People of ICEBERG—Marika Ahonen from Kaskas

Throughout the ICEBERG project, we will introduce the people working on the project. In our third personnel introduction, Marika Ahonen from Kaskas introduces herself and shares what inspires her about ICEBERG.

My name is Marika Ahonen, and I lead the communications team (WP5) for ICEBERG at Kaskas. My role is to ensure that the research conducted in ICEBERG is communicated clearly and effectively to different audiences, from local communities to policymakers and the general public.

Since day one of the project, our team has been responsible for planning and implementing communications across various channels. This includes designing the project website, creating its visual identity and content, and organizing communication efforts around fieldwork. For example, we’ve developed materials to support fieldwork communications with local communities and regularly update ICEBERG’s social media channels with news and updates.

In addition to creating content like videos, illustrations, press releases, and blog posts, my job involves coordinating with researchers to ensure their work is accurately represented. It’s important to me that all perspectives within this large project are reflected in our communications and that they are accessible to a wide range of audiences.

“I find it fascinating to work on a project that brings together so many different perspectives.”

ICEBERG is a multidisciplinary research project that combines natural sciences, social sciences and local knowledge to study issues like marine litter, microplastics, and their impacts on ecosystems and human health. I find it fascinating to work on a project that brings together so many different perspectives.

As someone originally from Oulu, in northern Finland, I feel a personal connection to the Arctic region, even though the project’s research sites in Iceland, Greenland, and Svalbard are far from home. The Arctic’s unique environment, people, and challenges are close to my heart.

What interests me most as a communicator is finding ways to explain complex scientific topics in a way that makes sense to everyone. It’s important that both policymakers and local communities understand the significance of ICEBERG’s research, not only for the Arctic but for the world.

“Communication is like a marathon—it requires persistence and careful planning.”

For research to influence decision-making—whether locally or at the EU level—it needs to be presented in a way that’s easy to understand. My and our team’s role is to ensure ICEBERG’s researchers’ voices are heard and that the project also amplifies the voices of local communities.

ICEBERG is a multi-year project, which makes it a unique opportunity to explore the Arctic and its challenges in depth. I hope to gain a better understanding of how climate change and pollution affect the Arctic and its people, as well as insights into managing communications for a large international research consortium.

Unlike many communications projects, which often have shorter timelines, ICEBERG requires long-term planning and consistency. While this is a challenge, it’s also rewarding. Communication is like a marathon—it requires persistence and careful planning.

By the end of the project, I hope ICEBERG’s results will reach the right people and spark meaningful discussions about the Arctic’s future and its global significance.

Stay tuned for more updates

To stay tuned on ICEBERG, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to get the updates to your own email. Read also the previous ICEBERG people introductions: Gaud Dervilly and María Murcia-Morales from Oniris and Thora Herrmann, the Project Scientific Coordinator.

Find ICEBERG on: