Editing Lauri Kristian Relander (section)

==Early life and career==
Relander was born in [[Lakhdenpokhsky District|Kurkijoki]], in [[Finnish Karelia|Karelia]], the son of Evald Kristian Relander, an [[agronomist]], and Gertrud Maria Olsoni. He was christened ''Lars Kristian'' ({{IPA|sv-FI|lɑːrs ˈkristiɑn|lang}}), but he [[Finnicize]]d his forenames to ''Lauri Kristian'' during his time at school. Relander followed in his father's footsteps by enrolling at the [[University of Helsinki]] in 1901 to study agronomy.
He gained his first [[bachelor's degree]] in [[philosophy]] in 1905, and his second, in agronomy, the following year. That year also saw his marriage to Signe Maria Österman (1886–1962). They had two children, Maja-Lisa (1907–1990) and Ragnar (1910–1970).

The major subjects for Relander's [[master's degree]], which he gained in 1907, were agricultural chemistry and agricultural economics. After obtaining his degree, Relander worked from 1908 to 1917 as a researcher at a state agricultural experimental institution, carrying out some important research in his field. He also continued his studies, gaining his [[Doctorate]] in 1914. However, his attempts at this time to gain a lectureship at the University of Helsinki failed. At this time Relander was also politically active in the [[Centre Party (Finland)|Agrarian League]]. He was elected to Parliament in 1910, serving until 1913, and again from 1917 to 1920. By 1917, he had become one of the leaders of the party.