About me
I am a human geographer with extensive experience in interdisciplinary research and collaboration, as well as university-level teaching. I got my PhD in 2015. I have worked at the University of Oulu, University of Turku, Aalborg University (Denmark), University of Lapland, and Tampere University.
My current research focuses on empathetic and decolonizing pedagogy, arts-based methods, and climate mobilities (climate change and forced migrations).
Previously, I have also studied discourses of mass tourism, the use of natural force rhetoric in local media on the Finnish-Russian border (in the context of refugees and tourism), and suburban-conscious urban development.
I am also interested in issues of climate justice, dialogical approaches, and intergenerational relations.
Project links
Research fields
Geography, social sciences, tourism studies, interdisciplinary research
Latest publications
Critical reflections on mass tourism and empathy in the works of a Finnish artist
Vainikka, V. & Andrews, H., Mar 2025, In: TOURIST STUDIES. 25, 1, p. 98-117Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Syrjivästä siirtymästä reiluun kestävyysmurrokseen: Suomen Kulttuurirahaston Argumenta-hanke Kestävyysmurroksen marginaalit
Mustonen, A., Salmivuori, E., Tervaharju, T.-M., Armila, P., Häyrynen, S., Kallio, K. P., Kuusiola, T., Laihonen, M., Lyytimäki, J., Salonen, A. O., Vainikka, V. & Valkonen, J., 2025, Itä-Suomen yliopisto. 56 p.Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
Unlearning through art: Developing decolonising and empathic pedagogies in climate mobilities education
Kallio, K. P., Vainikka, V. & Häkli, J., 27 Oct 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Childhood. 22 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Geopolitics of mobile masses: refugee and tourist metaphors in Finnish-Russian bordertown media
Vainikka, V., Vainikka, J. T. & Prokkola, E.-K., 13 Mar 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Tourism Geographies. 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Kaksi näkökulmaa ympäristökysymyksiin lastenkirjallisuudessa
Translated title of the contribution :Two approaches to the environmental issues in children's literature Research output: Contribution to journal › Book/Film/Article review › Scientific
Suomalaiset pakettimatkoilla, missä tutkimus?
Vainikka, V., 3 May 2024, In: Vähäisiä lisiä.Research output: Contribution to journal › Other online publication › General public
Terveisiä Irlannin IGC:stä
Vainikka, V., 15 Dec 2024, In: Terra : maantieteellinen aikakauskirja. 136, 4, p. 220-221 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Professional
Mitä lähiöiltä halutaan?
Vainikka, V., 4 Apr 2023, In: Turun Sanomat. 4.4.2023, p. 2Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › General public
Suomalaiset lähiöt ansaitsevat empaattisen vuoropuhelun
Vainikka, V., 16 Oct 2023, In: Terra. 135, 3, p. 167-169 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › Scientific
Towards an ethical tourism recovery in Northern peripheris
Lüthje, M., Vainikka, V., Taylor, S., Macaulay, B., Bryce, R. & Puhakka-Tarvainen, H., 14 Dec 2023, In: Matkailututkimus. 19, 2, p. 45-53 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter › Scientific