Laura Höijer

Laura Höijer is BSAG’s Science and Content Director and a solutions-oriented idealist.

During her thirty years in the environmental field she has worked as a researcher, research funder, in business and in administration. Laura is used to managing large projects and she is not afraid to think big and outside the box.

“My passion lies in concrete environmental work and the practical implementation of scientific knowledge. The most important thing about my work has always been its significance and the opportunity to make a difference.”

As BSAG’s Science and Content Director Laura is in charge of the operational activities of BSAG, alongside Managing Director Pieta Jarva. Laura is also responsible for the foundation’s research collaboration, project activities and the coordination of its focus areas.

Laura holds a PhD in soil microbiology and is a docent in microbial ecology. Currently, BSAG is “loaning” Laura as she is on temporary leave from her position as Research Director at the Ministry of the Environment.

In her spare time, Laura prefers to spend her time in nature and with her family. All kinds of sports are important to Laura and her favourite ways to recharge are walks with the dog and yoga with her daughters.

Professional background

2026– Baltic Sea Action Group, Science and Content Director (on leave of absence from the Ministry of the Environment until end of October 2028) 

2023–2026 Ministry of the Environment, Research Director

2022–2023 Baltic Sea Action Group, Managing Director

2018–2022 Baltic Sea Action Group, Content Director

2010–2018 Ministry of the Environment, Research Director

2008–2009 MTT Agrifood Research Finland (now part of Natural Resources Institute Finland), Director of Environmental Research

2002–2008 Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation, Head of Research

2001–2002 Soil and Water Oy, Jaakko Pöyry Infra (now Pöyry Environment Oy), Environmental Expert, environmental consulting

2000 – 2001 BCDE GROUP Waste Management Ltd Oy, Director of the Water Division

Education and training

National Defence Courses (MPK 213), 2015

Knight of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, 2014

Docent (Microbial Ecology), University of Helsinki, 2001

First trainee and later research assistant and researcher, Finnish Forest Research Institute (now part of Natural Resources Institute Finland), 1994–2000

Ph.D. in Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 1999

Master of Science in Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 1997