Professor of Urban Ecology Jari Niemelä, currently on sick leave from his position as rector of the University of Helsinki, will step down from his position as of 1 February 2022 due to health reasons. Niemelä will be on research leave and attend to specialist executive duties until the end of his term on 31 July 2023.
“During Jari Niemelä’s term, the University of Helsinki has made significant initiatives in the sphere of responsibility and sustainability. This process has been guided by the University’s ten-year strategic plan and its vision of With the power of knowledge – for the world that were forged under Jari’s leadership and in collaboration with the entire University community. Jari has been an important force in promoting inclusivity and shared values at the University as well as an active proponent and advocate of sustainability and biodiversity,” says Niklas Bruun, chair of the Board of the University of Helsinki.
“On behalf of the Board, I wish to warmly thank Jari for his successful work as rector and wish him well on his road to recovery,” Bruun concludes.
Sari Lindblom, who has attended to the duties of rector during Niemelä’s sick leaves, has been appointed to serve as rector until further notice. Similarly, vice-rectors Tom Böhling, Paula Eerola and Hanna Snellman have been appointed to serve as vice-rectors until further notice in accordance with the current division of duties among the rector and vice-rectors.