University

The Board defines the university's central goals and strategy. Furthermore, the Board elects the Rectors of the university. The Board of the University of Eastern Finland is composed of a total of 10 members, 4 of whom are external members. The term of office of the Board is 1 January 2022–31 December 2025. In 2024 the board meetings are held 13.2., 21.–22.3., 25.4., 4.6., 12.–13.6.,12.–13.9., 6.11. ja 18.12.

Chair of the Board

Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, DMus, is the Executive Director of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies and a board member in the Finnish Science Centre Foundation.   Her earlier positions include coordinator and expert positions at the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 1991–1998, Science Secretary and Science Counsellor at the Academy of Finland in 1998–2004, Development Director at Espoo-Vantaa Institute of Technology in 2004–2008, Vice Rector at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in 2008–2011, and HRD Director at the consultant company Cerion Solutions Ltd. in 2011–2013. She has also held expert positions in the European Commission.

Vice Chair of the Board

Jaakko Kiander, DSocSc, is Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Public Sector Pension provider Keva since October 2021. Kiander's earlier roles include Senior Economist (1997–1999), Research Director (1999–2006) and Research Professor (2001–2006) positions at VATT Institute for Economic Research, Professor of Economics at the University of Vaasa in 2000, and Director of the Labour Institute for Economic Research in 2006–2010 and the Senior Vice President of Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company 2010–2019 and Research Director at the Finnish Centre for Pensions 2019-2021. Kiander is a docent at the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki. He has also been a member of the board of directors of the OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative (2015-2020), and is a member of the boards of the OP-Pohjola Group Research Foundation and the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation. Kiander has also been the vice chair of the Strategic Research Council in 2015-2018 and the president of the Finnish Brain Foundation (2019-2021).

Board members

Siamäk Naghian, Doctor of Science (Technology), is CEO of the Iisalmi-based sound system manufacturer Genelec. Naghian started his career at Genelc in 2005 and, before becoming the company’s CEO in 2011, he worked as the company’s Director of Product Development, and as Vice-CEO. Naghian has also worked for Nokia, serving the company in various R&D and management roles. Naghian holds a Doctor of Science (Technology) degree from Helsinki University of Technology (nowadays known as Aalto University). He has published a number of articles on mobile networks and applications, and co-edited a book on UMTS networks. He holds several patents related to wireless and mobile systems, as well as audio systems. 

Katja Toropainen, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration), is the leader of the Inklusiiv community, which highlights the importance of diversity as a success factor. Inklusiiv produces various events, projects and content, and provides consultancy services and training. Toropainen holds a Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration) degree from Aalto University. She is also the former Chief Curator of the technology and growth enterprise event Slush.

Maria Lähteenmäki, PhD, is Professor of History. Her expertise fields are Arctic and transnational border region research, political history, gender studies, and environmental humanities. She has led some 20 research projects in these themes. She is an invited member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters. She has served as a board member in numerous foundations and funds, including Kone Foundation, Jutikkala Fund, and the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. She also has experience in science administration, thanks to her involvement in, e.g., the Research Council for Culture and Society of the Academy of Finland, the Board of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies, the Faculty Council of the Faculty of the Arts of the University of Helsinki, and the Collegiate Body of the University of Eastern Finland.  Her international experience has been gained as a visiting researcher and professor in, e.g., the University of Cambridge, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and the University of Latvia.

Ursula Schwab, PhD, is Professor of Nutrition Therapy and head of the university’s nutrition curriculum. She also has clinical responsibilities at Kuopio University Hospital. She has served as Chair of the Research Council for Biosciences, Health and the Environment of the Academy of Finland in 2019–2021. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, as Chair of a panel in the Publication Forum, as a member of the updating committee of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, and as a member of the National Nutrition Council. Ursula Schwab has also worked at the JM Human Nutrition Center in Boston, US, for 1.5 years.

Erkki Pesonen, PhD, works in teaching and research roles in the School of Computing at the Kuopio Campus, and he is also the Deputy Head of the School. He is one of the pilot teachers in the project developing flipped classroom teaching at the University of Eastern Finland and has got UEF Excellent Teaching Practitioner Award. He has experience in academic administration and decision-making through to his memberships in the Senate, a Faculty Council and the Teaching Evaluation Council of the University of Kuopio, as well as the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council. He is also the chair of the Association of Researchers and Teachers of Eastern Finland, and he has served as a board member of the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers.

Tomi Rosti, MA, works as an Information Specialist and as a Team Leader for research support at the University of Eastern Finland Library on the Joensuu Campus. He is the chair of the Staff Association of the University of Eastern Finland, and a deputy chief shop steward. He has experience in academic administration and decision-making, thanks to his previous elected positions. He is Deputy Chair and a member of the Board and Working Committee of the Federation of University and Research Staff, YHL, and a member of the University Sector Advisory Board and Regional Board of Trade Union Pro. He is also Deputy Chair of the Youth Work Support Foundation in North Karelia.

