Marjo Kaartinen is the new Rector of the University of Turku

In its meeting on 26 January 2024, the University Board selected Vice Rector, Professor Marjo Kaartinen as the Rector of the University of Turku for a five-year term starting on 1 August 2024. 

Kaartinen was chosen for her open, results-oriented and collaborative leadership, her understanding of universities’ operational environment, and her knowledge of the University of Turku. Kaartinen is a renowned scholar in science and education, a distinguished professor, and an active societal influencer. Her leadership experience includes the position of the Vice Rector at the Uniarts Helsinki and the position of the Head of School of History, Culture and Arts Studies at the University of Turku.

“The Rector leads the operations and work community of the multidisciplinary and international University of Turku in accordance with the University's values and strategy. Marjo Kaartinen has a strong vision for the future direction and development of the University of Turku. She is ambitious to take her vision forward together with the whole University community. She is an inspiring and encouraging expert of an inclusive work culture," says Ritva Viljanen, the Chair of the University Board. 

Kaartinen has been the Vice Rector for Education at the Uniarts Helsinki since 2022. She has worked at the University of Turku since 1991 in teaching and research positions. Kaartinen completed her PhD in philosophy in 1999 and received her title of docent in cultural history in 2003. She was appointed as the Professor of Cultural History at the University of Turku in 2015. She was the Head of School of History, Culture and Arts Studies from 2017 to 2022. 

Kaartinen holds several Finnish and international academic positions of trust and is also active in popularising science. For instance, she has been selected as the Academic of the Year by the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers.

The University published the call for applications for the position of the Rector on 29 August 2023. A total of 18 people applied for the position, of whom the University Board invited eight candidates for interviews. Three candidates were invited for further interviews.

The University community had the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process by submitting questions for the interviewees. The three top candidates were interviewed in an open event for the University community in November and separately by the University Collegiate Council. Furthermore, MPS consulting conducted leadership assessments and the University Board interviewed the candidates again in December. In addition, the University Board has arranged hearings for the Faculty Councils, management of the independent units, and the Student Union of the University of Turku.

The term of office of the University’s current Rector Jukka Kola will end by the end of July 2024.