A RESEARCH STAY THAT OPENS DOORS

"A research stay that opens doors"
Clémence's INVEST mobility experience at Karelia University of Applied Sciences

Clémence Dedinger is a postdoctoral researcher working at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) since September 2025, within the CRIEG-REGARDS team. As an ecological economist, her research focuses on ecological transition, with a particular interest in governance and institutional dimensions. She is currently leading a research project funded by the jJunior Professor Chair in Ecological Transition Economics and Bioeconomy. This project took her all the way to North Karelia, Finland, to study ecological restoration processes. It was also her very first research experience abroad.

First connection with Karelia University of Applied Sciences

The link was built through the INVEST alliance. Clémence had no prior connection to the institution but her scientific supervisor, Julien Vastenaekels, was already involved in the development of the INVEST Centre of Excellence as Cluster 6 Principal Investigator, and in an Erasmus Mundus Design Measures programme between URCA and Karelia UAS. When discussions about her postdoc began, this partnership naturally emerged as an ideal opportunity to develop a research project centred on North Karelia. The summer before her stay, they met Lasse Okkonen, a researcher at Karelia UAS, to better understand the region's challenges and identify relevant research questions. The project was also developed in collaboration with the North Karelia Biosphere Reserve, whose coordinator helped them grasp the local context and connect with key stakeholders.

A month in Joensuu - fieldwork at the edge of Finland

In April 2026, Clémence spent a month in Joensuu, in the far east of Finland, a journey she made by train and boat, which was in itself a memorable adventure. The duration proved ideal for her research objectives. Her main focus was fieldwork on the governance of ecological restoration: she conducted around fifteen semi-structured interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, environmental NGOs, local residents, and hunters. She also had the opportunity to give a guest lecture at Karelia UAS on ecological economics and her ongoing research in North Karelia.

Professional and personal gains

Professionally, the experience proved deeply enriching. Clémence was able to expand her research network, discover a new academic environment, and collect a rich set of qualitative data for her project. The exchanges with local stakeholders were particularly valuable in understanding how ecological transition is perceived and implemented in practice in Finland.

On a personal level, the experience offered a genuine immersion into Finnish culture and society, one she describes as inspiring. "What struck me most was the importance placed on trust and cooperation in everyday life in Finland," she reflects. Cultural highlights included visits to national parks arranged by her Karelia UAS colleagues, as well as the quintessential Finnish experience of sauna and a dip in an icy lake.

Navigating language and stepping out of the comfort zone

For Clémence, this was not only her first research mobility, but it was also her first time living abroad altogether. Working in English every day, including conducting research interviews, was a new challenge. "It felt a bit difficult at first, but what's remarkable is how quickly you adapt. Speaking English becomes increasingly natural, and this kind of experience is essential for building self-? confidence. It forces you to communicate without constantly worrying about making mistakes."

Language also presented occasional challenges in her interviews, as some participants were not always fully comfortable expressing complex ideas in English. The support of a colleague from the Biosphere Reserve, who assisted with translation when needed, as well as the backing of her Karelia UAS colleague, ensured this remained a challenge rather than an obstacle.

A collaboration that is just getting started

Far from being a one-off experience, Clémence's mobility has opened concrete avenues for future collaboration. On the educational side, she and Julien are now involved in a Blended Intensive Programme coordinated by Karelia UAS, to which they will contribute a webinar on ecological economics. On the research side, they are actively exploring funding opportunities to continue their work on ecological restoration and regional transition pathways. Moreover, this sparks a genuine scientific interest as forest-based bioeconomy plays a major role in Finland, and the strong expertise held by Karelia UAS in this field offers a significant opportunity for mutual benefit to both the CRIEG-REGARDS lab and Karelia UAS. And on a more personal note, Clémence hopes to return to Joensuu, perhaps in winter, to experience North Karelia in an entirely different light.

Her advice to future INVEST mobility candidates?

"Apply, without hesitation. And once you're there, make the most of every dimension of the experience, both personal and professional. Discover the culture, the natural environment, the people. Don't limit yourself to your immediate research objectives: think of it as a whole set of opportunities. For me, this mobility filled a real gap in my professional and academic journey, and I came back with much more than data."
 

Join the INVEST Centre of Excellence and benefit from these kinds of opportunities: https://enquete.univ-reims.fr/limesurvey/index.php/434332?lang=en