Arto O. Salonen

I am a professor of sustainable well-being at the Department of Social Sciences, in the discipline of social pedagogy. My research focuses on social change for flourishing life in increasingly artificial-intelligence-driven society, where consumption habits and forms of social participation are evolving. My topic for the professor’s inaugural lecture was Planetary citizenship provides a scale for the sustainability transformation.

My theoretical work employs a planetary approach, informing the development of concepts of inclusion and advancing the theory of social pedagogy. Empirically, I focus on the practical implementation of social change. My investigations have addressed sustainable consumption, individuals’ experiences with self-driving cars, and the acceptability of novel food solutions. My approach is interdisciplinary and future-oriented.

I lead the SISU Consortium and Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot in collaboration with ten universities. I am also a member of the Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development, which brings science closer to society. In addition, I am an adjunct professor at the following universities:

– University of Helsinki (education),
– Finnish National Defense University (sustainable development), and
– University of Eastern Finland (research for ecosocial well-being).

Further information about my research themes and publications is available on my website.