The Human-Forest Relationship Research Club (Metsäsuhdeklubi) was accepted on the 1 March 2021 as a science club in the Finnish Society of Forest Science with the goal of promoting forest-related research in humanities, behavioural sciences and social sciences. The newly formed science club enables interdisciplinary communication and adds a new perspective in the field of human sciences to complement the activities of the Finnish Society of Forest Science.
Human sciences (hereinafter collectively referred to as humanities) research on forests encompasses research in humanities, behavioural sciences and social sciences, among others. The Human-Forest Relationship Research Club was established to promote forest-related research (especially research on the human-forest interrelatedness) in the broad field of humanities and to enhance the interaction between human-forest interrelatedness research, forest sciences research, practical forestry and the use of forests.
The human-forest interrelatedness refers to an individual’s personal, interactive and changing relationship with the forest. These human-forest relationships are also part of the rich Finnish forest culture. Research on the human-forest interrelatedness focuses on the relationship an individual or a community has with the forest and on the historical, cultural and societal impacts these relationships have on forests and their use and the individuals themselves.
The Human-Forest Relationship Research Club acts as a networking platform for researchers and societies working in the field of human-forest interrelatedness research and participates in developing education and doctoral programmes within the field. The Human-Forest Relationship Research Club strives to stimulate scientific discussion on the human-forest relationship as a part of the society and its functions, and various cultures. The club also aims to increase familiarity of forest-related research in humanities.
In Finland, many researchers in various scientific fields are studying the relationship between humans and the forest. The multidisciplinary research projects also involve artists. In 2020 researchers and artists created an open, low-threshold collaboration network for human-forest relationship research (Metsäsuhdeverkosto). The Human-Forest Relationship Research Club and the closely cooperating Metsäsuhdeverkosto network are both intended for everyone interested in forest-related research from the humanities’ perspective and the researchers in the field.
The Human-Forest Relationship Research Club is welcoming new members. Join the club by contacting the club’s chair Jaana Laine.
Further information:
Chair Jaana Laine, Adjunct Professor, DSocSci, MSc (Forestry), Senior Lecturer, Economic and Social History, University of Helsinki, jaana.laine (at) helsinki.fi
Vice-Chair Kirsi Laurén, Adjunct Professor, PhD, University Teacher, Cultural Studies, University of Eastern Finland, kirsi.lauren (at) uef.fi