Exclusive Interviews with the New SPOT Nordic Team: Ricardo Correia
- SPOT Nordic
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
From Vila Franca de Xira to Finland, today we give voice to Ricardo Correia. Ricardo is currently a researcher and university professor at the University of Turku, Finland. He brings extensive international experience, having lived and worked in countries such as Portugal, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Turkey.
At SPOT Nordic, Ricardo is a member of the association’s board and currently serves as the SPOT Nordic National Representative in Finland.
The national representatives in each of the Nordic countries are responsible for developing and supporting the local member network, building the local team, coordinating their activities, and identifying opportunities for partnerships between the Nordic region and Portugal.
With a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainability, Ricardo now joins the SPOT Nordic team to help energize the Portuguese scientific community in Finland📘
Let’s get to know him better 👇
▶️ Who are you? Originally from Vila Franca de Xira, I’m 40 years old, married, and the father of a 4-year-old boy. I left Portugal around ten years ago to pursue a PhD and have since lived in the UK, Brazil, and Turkey before settling in Finland. I enjoy traveling, reading, birdwatching, and playing with my little one. 👨👩👦🐦
▶️ What do you do? My position as a university professor at the University of Turku mainly involves three areas: teaching in biodiversity and environmental sciences, conducting research related to biodiversity conservation and sustainability, and engaging with the public to promote these topics. 👨🏫
▶️ What’s a typical day like? My days vary a lot, but are usually split between teaching, data analysis and writing scientific articles, and meetings with colleagues to discuss research and manage the Department of Biodiversity, where I serve as deputy director. A constant in my routine is family time, especially breakfast and playtime with my son. ✍️
▶️ What do you value most about living in your city and country? The balance between personal and professional life promoted in Finnish society, and how the urban layout ensures close contact with nature. 🤝🌿
▶️ What do you value in Portugal now as an emigrant that you didn’t before? Definitely the climate and the food — I’ve come to value them much more since moving to Finland. 🍲🌦️
▶️ In your opinion, what are the priority areas for collaboration between Portugal and the Nordic countries? Technological development and sustainability. 📊👥
▶️ Why did you decide to join SPOT Nordic? I joined SPOT Nordic because I strongly identify with its mission of fostering research and entrepreneurship connections between Portugal and the Nordic countries. 🌍💬
▶️ How can you contribute to the SPOT Nordic team? I hope to help energize the Portuguese community in Finland working in research and entrepreneurship, and strengthen its ties with our home country. 🧠
▶️ Which projects interest you most in the association? Annual events, Researcher of the Year Award, Mapping Research Collaborations between Countries, and others currently being planned for the next two years. 🔬
▶️ A final message you’d like to share with the world: Everyone can make a difference, and we should all try. 📚
Comments