The Board of the University of Eastern Finland selected the top candidates for the post of Rector, who will continue to the public hearings organised for the university community and to interviews. The top candidates are the Academic Rector of the University of Eastern Finland, Professor of Environmental Law, LLD Tapio Määttä; the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor of Clinical Nutrition, MD Jussi Pihlajamäki; and the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, Professor of Social Work, D.Soc.Sc., Lic.Sc. Sari Rissanen. The Board of the University of Eastern Finland made a decision on the top candidates and the changes to the schedule of the appointment of the Rector at its meeting of 13 February.
According to the Board, the selected top candidates have the skills and professional competencies needed in the performance of the Rector’s duties, as well as good leadership skills, which have been demonstrated in practice. The candidates also have excellent knowledge of the Finnish higher education system and education policy, and the best prerequisites for collaboration with local, national, and international stakeholders.
Seven people applied for the post of Rector of the University of Eastern Finland by the deadline of 31 January 2024. Five of these persons met the qualification requirements laid down in the Universities Act.
The top candidates will be heard on the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses on 26 and 27 February at events organised by the University Collegiate Body. The UEF Board will interview the candidates on 13 and 21 March. The decision on the new Rector will be made at a Board meeting to be held on 22 March 2024. The Board has confirmed the application period for the posts of Vice Rectors to be 25 March – 19 April 2024.
The University of Eastern Finland will reform its rector model by appointing a rector and two vice rectors for the term of office from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029. The current terms of office of the Rector and the Academic Rector will end on 31 December 2024.
Further information:
Chair of the UEF Board Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, tel. +358 50 337 8712
