Effective supervision is key to both doctoral researcher wellbeing and the successful completion of doctoral theses. Each year, the University of Helsinki Doctoral School recognises outstanding thesis supervisors to raise awareness of good supervision practices.
Doctoral researchers submitted over 130 nominations this year, with some supervisors receiving multiple nominations and several being jointly submitted by groups of supervisees.
The awards ultimately went to Academy Research Fellow Ahmed Al-Samadi of the Faculty of Medicine, Senior University Lecturer Jaanika Blomster of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University Researcher Janne Heiskanen of the Faculty of Science, Professor Anne Mäntynen of the Faculty of Arts and University Researcher Tomas Strandin of the Faculty of Medicine.
Good thesis supervisors have much in common
Similar qualities are highlighted in the profiles of the award-winning doctoral thesis supervisors. They take a flexible approach, tailoring their supervision to the individual needs of each supervisee and helping them discover the academic path that suits them best. They stay involved, truly listen and strive to create a safe working and learning environment.
Good supervisors combine empathy with support. They open up new perspectives and career opportunities by supporting multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches, while encouraging their supervisees’ independence and self-confidence as researchers.
Doctoral student Felicity Etinosa Osemwowa, member of the award committee, points out that there were amazing nominations this year and every nominee is a deserving winner.
"However, we ended up choosing nominees whose students successfully described how their research have been impacted positively by their supervisors. The nominations this year reflect that doctoral students acknowledge and appreciate how committed the university supervisors are to their research and well-being."
Award committee member, doctoral student Sara Pyykölä adds that some qualities of the awardees were paramount.
"I considered especially who would set the best practical example for other supervisors in the work life. While the supervision commitment of all candidates was extremely laudable and sometimes extended even to personal life, I wanted to avoid putting unnecessarily high standards for the award. Thus, I focused my attention on the work life alone, what is expected in that role and consequently what is exemplary behaviour in that role, exceeding these expectations."
Grounds for selection of award recipients:
Ahmed Al-Samadi
Academy Research Fellow Ahmed Al-Samadi demonstrates a systematic approach to supervision, combined with empathy and encouragement. He has cultivated an atmosphere that fosters openness in research and a strong sense of belonging. His supervision ensures that doctoral researchers feel secure in the laboratory and able to complete their experiments effectively. He never judges people for their mistakes. In his own words: “It’s okay. Mistakes happen – let’s figure out what to do next.”
Ahmed Al-Samadi has established a research environment grounded in safety and trust, which further nurtures his supervisees’ sense of belonging.
Jaanika Blomster
Senior University Lecturer Jaanika Blomster is skilled at meeting the personal needs of her doctoral researchers, helping each find the academic path that fits them best. She is empathetic and genuinely invested in her supervisees’ growth and wellbeing throughout their academic journey. Her active engagement and work bridging such different fields as technology and art makes her an irreplaceable mentor.
Jaanika Blomster urges her supervisees to conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with researchers from various fields.
Janne Heiskanen
University Researcher Janne Heiskanen fosters independence and initiative, offering structured supervision to his doctoral researchers from both Finland and abroad. He nurtures their growth as collaborative and critical thinkers, motivating them to address challenges through collective effort.
Janne Heiskanen is a dedicated and dependable supervisor, always ready to assist with research-related challenges, whether in Finland or on the savannahs of Kenya.
Anne Mäntynen
Professor Anne Mäntynen is a caring, inspiring and supportive supervisor. She excels at offering heartfelt praise and expertly guiding supervisees through the writing process. She includes all her supervisees in varied activities that help build their skills and networks. Her calming words, ‘everything will turn out okay,’ always bring reassurance.
Anne Mäntynen instils confidence in her supervisees and is particularly skilled at supporting those completing their doctoral theses part-time.
Tomas Strandin
University Researcher Tomas Strandin is genuinely interested in his supervisees’ growth and learning. His daily involvement and inclusive attitude enable doctoral researchers to make key decisions and pursue new avenues. He is patient and understanding in interactions with researchers from diverse backgrounds and supports them through personal challenges.
Tomas Strandin is a supportive and adaptable supervisor, responsive to individual needs and dedicated to his supervisees’ wellbeing and success.
The award-winning doctoral thesis supervisors were selected by a committee composed of Director Minna Palander-Collin and Deputy Director Maija Tenkanen of the University’s Doctoral School as well as Doctoral Researchers Sara Pyykölä and Felicity Etinosa Osemwowa. The awards were presented at the Summer Fest for doctoral researchers on 3 June. The University of Helsinki first bestowed University-level doctoral thesis supervisor awards in 2024.