Rector Marjo Kaartinen has appointed the Vice Rectors of the University of Turku for a five-year term. Professors Maija Peltola, Tapio Salakoski and Piia Seppänen will start their duties in January.
The recruitment process for the Vice Rectors of the University of Turku has been completed. Rector Marjo Kaartinen, after consulting the Chair of the University Board, has decided on the Vice Rectors and their areas of responsibility for the five-year terms starting on 1 January 2025:
- PhD, Professor Maija Peltola, societal impact
- PhD, Professor Tapio Salakoski, education
- EdD, Professor Piia Seppänen, research.
The selection process was based, among other things, on the applicants' strategic vision for the development of a multidisciplinary university and the applied positions. The role of the Vice Rectors is to support the Rector in the leadership and development of the University of Turku.
“The appointed Vice Rectors will form an innovative and effective team. I believe they have the ability to develop their areas of responsibility holistically and to help lead the University into the next decade even stronger than before," says Rector Marjo Kaartinen.
Maija Peltola is a Professor of Phonetics at the Faculty of Technology, University of Turku. She has a long experience in research and teaching. Peltola has also served in a number of positions of trust, including as a member of the University Board of the University of Turku and as President of the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers.
Tapio Salakoski is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Turku. Salakoski is an experienced researcher with a wide range of expertise in interdisciplinary education, learning analytics, and international education development.
Piia Seppänen is the Vice Dean responsible for research at the Faculty of Education and a Professor of Comparative Educational Research and Educational Policy at the University of Turku. She is also the head of the Centre for Research and Lifelong Learning and Education (CELE). Seppänen is an active researcher. She has experience in national and international research projects and networks.
There were 20 applicants for the vice rector positions. The five-year terms of the current three vice rectors will end at the end of 2024.