Young Academy Finland 2021–2025 member Eliisa Kylkilahti receives notable recognition from the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters
The prize, awarded annually to a researcher in the field of humanities, who has already achieved international recognition in the early stages of their career, is worth 15 000 euros.
In her research, University lecturer Eliisa Kylkilahti combines consumer research, business economics and sustainability studies in an exceptional way, offering new perspectives for understanding societal change. In the award statement, the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters notes that Kylkilahti’s research has been applied widely and has impacted the drafting of housing and climate politics, for example.
Kylkilahti, who works at the University of Helsinki, conducts multidisciplinary, applied, societally impactful research that focuses on socioeconomical sustainability, service and material innovations, and especially on young consumers.
Kylkilahti’s research publications have been cited widely and internationally, and she has been active in establishing networks and peer reviewing. Through her teaching, Kylkilahti strengthens young researchers’ ability to face the challenges caused by sustainability transformation.
Kylkilahti’s research investigates, for example, how consumers can behave in a sustainable way although consuming in itself is not sustainable. Her research looks at the consumer and the choices they make from various angles, recognizing that being a consumer is much more than spending money and buying things.
Kylkilahti has taken part in research projects that develop resident-centered services for enhancing climate-wise living and aim to decrease household carbon footprint. Residents at wooden apartment buildings have been one of the focus groups, as construction materials are significant not only in terms of energy consumption but also in terms of the effects of living on climate.
Currently, Kylkilahti is conducting research on housing, and what kind of meaning does the proximity of nature have for consumers’ housing experience.
The prize for the Humanities was awarded at the Night of Science organized at the House of Nobility by the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters on October 20, 2025. The Eino Jutikkala History prize was also awarded at the event.
Translation: Inka Rantakallio