Markku Löytönen, Vice Rector:
The needs of the surrounding society are taken into account
The University of Helsinki is the most important institution for intellectual renewal and the largest expert organisation in Finland. The most important form of societal influence of the university is to make sure that the level of scientific education remains high, to provide high-quality education based on research and to radiate expertise on the surrounding society – both in political decision-making, for the benefit of the business community and to support the decision-making of a private citizen.
It is important for the success of exerting societal influence that university researchers and teachers recognise the strong and weak signals on the need for expertise coming from the surrounding society, and are able to meet the needs for information with as much expertise as possible. During 2008, the operations of various intermediary organisations functioning on the interface between the university and society were developed and consolidated.
The principle of life-long learning, which even entered the Government Programme, was taken into account when developing, for example, Open University activities and continuing education services. One important development object was increasing the systematic gathering of feedback from the world of work. The feedback helped us to reform the structure and content of degree studies to better meet the sometimes rapidly changing needs of the world of work and to increase the impact exerted by the university further.
The focus areas in 2008 included expert work in the media, the preparation of legislation, the information needs of citizens and the production of textbooks. Many units also participated in innovation activities. The university cooperated in various sector and region-specific networks with sectoral research institutions on the basis of reciprocal partnership. The international dimension was present in all faculties and units.
Through scientific knowledge, teaching and expertise, the University of Helsinki exerts influence for the good of Finnish society each day on all levels of activities and all sectors of human existence.
|