Eetu Hyvönen is pursuing a Master’s degree in business studies on the Kuopio campus, majoring in International Business and Sales Management. He has held several positions of trust during his studies. Among others, he chaired the business student association Preemio ry on the Kuopio campus in 2021, was a member of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland in 2022 and chaired it in 2023, and was the vice-chair of the Council of Representatives of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland in 2024.

CBM Marko Koskelo is pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology on the Joensuu campus, majoring in Comparative Religion. He has held dozens of positions of trust in a number of organisations during his studies. Among others, Koskelo has since 2016 worked continuously in various bodies of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Eastern Finland. In addition, he has plenty of experience of various work tasks in the education and security sector as well as in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

Secretary to the Board, General Counsel and Director of the University of Eastern Finland Petri Rintamäki, petri.rintamaki@uef.fi.

The University Collegium comprises a total of 24 members. Eight of the members represent the university's professors, eight represent the university's teaching, research and general staff, and eight represent the university's students. The term of office of the University Collegium is four calendar years. The term of office of the members representing the university's students is two calendar years.

Members (deputy members) of the University Collegium, elected for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2022.

Professors

• Elina Oksanen, member (Timo Tokola)
• Pasi Karjalainen, member (Pekka Toivanen)
• Sanna Vehviläinen, member (Ritva Kantelinen)
• Mikko Laitinen, member, chair (Matti Kotiranta)
• Anssi Keinänen, member (Olga Davydova-Minguet)
• Riitta Vornanen, member (Harri Laihonen)
• Ville Leinonen, member (Tarja Kvist)
• Antti Poso, member (Olli Gröhn)

Teaching, research and general staff

• Tero Karjalainen, member, vice chair (Johanna Uotinen)
• Juha Riepponen, member (Kati Kasanen)
• Ismo Björn, member (Christina Piel)
• Mika Kilpiä, member (Maija Lahtela-Kakkonen)
• Leila Saramäki, member (Erkko Sointu)
• Marja Aho, member (Outi Suorsa)
• Kari Kotikumpu, member (Cristina Florea)
• Antero Puhakka, member (Jussi Mäkelä)

Students (1.1.2024–31.12.2025)

• Miika Hiltunen (Lidia Backlund)
• Jyri Hyvättinen (Abdul Wahab)
• Niina-Hannele Nuutinen (Hanna Valtonen)
• Mikko Miettinen (Ilmari Mäkelä)
• Lassi Oikkonen (Janina Baljashkin)
• Noman Kazi (Leevi Haavisto)
• Noora Saramäki (Adetayo Adetuyi)
• Miro Helminen (Onni Riikkilä)   

University Regulations of the University of Eastern Finland are downloadable as PDF file.

General Administration and Legal Affairs serves as a general preparatory and executive body for the Rectors and the Director of Administration. General Administration and Legal Affairs is also in charge of matters relating to the UEF Board. The duties of General Administration and Legal Affairs also encompass: Information Management Services, Procurement services, Executive Support Services, Legal Services and Internal Auditing.

General Counsel and Director Petri Rintamäki, petri.rintamaki@uef.fi.

Data Protection Officer Helena Eronen, tietosuoja@uef.fi.

Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.

Procurement services

Financial Services is responsible for providing centralised procurement services for the university. Centralised procurement services are a way to support the University of Eastern Finland in the achievement of its performance-related goals through adherence to the procurement legislation and by purchasing products and services from the right places at the right prices. Furthermore, centralised procurement services pay attention to the procurement-related process costs through standardising products and services, and through optimising the number of products, services and their providers.

Chief of Procurement Services Marika Mononen, marika.mononen@uef.fi.

Records Management and Registry Services

Enquiries can be sent to the Registry Office: kirjaamo@uef.fi, secured email: https://secmail.uef.fi/kirjaamo@uef.fi.

Read more about records Management and Registry Services.

The Human Resources Services is responsible for providing expert services in issues relating to terms of employment contracts, human resources development and well-being at work. We also provide services for international staff and assistance in matters related to researchers' mobility.

Director of Human Resources and Staff Well-being Ulla Hurskainen, tel. 050 512 5238, ulla.hurskainen@uef.fi

Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.

Development Services coordinates the university's planning and development activities, produces data on the university's operations for reporting and evaluation purposes, and is in charge of performance reporting required by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Our services are:

• Performance Management and Quality
• Research Services
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services
• International Relations
• Communications and Media Relations

Director of Strategy and Development Soili Makkonen, soili.makkonen@uef.fi.

Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.

Performance Management and Quality

We are involved in the university’s strategic planning and in the implementation of strategic measures. We are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the realisation of the university’s strategy.

