The Board of the University of Helsinki appointed four vice-rectors for the University. The positions of the vice-rectors are full-time, with the following areas of responsibility:
Anne Remes (research, sustainability)
Hanna Snellman (international affairs, public engagment)
Jouni Hirvonen (innovations (RDI), research infrastructures)
Kai Nordlund (academic affairs)
Kai Nordlund will deputise for the rector. Together with the rector, the rector’s deputy contributes to the planning and monitoring of University finances. The coordination of Swedish-language education will continue under the direction of Kai Nordlund, who has been appointed to a Swedish-language professorship.
Kai Nordlund
Professor of Computational Materials Physics Kai Nordlund, PhD, has served as one of the vice-rectors of the University of Helsinki since 2022. From 2018 to 2022, he served as the dean of the Faculty of Science. Previously, he was the director of the Department of Physics in 2018 and vice-dean of the Faculty of Science from 2014 to 2017.
Anne Remes
Professor of Neurology Anne Remes, MD, has served as the dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki since 2022. Previously, she was the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oulu from 2017 to 2021, the director of the Medical Research Center Oulu from 2017 to 2018 and the deputy head of the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland from 2014 to 2016.
Hanna Snellman
Professor of Ethnology Hanna Snellman, DPhil, has served as one of the vice-rectors of the University of Helsinki since 2018. Prior to this, she was the dean of the Faculty of Arts from 2017 to 2018 and vice-dean from 2014 to 2016.
Jouni Hirvonen
Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology Jouni Hirvonen, DSc (Pharmacy), has served as one of the vice-rectors of the University of Helsinki since 2022. Prior to this, he was the dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy from 2020 to 2022 and vice-dean from 2004 to 2009.
“The University’s new leadership is a balanced whole with a broad and diverse view of the academic sphere as well as diverse research-based experience, expertise and backgrounds in leadership, which all support the development of University operations. The rector continues to be responsible for the wellbeing of the University community, while the responsibilities related to equality are agreed on among the rector and vice-rectors,” says Rector Sari Lindblom. Rector Lindblom’s and the new vice-rectors’ term of office, which lasts up to five years, will begin on 1 August 2023.
The vice-rectors support the rector in managing the University, serve as experts supporting the rector and manage, according to the duties assigned by the rector based on the allocation of duties confirmed by the Board, the strategic preparation of academic and other matters. The vice-rectors also support the rector in the University’s internal, national and international stakeholder activities.
In accordance with the Regulations of the University of Helsinki, the Board shall decide on the number, selection and duties of the vice-rectors on the proposal of the rector.