The decoration is a formal recognition for significant achievements and service for the nation. The grounds for the award emphasize personal merits and social engagement, and it s a great honour to receive the decoration.
Natalia Ollus has, through her determined and dedicated work, advanced Finnish, Nordic and international criminal policy, and has played a key role in developing efforts to combat human trafficking and gender-based violence in Finland as well as within the framework of the UN Crime Programme. She began her career at HEUNI as a research assistant in 1997 and progressed through various positions to become Director of the institute in 2018.
During her career, she has also worked in international roles in South Africa, New York and Vienna. Ollus completed her doctorate in 2017 at the Faculty of Law of the University of Turku, with a dissertation on labour trafficking.
Ollus is a leading expert on human trafficking in Finland and Europe. She has conducted pioneering research and development work particularly in preventing and combating labour trafficking and exploitation, in cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders, including authorities, NGOs and businesses. She has authored numerous scientific articles, served as an expert in various legislative and other initiatives, and developed practical tools for authorities, public procurers and companies, especially to address labour exploitation.
As Director, she has successfully developed HEUNI’s work in a changing criminal policy landscape, emphasising innovative and strategic approaches to improving the rights of vulnerable groups, and has contributed to broadening the institute’s funding base.
She has long served on the board of the Nordic Research Council for Criminology and is currently a member of the Human Rights Delegation in Finland as well as of the anti-corruption cooperation network appointed by the Ministry of Justice.
Natalia Ollus is also a sought-after speaker, and is regularly consulted by the media and policymakers.