Never Underestimate the Intellect of Your Audience and Other Lessons

Dr. Kaarle Hämeri, Chancellor of Helsinki University, holds a role unlike other chancellors around the world: his primary responsibility is specifically advocating for the university and higher education on a national scale. His work includes taking care of the external relationships for the university, and engaging with external constituencies in support of the university. This conversation explores how higher education is viewed by the public in Finland and the Nordic countries; his insights on the public benefit of science, and how to communicate about it; and the importance of respecting your audience and not underestimating them when explaining complex research and discovery. Bonus tip: practice your talks on your family. He shares how his experience on a CASE Study Tour helped him understand advancement. Chancellor Hämeri is a Professor of Physics and has served as Vice Head of the Physics Department and Chair of the Union of University Professors.