The University of Helsinki and the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR) mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, Senior University Lecturer Victoria Sinclair, who passed away in a tragic accident on 30 May 2026.
Victoria was an outstanding meteorologist, educator, and researcher whose contributions left a lasting impact on our community. She joined the University of Helsinki in 2009 and served as University Lecturer in Meteorology from 2019 onwards. In January 2026, she was appointed Senior University Lecturer, reflecting her excellence in teaching, research, and academic leadership.
Victoria was internationally recognized for her research in meteorology, particularly in atmospheric dynamics, extreme weather, and storms. She led several major research projects, supervised numerous doctoral and master’s students, and served as leader of the Dynamic Meteorology Group. Her scientific work resulted in more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and contributed significantly to advances in weather and climate research. Many further scientific papers will be published in the coming years based on her work and the projects she initiated.
Victoria’s unique scientific contributions stemmed from her exceptional understanding of dynamical meteorology and her remarkable ability to collaborate across disciplines. She was particularly skilled at connecting fundamental atmospheric processes with a wide range of environmental phenomena, helping colleagues interpret observations and measurements ranging from atmospheric aerosols and atmospheric chemistry to weather and climate extremes through the lens of multi-scale atmospheric dynamics.
As a teacher, Victoria was deeply committed to supporting and inspiring students. She developed new courses, taught generations of atmospheric science students, and received both a Faculty of Science Teaching Award and multiple recognitions for her outstanding educational contributions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Victoria was a warm, generous, and supportive colleague whose enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication enriched our community. She will be greatly missed by her students, colleagues, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her.
On Friday, 5 June 2026, members of extended scientific community at Kumpula Campus gathered to remember Victoria and honor her memory. The gathering provided an opportunity for colleagues, students, collaborators, and friends to reflect on Victoria’s life, her many contributions to science and education, and the lasting impact she had on our community.
Our thoughts are with her husband Ewan, her family, and her loved ones during this difficult time.
Tuukka Petäjä and the dynamic meteorology group of Victoria Sinclair