University Researcher Minna Turunen has background in biology and ecological botany. She has over 30 years' experience about scientific research. She has led multidisciplinary scientific and developmental projects that have encompassed not only scientific, but also practitioners' knowledge. During past 15 years her studies have focussed on the effects of climate change on nature-based livelihoods (e.g. reindeer husbandry, forestry), adaptation strategies and capacity of practitioners to cumulative impacts of climate, environment and socio-economical changes, and the use of Indigenous and Local Knowledge in land use planning.

Most of her earlier research has encompassed the effects of global change on boreal and subarctic vegetation in Northern Fennoscandia. She has long-term experience in experimental field research addressing the ecophysiological responses, adaptation and defence mechanisms of forest and mire plants in changing environments.