003, Professor Maija Aksela began developing the first LUMA Center at the University of Helsinki to foster collaboration between universities, schools, kindergartens, businesses, and other societal actors. Her goal was to promote community learning and strengthen science education through cooperation. A detailed model of these activities is available in an open-access online book: Collaborative Science Education at the University of Helsinki since 2003: New Solutions and Pedagogical Innovations for Teaching from Early Childhood to Universities.
“The latest scientific research has been made accessible in various ways, ensuring that both educators and students benefit from meaningful interactions. Future innovators have incredible questions and ideas! Teachers play a crucial role—each educator influences learning for over a hundred years, first through their direct work and then through their students,” says Professor Aksela, whose passion for science education remains strong.
In 2010, Aksela established the National LUMA Advisory Board as a collaborative forum, bringing together dozens of organizations. Over the years, she has participated in 50 opening ceremonies of LUMA Centres, inaugurated 17 science classrooms, attended more than 150 board meetings, and contributed to LUMA activities across 30+ countries. Her impressive body of work includes over 400 publications and the supervision of numerous theses. In recognition of her contributions, she has received 18 prestigious awards, including the Nokia Award, Scientist of the Year, and a Teacher Award.
LUMA Centre Finland is part of the national STEM strategy and action program. The network has been entrusted with three national tasks by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Prof. Aksela has also led the national LUMA Suomi program, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which included 37 projects. She has directed several continuous learning programs for teachers, funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education, along with their associated online courses. Additionally, she founded the LUMAT Research Science Forum and the academic journal LUMAT.
Passion for Teacher Training, Research, and LUMA Development
Since joining the University of Helsinki in 1997, Professor Aksela has been deeply involved in teacher education, science education, and the development of innovative teaching methods. With an academic background spanning both natural sciences and educational sciences, she introduced a pioneering teacher education model in 2001, which was later integrated into LUMA activities. More details on this model are available here: LUMA Teacher Education Model.
One of her most successful innovations is LUMAlab Gadolin (formerly ChemistryLab Gadolin), launched in 2008. This initiative brings together the scientific community, teacher education, schools, and industry to create hands-on learning experiences. The model, highlighted in the lab’s 15th-anniversary publication, showcases how interdisciplinary collaboration enhances science education: ChemistryLab Gadolin | Science Education and Academic Outreach | University of Helsinki.
Future Makers in Hearts
As a parting gift to the LUMA community, Professor Aksela introduced the new LUMA Guide, which presents the network’s key models and activities. The guide, titled Oivaltamisen ja onnistumisen iloa yhdessä (in Finnish), encapsulates the essence of LUMA’s collaborative spirit. The significance of this work is highlighted in an article at the beginning of the guide, emphasizing the message: Future Makers at Heart.
You can watch Director Maija Aksela’s speech called LUMA today and in the future from the recording of the LUMA seminar held on December 17, 2024, available through this link (subtitled in English)
