The University of Helsinki is a community of research and learning based on courageous thought and dialogue, where groundbreaking basic research, open-minded curiosity and cooperation create opportunities for solving global challenges.
“In 2030, our University will be among the leading universities in the world. Above all, we are a stronghold of edification, and our success is founded on solid field-specific expertise, interdisciplinary research and teaching of a high standard,” Rector Jari Niemelä sums up the objectives of the University of Helsinki.
For the first time, the strategic plan of the University of Helsinki has been formulated for a decade, from 2021 to 2030, drawing from the contributions of the entire University community, as well as stakeholders such as alumni and decision-makers. The Board of the University approved the strategic plan in its meeting on 26 February.
The strategic plan is founded on the University’s shared values of truth, Bildung, freedom and inclusivity, which steer the University community's everyday activities and interaction.
“Shared efforts are guided by four strategic focus areas and objectives for what the University aims to achieve by 2030. The strategic focus areas and objectives will be realised through implementation plans to be drawn up by the end of this year,” Rector Niemelä says.
An architect of Bildung and sustainable wellbeing
Research and education are among the core duties of the University of Helsinki, whose strengths lie in the continuous development of scientific thought and research skills. The solid link connecting research and teaching guarantees the high quality of learning.
“One of our strategic focus areas is that knowledge and learning are for everyone. This means advancing discipline-specific expertise, investing in top-level multidisciplinary and independent basic research, and consolidating collaboration between disciplines. This way, we will also be able to offer opportunities in continuous learning to more people besides our degree students. Through science education and communication, we export scientific thought outside the University,” Rector Niemelä states.
“Another strategic focus area is enhancing openness. Open science and open-access data make research-based knowledge available throughout society. In 2030, such knowledge will be increasingly used in support of societal decision-making. Openness also creates new cooperation opportunities with, for instance, businesses and boosts our public engagement activities,” Niemelä adds.
“We wish to be a leader in responsibility and sustainability. The latter will be made part of all educational offerings, targeted at all students and taken into consideration in all operations. In 2030 we will be an attractive multidisciplinary hub of sustainability science of international recognition. We consider it important to serve as a pioneer in building an increasingly responsible world.”
Success in this requires a healthy, equal and engaged University community.
“In 2030, the University of Helsinki will be the best place to study, teach, work and engage in research.”
***
Decision by the Board on 26 February 2020
With the power of knowledge – for the world: Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki 2021—2030 (in Finnish only)
The Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki 2021–2030 will be published in its entirety in Finnish, Swedish and English on 26 March 2020, the 380th anniversary of the University of Helsinki. The new strategic plan will enter into force on 1 January 2021.