Professor Petri Luomanen was named dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Faculty Council’s meeting on 30 September 2025.
In its statement, the appointment committee notes that Luomanen is well acquainted with the University of Helsinki and the Faculty’s operating environment from his long career in multiple roles. He brings both continuity and a progressive outlook to the Faculty.
Luomanen is currently Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Culture and Literature at the University of Helsinki Faculty of Theology. He completed his doctoral degree in theology in Helsinki in 1996. His research has explored topics such as the relationship between early mainstream Christianity and movements deemed heretical.
Luomanen was named member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters in 2023 for his scholarly merits. Acknowledged for both his teaching excellence and his engagement with the scholarship of teaching, he was appointed to the University of Helsinki Teachers’ Academy upon its establishment in 2013. Luomanen’s pedagogical practice is distinguished by a consistent integration of research and teaching as well as systematic, long-term initiatives to develop teaching.
The University had announced an open call for the position of dean for a term beginning on 1 January 2026. Under the University’s Regulations, faculty councils appoint deans for a fixed term of up to five years to manage faculty operations and oversee the efficient, economical and effective performance of faculty duties.
After the dean’s appointment, faculties will begin accepting applications for vice-dean and department director positions. All deans, vice-deans and department directors are set to commence their new terms of office on 1 January 2026.