With the title of doctor honoris causa, the Faculty acknowledges individuals for their significant efforts towards scholarship, society and international cooperation as well as for their long-running collaboration with the University of Helsinki.
In 2026 the title will be conferred on the following:
- Pekka Haavisto, a Finnish politician and influential figure in international diplomacy with a key role in peace mediation, environmental policy and global cooperation
- James Robinson, a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences laureate and a scholar of political economy, noted for his internationally influential work on institutions, inequality and societal development
- Bridget Anderson, an internationally renowned scholar of migration and citizenship who has long collaborated with the University of Helsinki in teaching and research
- Walden Bello, a specialist in global justice, democracy and political economy whose academic and societal advocacy is widely known
An honorary doctorate is the highest recognition the University of Helsinki can award. The titles will be presented in the conferment festivities from 21 to 23 May 2026.
For further information on the honorary doctorates to be conferred in spring 2026, visit the website for the Faculty of Social Sciences conferment ceremony: