Jose Lado, PhD (Materials Science), moved to Finland from Switzerland in autumn 2019, when he became Assistant Professor at Aalto University's Department of Applied Physics. In Switzerland, he worked as an ETH Fellow at ETH Zurich.
“I was interested in the quantum materials research being carried out at Aalto,” Lado says.
He has enjoyed his time in Finland tremendously. Originally from Spain, Lado likes the Finnish nature and the contrasts that the change of seasons brings to it. He especially likes it when the snow falls on the ground and illuminates the surrounding forests.
Lado lives in Tapiola, Espoo, from where he cycles to the Aalto University campus in Otaniemi on weekday mornings, usually at nine o'clock. In winter, he takes the metro. Lado returns home around six in the evening.
He lives together with his long-term partner, who moved to Finland a few months after Lado and used to work in Portugal as a psychologist.
“She is currently undergoing the qualification process to work here as a psychologist,” Lado explains.
Lado enjoys living in Finland, because most things in society work the way they are meant to. Here you can rely on public transport schedules, social security and the university's HR administration.
“When everything is predictable and there are no unpleasant surprises, everyday life is good.”
Working with top researchers is energising
Lado's work involves both research and teaching. The content of his working day varies depending on whether he has teaching hours. In his work, the assistant professor especially enjoys discussions with master and PhD students and performing research as part of a group of eight people.
“Aalto University has succeeded in attracting top researchers from different countries. Working with them gives me energy.”
After his workday, Lado gets more energy from exercising in nature and working out. The UniSport exercise centres used by the university's students and staff offer great conditions for keeping in shape. The centres offer gyms and plenty of guided exercise, and the monthly price of a full-day card is around 20 euros.
“University staff can get lunch from the campus restaurants for about seven euros," Lado adds.
Precise time management
Another thing Lado likes about Finland is that work and personal life can be kept well balanced. He suggests that precise time management plays an important role in this. It is also a prerequisite for students and researchers to complete their work on schedule.
“At the university, we schedule everything precisely and also take free time into consideration when planning the schedules.”
The assistant professor likes spending his free time hiking in nature. Nuuksio National Park is the Spanish researcher's favourite place.
When it comes to Finnish customs, Lado was first hesitant about the sauna, but now he enjoys a weekly sauna in his apartment building.
“Taking a sauna relaxes and boosts your energy at the same time. It has a positive effect on the mind.”
Lado visits Helsinki quite often. He likes to hang out in cafes and bike along Helsinki's shoreline.
“The cycle lanes are really good in Helsinki.”
Experience Helsinki saunas
Grid card list
Saunas are a big part of Finnish culture as well as a big part of having a relaxing fun time. Helsinki offers a wide range of public saunas that easily rise to the occasion and serve as the highlight of your evening. Public saunas in Helsinki also offer a very nice way to unwind. If city life at any point feels overwhelming, saunas in Helsinki are a stone's throw away.
Many great new public saunas have opened in Helsinki in recent years, in addition to which there are numerous traditional saunas to choose from. It’s not easy to rank all these saunas, as each one has its own special character. There are an array of saunas in Helsinki that offer a range of experiences, you have the opportunity to soak in the Helsinki archipelago or enjoy the luxuries a spa has to offer right at the heart of the city.
