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A total of 17 applications were received for the two posts of Vice Rector of the University of Eastern Finland

A total of 17 applications were received from persons who fulfil the eligibility criteria for the two posts of Vice Rector of the University of Eastern Finland by the deadline of 19 April 2024. Five applications were received for the post of Vice Rector for Research and 13 for the post of Vice Rector for Education; one person applied for both posts.

The applicants for the post of Vice Rector for Research are:

  • Professor, DSc (Econ.) Pia Heilmann
  • Assistant Professor, PhD Muhammad Haroon Khan
  • Vice Dean, PhD Jussi Kukkonen
  • Research Supervisor, PhD Somasundaram Rathinasamy
  • Dean, MD Jussi Pihlajamäki

The applicants for the post of Vice Rector for Education are:

  • PhD Sivakumar Devi Abirami
  • Vice Dean, PhD Tiina Airaksinen
  • Vice Rector, PhD Piia Björn
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, PhD Ana Gebejes  
  • Vice Dean, PhD Markku Hauta-Kasari
  • Vice Dean, DEd Laura Hirsto
  • Head of Department, DSc (Econ.) Saara Julkunen
  • Assistant Professor, PhD Muhammad Haroon Khan
  • Professor, PhD (Psych.) Marja Laasonen
  • Independent Researcher, PhD Lars Gunnar Lundsten
  • Dean, DEd Janne Pietarinen
  • Dean, DSocSc, LicSc Sari Rissanen
  • Professor, DSc (Agr. & For.) Timo Tokola 

The University of Eastern Finland will reform its rector model by appointing two vice rectors for the term of office from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029. The person to be appointed as the university’s Vice Rector is required to hold a doctoral degree and have the skills and professional competencies needed in the performance of the Vice Rector’s duties, as well as good leadership skills, which have been demonstrated in practice. In addition, the applicants are expected to have, among others, extensive knowledge of the higher education sector, as well as insight and experience of university leadership and of the development of research and education in accordance with the responsibilities of the post.

The UEF Board will select the candidates who will proceed to interviews on 25 April 2024. The UEF Board will interview the top candidates for the first time on 16 May and the second time before the election meeting on 12 June 2024. A public hearing of the top candidates will be organised for the university community on 27 May 2024 on the Kuopio campus and on 28 May 2024 on the Joensuu campus. The UEF Board will select the Vice Rectors at its meeting of 13 June 2024.

The UEF Board already elected Academic Rector, LLD Tapio Määttä as the new Rector of the University of Eastern Finland for the five-year term beginning on 1 January 2025. 

Further information:

Chair of the UEF Board Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, tel. +358 50 337 8712