The success story of the University of Eastern Finland continues, as evidenced by stronger partnerships and action with impact also in the future. The early beginnings of the university, established in 2010 following the merger of the University of Joensuu and the University of Kuopio, were reminisced at the university’s 15th anniversary celebration. The celebration also saw the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the university and the campus cities, as well as the announcement of the university’s first-ever Impact Award.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Rector Tapio Määttä recounted the founding stages of the University of Eastern Finland and called upon key individuals involved in the process to look back on the establishment and later stages of the university.
“Discussions on closer collaboration between the then Universities of Joensuu and Kuopio were launched as part of higher education institutions’ structural development, which was driven by the government at that time. In the university sector, the term has since almost become a curse word, but in retrospect, many actions taken then have proven to be important and sustainable,” Määttä noted.
According to Määttä, the establishment of the University of Eastern Finland has proven to be a success story. This can be seen, among other things, in the fact that last year, UEF assumed the position of being the fourth largest university in Finland when measured by the number of Master’s degrees awarded.
“In our first year of operation in 2010, the number of Master’s degree awarded by the University of Eastern Finland was 1,044. That placed us seventh among the Finnish universities. In 2024, the number of Master’s degrees awarded climbed to 1,887, making us the fourth largest university,” Määttä said.
Partnerships enhance the impact of research and education
“The impact of the University of Eastern Finland’s research is based on our researchers’ ability to cross disciplinary boundaries in their search for solutions to global challenges,” Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Jussi Pihlajamäki noted.
According to Pihlajamäki, impact always arises from collaboration with stakeholders, highlighting the crucial importance of long-term collaboration with regional, national and international partners.
According to Vice Rector for Education Laura Hirsto, the impact of the University of Eastern Finland’s education is built on a strong research foundation, interdisciplinarity and long-term investment in the pedagogical development of education.
“The development of education, just like the development of research, requires an ecosystem approach and partnerships. Through broad-based collaboration, we can develop learning environments of the future that support our students’ growth into thriving experts, developers of workplaces and organisations, and versatile professionals.”
The university has given a boost to the campus cities’ growth and collaboration
According to Jere Penttilä, the Mayor of the City of Joensuu, the university’s impact on Joensuu’s leading industries cannot be overemphasised.
“Joensuu is known as the forest capital of Europe and as a photonics hub, thanks to high-level research in these areas.”
“The merger of the Universities of Joensuu and Kuopio has strengthened the growth of, and collaboration between, the campus cities. A strong and international university is a pillar of growth for both cities, and deepening this collaboration further is vital for the future,” Penttilä said.
Soile Lahti, the Mayor of the City of Kuopio, stressed the importance of a shared vision and commitment to continuous and increasingly close collaboration between the university and the cities.
“Close collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland and the campus cities plays a key role in the success of this region,” Lahti noted in her speech.
“For instance, FinVector’s operations in Kuopio are an example of how the university’s expertise can lead to success stories on a global scale. The university is building a broader ecosystem and network in its region, while also attracting companies and other know-how to its vicinity.”
An inclusive and accessible academic community
From the perspective of Noora Saramäki, the Chair of the Executive Board of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland (ISYY), the merger of the universities was not just an administrative reform, but it opened up new opportunities to enhance the daily lives and well-being of students, and to build a sense of community.
“Students have adapted to the university’s versatile culture of studying and found new ways to communicate and collaborate across campus boundaries.”
“Our goal is to create an inclusive and accessible academic community where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” Saramäki said in her speech.