Director of Strategy and Development Soili Makkonen, soili.makkonen@uef.fi.

Research Services

Research Services provides staff members of the University of Eastern Finland with expert services relating to research and innovation activities, and external funding.

Director of Research Services Anu Liikanen, anu.liikanen@uef.fi.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services is an organisation of experts supporting and promoting the commercialisation of research findings and expertise emerging from the University of Eastern Finland. 

Director of Strategy and Development Soili Makkonen, soili.makkonen@uef.fi.

International Relations

Director of International Affairs Riikka Pellinen, riikka.pellinen@uef.fi.

Communications and Media Relations

Director of Communications Services Petri Hynynen, tel. +358 50 407 8996, petri.hynynen@uef.fi.

General email address for Communications and Media Relations: viestinta@uef.fi.

Joensuu Campus

Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus, Communications and Media Relations Office, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.

Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 3^rd floor.

Kuopio Campus

Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Communications and Media Relations Office, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.

Visiting address: Yliopistonranta 8, Snellmania building, 2^nd floor.

Read more about services for the media.

The Student and Learning Services is responsible for providing general study-related administrative services for students and staff. We also give support in teaching, research and student well-being work as well as IT support in cooperation with the UEF IT Services. 

The Student and Learning Services offers

• services and support for applicants
• services and support for UEF students and staff in general study-related administration
• student advising and guidance, including career guidance
• training for students in academic study skills
• training for staff in university pedagogy
• training for students and staff in information and communications technology
• coordination and support in international mobility
• support for the teaching units at UEF
• help for UEF’s different stakeholders

The Student and Learning Services offers services in centralized administration available for all and in field-specific services at departmental level. The staff at departmental level gives guidance and support to students in the department.

Our general services include 

• Student Admissions, admissions@uef.fi 
• International Mobility Services, international@uef.fi
• Educational Services
• General Student Services (service desk, student register), opiskelu@uef.fi
• Study Psychologists 
• Student well-being work
• Student Recruitment, Head of Student Recruitment Kirsi Kaljunen
• eLearning Support Services, oppitupa@uef.fi
• Student tutoring and Orientation, New Students, international@uef.fi
• Career Services, urapalvelut@uef.fi

Further information

• Information for students available in the Student Handbook Kamu 
• Opening hours and contact information for Oppari, Student Services, Mobility Services, Career Services, Study Psychologists, Student Health Services, Library and many other support services can be found in Support Channels
• Information for applicants in Study at UEF
• The Centre for Continuous Learning offers individually tailored guidance and counselling services and opportunities for competence development.

Contact information for UEF staff: UEF Connect

Student and Learning Services is headed by Miia Turtiainen, miia.turtiainen@uef.fi. 

Joensuu Campus
Postal address: University of Eastern Finland, Student and Learning Services, PL 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, FINLAND

Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora Building, Entrance A

Kuopion Campus
Postal address: University of Eastern Finland, Student and Learning Services, PL 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, FINLAND

Visiting address: Yliopistonrinne 3, Canthia Building, 2nd floor (Oppari)
 

Financial Services at the University of Eastern Finland comprises Financial Administration and Facilities Management Services.

Chief Financial Officer Heini Koskenvuori, heini.koskenvuori@uef.fi

Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.

Financial administration

Financial administration is responsible for organising the university's accounting, preparing financial statements, managing liquidity, investments, taxation and auditing. Furthermore, the financial administration prepares the university's budget and produces financial data for management and external stakeholders. Financial administration is also responsible for the university's cost accounting and its development, and offers guidance and support in financial issues to the other units in the university.

Chief Financial Officer Heini Koskenvuori, heini.koskenvuori@uef.fi.

Joensuu Campus

Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Financial Services, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.

Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 2^nd floor.

Kuopio Campus

Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Financial Services, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.

Visiting address: Yliopistonranta 8, Melania building.

Facilities Management

Facilities Management is responsible for the development of the university’s facilities, as well as for tasks related to construction projects, facility maintenance and real estate safety. Facilities Management handles procurements and contracts related to the university’s real estates, facilities and facility users, as well as facility rentals and leases, the university’s internal facility rental system, and facility budgeting. Facilities Management is responsible for services aimed at facility users, including the procurement of cleaning, restaurant, security and parking services. Facilities Management also provides facility reservation and guest room services, key pick-up and return services, and services provided by facilities management officers, as well as instrument and equipment maintenance services on the Kuopio Campus. Facilities Management seeks to ensure that users have access to facilities that are healthy, safe and functional.

Director of Facilities Management Tarja Harjula, tarja.harjula@uef.fi.

Digital Services is a specialist organisation responsible for the ICT and learning technology services.

Read more about Digital Services.

Digital Director Marko Holmavuo, marko.holmavuo@uef.fi.