In 2007, Sitra marked its 40th anniversary with high-level seminars and special celebratory projects. They were aimed at increasing the well-being of Finns and strengthening Sitra’s operations internationally.
Anniversary year events
Online health-care library
Sitra started its 40th anniversary year on Jan. 1 by opening the contents of The Finnish Medical Society Duodecim’s health-care library to the public free of charge for the year.
www.terveyskirjasto.fi » (in Finnish)
Sitra’s 40th anniversary as part of Finland’s 90th anniversary year
The 90th year of Finnish independence was opened with a gala event at Helsinki’s Finlandia Hall on Jan. 4, 2007.
www.suomi90finland.fi »
Partner Day
Sitra’s partners met in Helsinki in August, focusing on the themes of Asia and innovation. Expert speakers included Tuula Antola, Peter Ekholm, Antti Hautamäki, Linda Jakobson, Anu Nokso-Koivisto and Ramchandra Kulkarni. The day ended with a seminar entitled ‘Science, Technology and Innovations in Asia’, which brought together innovation experts from around the world: Professor Kiyoshi Kurokawa, Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Dr. Yu Jun, Director, Beijing Genomics Institute, Dr. Thirumalachari Ramasami, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Erkki Ormala, Vice-President of Technology Policy, Nokia Group, Petri Peltonen, Director-General, Technology Department, Finnish Ministry of Trade and Industry and Dr. Raimo Väyrynen, Director, The Finnish Institute for International Affairs.
Seminar video »
Energizing Europe: International Conference on Energy and Environmental Policy seminar
This event, held in Helsinki in September, was co-hosted by Deutsche Bank’s Alfred Herrhausen Society. “Life at Stake” TV programmeThe series “Elämä pelissä” (“Life at Stake”) was broadcast in the autumn by the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE).The programme followed various well-known Finns as they switched over to healthier lifestyles, providing viewers with tips on how to do the same. Along with fitness and nutrition suggestions, the show delved into issues such as balancing work and free time. The programme’s website featured a life-expectancy calculator that allowed viewers to evaluate how their own habits affected their health prognosis. Sitra provided partial funding for the series.
Learn by Doing – National Youth Technology Week Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 2007
During the week, trained instructors visited 29 lower-level comprehensive schools leading technology workshops. The event was part of the University of Oulu’s “Technology Education Now!” (Teknologiakasvatus Nyt!) project. The university’s Oulu Southern Institute was responsible for the practical execution. For more information, see www.oulu.fi/teknokas
Investing in the Food Chain
This event in November analysed the significance of trends in the food and retail sectors from the financier’s point of view. The programme included presentations by leading international fund investors and firms in these fields that have received capital investment. The event was arranged as part of Sitra’s Food and Nutrition (ERA) programme.
Sitra history published
A history of Sitra, written by Tuomo Särkikoski, was published in November 2007.
Finland 90 - Sitra 40 anniversary seminar
The dual anniversary year climaxed with a gala event at the National Opera House. Video of the event »
Folk Nature’ film broadcast on Dec. 26, 2007
This film Kansanluonto (Folk Nature) combines breathtaking natural scenery, captivating contemporary folk music and Finns’ thoughts about nature spanning the nation’s nine decades of independence. The movie was written and directed by Petteri Saario, with music by Veera Voima and the group Suo, which includes Emilia Lajunen and Roope Aarni. Sitra was among those funding this 90th anniversary nature documentary.
Sitra’s anniversary emblem
Sitra’s anniversary year was also marked by an emblem symbolising Sitra’s four decades of work for the benefit of Finland and Finns’ well-being. The emblem was designed by Mikko Nilsson of Evia Helsinki.
