Welcome our summer trainees to the ICOS Head Office!
Emilia Savage and Axel Bondestam have just joined the ICOS Head Office as summer trainees. They will play a key role in supporting the planning and organisation of the ICOS Science Conference 2026, which will take place from 15-17 September in Lund, Sweden.
Among their responsibilities, they will help coordinate practical arrangements, support event planning, and help ensure that the conference runs smoothly for participants from across the ICOS community.
Meet Emilia
Emilia has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a major in social psychology from the Swedish School of Social Science at the University of Helsinki. This autumn, she will continue her studies in the Master’s Programme in Marketing at Aalto University School of Business.
Throughout her studies and work, Emilia has always been drawn to projects that bring people together. She’s had the opportunity to work with everything from educational outreach and debate programs to research projects and event coordination, experiences that have allowed her to collaborate with people from many different backgrounds. What she enjoys most is helping ideas turn into reality, whether that means organising an event, coordinating a project, or creating meaningful experiences for others.
In her free time, Emilia enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and getting creative through arts and crafts. She loves board games, trying new hobbies, and taking on projects that challenge her to learn something new. She is a naturally curious person and really enjoys meeting new people and discovering different perspectives and experiences.
I’m excited to join ICOS and contribute to the planning of the Science Conference 2026. What I love most about this role is helping create an event where the ICOS community can come together, exchange ideas, and connect with one another. It’s inspiring to support researchers and professionals who are doing such important work to better understand and protect our planet, and I’m looking forward to helping create a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Meet Axel
Axel has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Åbo Akademi University and he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree. During his time at university, Axel has been actively involved in student organisations and served on the student board, where he gained experience in teamwork, communication, and event organisation.
Outside of work and studies, Axel enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, and staying active. He also enjoys meeting new people and taking part in different activities and events whenever he gets the chance.
I'm excited to be part of a team doing important work that has a real impact on one of if not the most important global problem of our time.