Three Months in Tampere: Cold Days, Warm Ideas - A Journey as a Visiting PhD Researcher

Honestly, spending three months at Tampere University as a visiting PhD researcher (from February to April 2026) has been one of the best parts of my PhD journey. During this time, I worked with Professor Johanna Kujala at the Faculty of Management and Business (MAB), and I’m really grateful for that opportunity.

I am currently doing my PhD at the University of Bergamo in Italy. My research interests are in sustainability accounting, specifically working on the materiality assessment process and the transition from single to double materiality and the role of stakeholder engagement.

In simple terms, materiality is basically about what is important and to whom. Traditionally, companies have focused on what influences their financial performance. But over time, the notion of double materiality has been introduced, according to which companies are required to report on both their impact on the environment and society, as well as the impact of external factors on their financial performance. The role of stakeholders is an inseparable part of the materiality identification process. With this transition toward double materiality, companies are required to consider the interests and expectations of a broader group of stakeholders. This is just a simple explanation about my research.

Everything from receiving the invitation letter to finding accommodation and settling in happened smoothly and quickly. Whenever I had a question or needed help, I could simply send an email and would receive a reply very quickly.

Throughout my stay, I had many opportunities to present my work and receive valuable insights.

 Professor Johanna Kujala (Photo: Vili Mehtälä)    

One of the key moments was attending the 14th Annual Responsible Business Research Conference on March 11–12, organized by the RESPMAN Responsible Management Research Group at Tampere University. It was inspiring to meet scholars from different places and discuss research.

The keynote by Professor Harry J. Van Buren III, titled “Who and what should matter: The problem of marginalization and lack of voice in business ethics,” was very insightful. He pointed out important questions about how businesses often overlook or fail to hear the voices of marginalized stakeholders, and why giving space to these voices is essential for more ethical and responsible decision-making.

Professor Harry Van Buren III (Photo: Vili Mehtälä )

On March 12, I also participated in the EBEN Finland doctoral workshop, where I presented the theoretical part of my research. The feedback I received was incredibly helpful and gave me new perspectives to think about. Just a day before the conference, on March 10, I attended a small and friendly pre-seminar where I had the chance to present the empirical part of my study. The atmosphere made it easy to have open discussions and receive thoughtful suggestions from professors and fellow researchers.

And then… something unforgettable happened that same evening.

After the pre-seminar, we all went for dinner together, followed by a traditional Finnish smoke sauna experience. Tampere is known as the sauna capital of the world, and now I understand why. What made it even more memorable was going into an ice-cold lake right after the sauna. You know, one of those moments that you'll be telling stories about for years to come. And the weird thing is, even though the lake was ice-cold, I felt this amazing warmth in my body as soon as I got out. It was pretty incredible. Beyond the university, Tampere itself is a beautiful and lovely city. I got to see the city transition from deep winter to the beginning of spring, from snowy streets to brighter, sunnier days. It’s a city that feels both peaceful and lively at the same time. Beyond the university, Tampere itself is a beautiful and lovely city. I got to see the city transition from deep winter to the beginning of spring, from snowy streets to brighter, sunnier days. It’s a city that feels both peaceful and lively at the same time.

Tampere University has been one of the most enriching parts of my PhD journey, both academically and personally. I’m deeply grateful to Professor Johanna Kujala and everyone at the university for making this opportunity so meaningful. It’s an experience I will carry with me long after my research visit has ended.