The May 2025 INVEST Conference in Turku was an interdisciplinary and internationally open scientific event centered around the themes of uncertainty and resilience in a changing society. It brought together around 200 participants from 27 countries, representing fields such as social sciences, psychology, and child psychiatry.
Organized for the second time, the INVEST Conference has proven highly popular among researchers. The idea for the conference stemmed from a series of scientific seminars hosted by the INVEST Flagship Research Centre at the University of Turku, which in May 2024 were opened to external participants. The goal now is to turn the INVEST Conference into an annual tradition in Turku.
“The main goal of the conference is to strengthen the scientific and societal impact of the INVEST Research Centre, but at the same time, we see it as an opportunity to promote Turku as a leading Nordic conference city,” says Vesa-Matti Paasivaara, Research Coordinator at the University of Turku.
Communication Specialist Erja Hyytiäinen, Research Coordinator Jonna Paavilainen, Graphic Designer Jonne Värikäs and Research Coordinator Vesa-Matti Paasivaara
This year’s INVEST Conference received exceptionally positive feedback: 95% of participants said they would recommend the event to their colleagues, and the overall rating was 4.5 out of 5. The conference was praised for its high-quality content, top-tier keynote speakers, and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
“The compact size of Turku and the lush greenery of early summer also charmed the participants. Many appreciated being able to step outside or explore the city during busy seminar days – which isn’t a typical feature of the conference experience,” says Erja Hyytiäinen, Communications Specialist at INVEST.
Turku was also commended for its walkability and easy access to all parts of the city by foot, bike, or efficient public transport.
The conference took place at the University of Turku, and the social program made use of the city’s attractions, including the Aboa Vetus Ars Nova Museum and Turku’s renowned culinary offerings. The conference dinner was held in the atmospheric restaurant Grädda.
The event’s website included plenty of tips for exploring the city, with self-guided recommendations such as Kupittaa Park, the Market Square, and the Turku Market Hall.
Hyytiäinen highlights that Turku provides an ideal setting to attract international participants.
“For example, the flight connection via Copenhagen directly to Turku was praised by attendees.”
“At the heart of a successful conference are strong, reciprocal partnerships and networks. Visit Turku Archipelago has been an outstanding partner, helping us highlight the strengths of our conference in international marketing. We shared a clear goal: to host the best possible event and warmly welcome our international guests to beautiful Turku and its superb setting,” says Paasivaara.
Hyytiäinen and Paasivaara conclude that the aim is to establish INVEST as a recurring, high-quality international conference that researchers return to year after year.
Plans for next year’s conference are already well underway, and the 2026 theme will be announced later this summer.
Text: Heli Nieminen
Photos: Jonne Värikäs & Niko Kotiranta