Tutkimuksen ja opetuksen kuvaus

Broadly speaking, I and my research group study lichen species, speciation and biodiversity loss. I am specialized in crustose lichens that are the largest entity of lichens but also the most poorly known. We use multi-loci sequence data, metabarcoding and metagenomics, as well as morphological and ecological data including remote sensing.

I supervise a project on how climate change and snow depth affect subarctic lichen species. I also collaborate in research projects including i) biodiversity monitoring on dead wood using metabarcoding (DeadMon), ii) citizen science that inspires people to observe (lichen) species and develops The Finnish Biodiversity Information Facility (FinBIF, www.laji.fi), iii) species identification teaching in the Nordic countries (ForestFun).

I teach at university-level and have completed pedagogical studies focusing on higher education. I was granted the title of docent from the University of Turku in 2023. As a university teacher, I emphasize student-focused strategies, and support deep learning, social learning and motivation.

Natural history collections have been at the heart of my work for over 15 years. I currently develop and take care of the lichen garden collections at the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden. I have also taken part in databasing and preparing museum specimens. I have collected specimens from several areas in the world including Europe, North America and Africa and made research visits to herbaria in Europe and Africa, the longest time – over 6 months – spent in UPS, FR and RBGE.

Popularizing science is close to my heart, especially when it helps to raise awarenes on topics such as biodiversity loss. I engage with the public personally and via institutional levels (Luomus Societal engangement group and Vanamo). I took part in Suomen Luonto #Muutos-magazine journalist training for scientists in 2019. I have given interviews to several news papers, radio and TV. 

I have positions of trust as a member of the Finnish Red List committee (IUCN) and Finnish Nomenclature committee for lichens. I am the chair for the Finnish Biological Society Vanamo and vice-chair for the Finnish Zoological and Botanical Publishing Board SEKJ. I am also a board member of the Societas pro Fauna et Flora Fennica.

I changed my family name in 2020 from Launis to Kantelinen.