Time: Friday, 16 October 2026, 15:30–17:45
Venue: Physicum, Room E204, University of Helsinki, Kumpula Campus, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, Helsinki

Joakim Donner has conducted geological field research in various parts of the world since the 1950s and has participated in several foreign expeditions. Donner’s scientific work has focused on Quaternary Geology, a field in which he is one of the world’s most prominent researchers. In Finland, during his long tenure as a professor, Donner has trained an entire generation of geologists. Joakim Donner was elected a member of the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters in 1959 and an honorary member of the International Union for Quaternary Research in 1999.

Joakim Donner will turn 100 on 19 December 2026. To celebrate the occasion, the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters, in collaboration with the Department of Geosciences and Geography at the University of Helsinki, is organising a symposium on Quaternary Geology.

The event is in English.

Please register for the symposium by 8 October:

Registration

Programme

15.30 Welcome coffee
16.00 Permanent Secretary, Professor Mats Gyllenberg (The Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters): Opening remarks
16.10 Chancellor Kaarle Hämeri (University of Helsinki): Welcome Address from the University
16.15 Professor Milton Núñez (University of Oulu): Joakim Donner’s Contributions to Archaeology
16.40 Professor Phil Gibbard (University of Cambridge): Joakim Donner in Cambridge
17.05 Professor Anu Kaakinen (University of Helsinki): Building on Quaternary Foundations
17.30 End of seminar