Päivi Soppela has background in biology and zoology (ecological physiology).

Her projects address adaptation of animals, humans and livelihoods to arctic conditions and global change, including climate change. The projects are multidisciplinary and include participation of local people and practitioners. Her ongoing research is related to adaptation of reindeer and local breeds of cattle and horse to the arctic environment and resilience of these species and their livelihoods. She has long-term experience in research, teaching and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students in arctic questions, especially in reindeer herding and reindeer biology. She has also developed and coordinated multidisciplinary arctic doctoral education programs.