Contact persons for sustainability and responsibility at the University

Jarna Heikkilä, environmental specialist, HY247 (jarna.heikkila@helsinki.fi)

Our researchers approach climate change, biodiversity loss and equality issues from a multidisciplinary perspective.

A sustainability and responsibility committee established by the rector is responsible for the development, monitoring and reporting of the University’s sustainability and responsibility. The committee organises activities related to sustainable development on the University level. The committee consists of specialists developing the University’s sustainability and responsibility efforts, representatives of faculties and administrative sectors, and student members.

The committee is chaired by Anne Portaankorva, vice-rector in charge of sustainability and responsibility.

The Equality and Diversity Committee is a body under the vice-rector, representing the whole spectrum of the University community. The members of the Committee are appointed to include representatives of different genders, all staff groups of the University, students, and members of the University community of different ages as well as groups with particular insight or experience regarding equality issues.

The Committee’s duties are to 

• Promote the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act, monitor the development of equality at the University and report on it;
• Influence the University community so as to strengthen pro-equality attitudes, opinions and structures at the University; and 
• Prepare an equality and non-discrimination plan as specified in the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act. 

The Committee chair is Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman. The Committee secretary is Equality Advisor Timo Valtonen. In matters pertaining to equality, you can write to tasa-arvovastaava@helsinki.fi. 

In addition, the University has equality and accessibility contact persons working in HR Services and Teaching and Learning Services. The University has also appointed harassment contact persons. Further information can be requested by writing to hrd@helsinki.fi.

At each faculty of the University of Helsinki, a vice-dean overseeing sustainability and responsibility has been appointed, serving as a promoter of related matters at their faculty. To promote the University’s sustainability and responsibility efforts as a whole, the vice-deans survey and implement the faculties’ best practices related to sustainability and responsibility. 

Contact details for faculty leadership  

Further information on the activities of the vice-deans in charge of sustainability and responsibility can be obtained from Riina Koivuranta.  

Sustainability and responsibility team supports the university leadership and different university units in reaching the strategic goals related to sustainability and responsibility. The team for instance coordinates the implementation and follow-up of the Sustainability and Responsibility Plan, prepares annual sustainability reporting and supports sustainability and responsibility related communications. The team is part of the Communications and Community Relations unit which operates under the University Services.