Hanna Kosonen

Kosonen was born in Savonlinna on 27 February 1976. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree from the University of Jyväskylä in 2003.[1][2] Her work experience include assignments with the forest industry group Metsäliitto, the association Toiminnanjohtaja, the publishing house Maahenki, and the entrepreneuring association Diges.[1] She has two children;[2] her marriage was dissolved in 2017.[3]

Kosonen competed at the 1996 Junior World Ski Orienteering Championships in Banská Bystrica/Donovaly, where she won a gold medal in the long distance, a gold medal in the short distance, and a bronze medal in the relay with the Finnish team.[4] In 1997 she placed 17th overall in the World Cup in Ski Orienteering.[5] She competed at the 1998 World Ski Orienteering Championships in Windischgarsten, where she placed 15th in the long distance, and 13th in the short distance.[6] She placed 8th overall in the World Cup in Ski Orienteering in 1999.[7] At the 2000 World Ski Orienteering Championships in Krasnoyarsk, she won a bronze medal in the long distance, placed 14th in the short distance, and won a gold medal in the relay with the Finnish team, along with Mervi Anttila and Liisa Anttila.[8] She placed fourth overall in the World Cup in Ski Orienteering in 1999.[9] In 2001 she placed fifth overall in the World Cup in Ski Orienteering.[10] At the 2002 World Ski Orienteering Championships in Borovetz, she placed 9th in the middle distance and 18th in the long distance.[11]

Kosonen was elected to the Finnish Parliament for the Centre Party in 2015, from the constituency of South-Eastern Finland.[1] She was member of the Education and Culture Committee. In 2017 she was also elected member of the Savonlinna City Council.[2] In 2019 she was re-elected to the parliament for the term 2019–2023.[12] On 9 August 2019 Kosonen was appointed as Minister of Science and Culture in Antti Rinne's cabinet, replacing Annika Saarikko, who took maternity leave.[2][13] Saarikko reassumed her post in August 2020.[13]