The University of Eastern Finland is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our high standard of interdisciplinary research and education respond to global challenges and build a sustainable future. Our research is ranked among the best in the world in several fields. We offer education in nearly 100 major subjects and we train experts for tomorrow’s changing labour market needs.
The University of Eastern Finland was established in 2010, following a decision by the University of Joensuu (est. 1969) and the University of Kuopio (est. 1972) to join forces in a merger. The university comprises four faculties: the Philosophical Faculty, the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio.
Our scientific community and UEF in international rankings
3,200
Employees
17,000
Degree students
16,600
Adult education students
535
QS World University Rankings 2025
501-600
Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2024)
20
academic subjects ranked in the top 500 in the world, ARWU (2023)
Work at UEF
The University of Eastern Finland is a major, attractive and diverse community that currently employs 3,200 people from 77 different countries. Learn more about the career possibilities and the university as an employer.
Life in Finland
Finland is an exotic and safe country to study and work in. Our campus cities, Joensuu and Kuopio, are attractive regional growth centres offering a diverse range of services for your everyday life, leisure time and hobby interests.
Sustainability and responsibility
Our activities are guided by ethicality and Sustainable Development Goals. We foster sustainability and responsibility in our research, education and partnerships. At UEF, sustainable development covers all its dimensions: environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability.
Campuses and facilities
Our campuses are located by Savilahti bay in Kuopio, and right by the city centre in Joensuu. By clicking on the links below, you’ll find more information about our campus cities and campus areas, our seminar and lecture rooms, campus restaurants, how to find us and where to stay during your visit.
Developing campuses
Work to develop campuses has begun at the University of Eastern Finland in spring 2022. The university's future working and learning methods as well as technology and facility solutions will be evaluated and aligned from now to 2035. The scenario work has charted three alternative future scenarios for the university's operating environments. The goal is a vibrant, inclusive, participatory and stimulating campus environment that will meet the changing needs of its users now and in the future. Campus development has been carried out and will continue in close cooperation with users.
UEF’s organisation
Faculties, units and independent institutes
Philosophical Faculty
- Dean Janne Pietarinen
- 1st Vice-Dean Laura Hirsto
- 2nd Vice-Dean Taina Hintsa
- Executive Head of Administration Henni Nevalainen
Schools
Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology
- Dean Kari Lehtinen
- 1st Vice-Dean Markku Hauta-Kasari
- 2nd Vice-Dean 2. Jussi Kukkonen
- Executive Head of Administration Arja Hirvonen
Departments
- Department of Physics and Mathematics, Joensuu
- Department of Chemistry, Joensuu
- School of Forest Sciences, Joensuu
- Department of Technical Physics, Kuopio
- School of Computing, Joensuu and Kuopio
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu and Kuopio
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Dean Jussi Pihlajamäki
- 1st Vice-Dean Anna-Liisa Levonen
- 2nd Vice-Dean Markus Forsberg
- Executive Head of Administration Hanna Ollikainen-Richards
Schools, departments and institutes
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio
- School of Pharmacy, Kuopio
- Department of Nursing Science, Kuopio
- School of Medicine, Kuopio
- Institute of Biomedicine, Kuopio
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kuopio
- Institute of Dentistry, Kuopio
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio
- Biocenter Kuopio
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
- Dean Sari Rissanen
- 1st Vice-Dean Minna Tanskanen
- 2nd Vice-Dean Tommi Laukkanen
- Executive Head of Administration Marko Junkkarinen
Departments and schools
- Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Joensuu
- UEF Business School, Joensuu and Kuopio
- UEF Law School, Joensuu
- Department of Health and Social Management, Kuopio
- Department of Social Sciences, Joensuu and Kuopio
- Karelian Institute, Joensuu
Centre for Continuous Learning fosters a culture of professional development among operations of people and organisations. Centre for Continuous Learning acts as a link between working life and science by following the development of new scientific knowledge and finding practical applications for it.
The Language Centre is responsible for language and communication studies included in degrees on Joensuu and Kuopio campuses of the University of Eastern Finland. In addition to courses forming part of degrees, we arrange optional courses for undergraduate, postgraduate and international exchange students, the University's staff and external customers. The activities of the Language Centre support the internationalisation of the entire University and Eastern Finland.
University library's information resources include printed and electronic materials. The library also handles the university's electronic publishing activities, sells university publications and organises information retrieval courses. Moreover, the library is one of the six legal deposit libraries in Finland and a European Documentation Centre.
University Pharmacy (Itä-Suomen yliopiston apteekki) is owned by the University of Eastern Finland. Our profits are utilized in education and research, especially in health sciences.
Leadership and decision-making
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 Board of the University of Eastern Finland, from the left Marko Koskelo, Erkki Pesonen, Eetu Hyvönen, Ursula Schwab, Maria Lähteenmäki, Tomi Rosti, Katja Toropainen, Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, Jaakko Kiander and Siamäk Naghian.
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.
University Services
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.
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, 3rd 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, 2nd floor.
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, 2nd 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.
UEF’s contact information
Joensuu Campus
Yliopistokatu 2, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland
P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
Kuopio Campus
Yliopistonranta 8, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland
P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
Switchboard number: +358 (0)294 45 1111
Email addresses to personnel: firstname.lastname@uef.fi
Kuopio University Hospital, clinics
P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Finland
Switchboard number: +358 17 173 311
Email addresses to personnel: firstname.lastname@kuh.fi