Dr. Raija Laukkanen got her PhD at University of Kuopio, Department of Medicine in 1993. She has acted as a Docent (Adjunct Professor) in health-related fitness at the University of Oulu, Department of Medicine since 2000. Dr. Laukkanen is a Fellow of American College of Sport Medicine and a member of several sport science associations. She is also a founding member and a Scientific Advisor for International Nordic Walking Association, acted as a scientific advisor for Singapore Sports Council, a Board member of Sports Institute Pajulahti, Finland, a Board member of the Finnish Ministry of Education Sports Science Council 1996-2019. During 1986-1995 Dr. Laukkanen worked as a researcher and a senior researcher at the UKK Institute, WHO collaboration Center for Health Promotion and Education Research at Tampere, Finland.
Dr. Laukkanen method for fitness assessment, UKK Walk Test, is in international use in over 20 countries. She has 60 scientific peer-review publications in the fields of physical activity, health and fitness assessments. Dr. Raija Laukkanen works currently as a Director, Science Collaborations at Polar Electro Oy HQ Research Center . During 26 years at Polar Dr. Laukkanen has managed global science collaborations with research institutes and hospitals. She has built Polar global standards for science collaboration as well as network of strategical study partners for sports physiology and medical studies.