The Board of the University of Helsinki selected the following five applicants for the final round of the appointment process:
Jukka Kola
Jukka Kola, Doctor of Science (Agriculture and Forestry), has served as rector of the University of Helsinki since 2013. Kola is a professor of agricultural policy at the University of Helsinki.
Liisa Laakso
Liisa Laakso, Doctor of Social Sciences, is the current rector of the University of Tampere. She has previously held the position of dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki.
Sari Lindblom
Sari Lindblom, Doctor of Philosophy, is currently vice-rector of the University of Helsinki and professor of higher education.
Jari Niemelä
Jari Niemelä, Doctor of Philosophy, is professor of urban ecology at the University of Helsinki.
Outi Vaarala
Outi Vaarala, Doctor of Medical Science, is professor of paediatric immunology and head of lung immunity at the Astra Zeneca RIA IMED Biotech Unit. She also serves as a research director at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki.
The rector of the University of Helsinki will be selected from among the above candidates after they have been interviewed by the University Collegium. The University Board aims to select the rector in its meeting on 25 April 2018.
The Board increased the number of interviewees from its previous announcement and interviewed the following nine applicants before deciding on the above five shortlisted candidates: Jukka Kola, Liisa Laakso, Lasse Lehtonen, Tuomas Lehtonen, Sari Lindblom, Jari Niemelä, Kimmo Nuotio, Risto Renkonen and Outi Vaarala.
In line with the Universities Act, the rector shall be responsible for the efficient, economic and effective completion and further development of the University’s duties. The University Board selects the rector for a fixed term of up to five years.