First new professors of practice appointed at the University of Helsinki

The new professors of practice, Timo Kaisanlahti, LLD; Tuomas Lehtinen, LLD; Petri Peltonen, PhD; and Pekka Sauri, PhD, will tighten the connections between the University and business life.

The first professors of practice at the University of Helsinki have been appointed. Doctor of Laws Timo Kaisanlahti (financial statements law), Doctor of Laws Tuomas Lehtinen (legal practice law), Doctor of Philosophy Petri Peltonen (economic geology) and Doctor of Philosophy Pekka Sauri (organisational communication) have been invited to their positions for a fixed term of 3–5 years.

“Professors of practice provide the University of Helsinki with a wonderful opportunity to strengthen cooperation with representatives of working life and share their lessons with students”, says Jukka Kola, the rector of the University of Helsinki.

The position of professor of practice has just been established at the University of Helsinki. A holder of a doctoral degree, having professional merits and particularly significant experience from outside the academic world, may be appointed to the position. The position is filled by invitation and always for a fixed term. Professors of practice work part-time in addition to their regular duties.

New professors of practice

LLD, Docent Timo Kaisanlahti, professor of practice in financial statements law

Timo Kaisanlahti works as the chief legal counsel for the Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company. He holds a doctorate in law and works as a docent of law and economics at the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty of Law has invited him to the position of professor of practice in financial statements law (five years, 20%).

email: timo.kaisanlahti@varma.fi

LLD, Docent Tuomas Lehtinen, professor of practice in legal practice law

Tuomas Lehtinen is a partner at Castrén & Snellman Attorneys Ltd. Holding a doctorate in law, Lehtinen has been appointed to a docentship in contract law and international trade law at the University of Turku. He has extensive experience in dispute proceedings both in the courts and in arbitration institutes. The Faculty of Law has invited Lehtinen to the position of professor of practice in legal practice law (five years, 50%).

email: tuomas.lehtinen@castren.fi
Twitter: @TL_Lehtinen

The position of professor of practice in legal practice law is funded partly by the Finnish Bar Association Foundation and the Finnish Bar Association.

PhD, Docent Petri Peltonen, professor of practice in economic geology

Petri Peltonen is an expert in geology and mineralogy. Peltonen works as the managing director of Aurora Exploration, a Finnish company specialised in ore exploration. He has extensive experience in both research activities and industry. The Faculty of Science has invited him to the position of professor of practice in economic geology (five years, 50%).

email: petri.peltonen@auroraexploration.fi

PhD Pekka Sauri, professor of practice in organisational communications, specialising in societal communication

Pekka Sauri has long-term experience working as a politician and official, with prior service as a deputy mayor of Helsinki. He is currently working as an advisor to the communications firm Tekir and Aalto University Executive Education.

The Faculty of Social Sciences has invited him to the position of professor of practice in organisational communication (three years, 80%).

The Faculty of Social Sciences is preparing to invite another professor of practice in organisational communication specialising in business communication in 2018.

email: pekka.sauri@helsinki.fi
Twitter: @pekkasauri

The positions of professor of practice in organisational communication are partly funded by donations. The largest donors include ProCom–The Finnish Association of Communication Professionals, the Economic Information Office, the Finnish Fair Foundation, the Juho and Lempi Pitkänen Fund and Nokia.

Further information: 
Rector Jukka Kola
tel. +358 2941 22211
president@helsinki.fi