development and shifts in national identities within Europe. For Kolbe, cities in particular offer an interesting platform for exploring the relationship between space, place and time, as well as the relationship between the formation and transformation of social groups.

Professor Laura Kolbe describes herself as a humanist rooted in facts. She is convinced that people have a desire to learn and know more, as well as do good in their neighbourhood. Her way of thinking may seem naive but, according to Kolbe, Finland has been modernised largely thanks to education and been able to reach its current state of knowledge, humanity and dependable functionality because of it.

Laura Kolbe views internationalism as an integral part of academia. She regularly attends urban research and history conferences (International Planning History Society and European Association for Urban History). She is also a founding member of Suomen Kaupunkitutkimuksen Seura (‘The Finnish society for urban studies’) and was selected as a member of The Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters in 2005.

Teaching is in my bones, so the best thing about the University is the range of stylish and beautiful events which involve enthusiastic young students. These young hopefuls show no lack of energy when they work together, learning from each other. The student ‘nations’, especially my own assocation, Eteläsuomalainen osakunta, the history students' organisation Kronos ry, and the Student Union of the University of Helsinki, as well as the National Union of University Students in Finland are all important organisations for me.

In the autumn of 2013, I was involved with and in charge of the concept of Helsinki Walks Oy (HW Oy). There was a need for a recognisable operator that would focus on commodifying urban history in a way that would be interesting to both visitors and locals, as well as impartial. We want to develop Helsinki Walks, which was founded by urban researchers and students, into a knowledge base that reveals the many layers of the city and fascinating aspects of the inhabitants' daily lives.

Professor Laura Kolbe talks about urbanisation in Finland – its suburbs, markets and yuppies.

Source: Ylen Elävä arkisto. Credits: Harri Hakanen (reporter). Maana Rahikainen (camera). Pekka Lehtikangas (editor). Jenni Laine (script assistant). Anssi Autio (producer). YLE Viihde. YLE Teema. YLE kuvanauha. Released 19 October 2009.

• ”Historioitsija: Supercellin keksijät ovat uutta eliittiä ja heillä on velvollisuuksia” ('Historian: the inventors of Supercell are a part of the new elite and have responsibilities'), Laura Kolbe guests on YleX Popuutiset radio news programme, 12 November 2014. In Finnish.

• ”Suomessa oma luokkastatus hävettää” ('Finns are ashamed…