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News 13.02.2026

Big Heart Award 2026 to Carolin Nuortila

The University of Vaasa’s Big Heart Award has been granted to Senior Researcher in Energy Technology Carolin Nuortila. The Big Heart Award is the university’s annual equality and non-discrimination prize, awarded to a person or group that has significantly promoted equality, inclusion, and community within the university.

Media release 12.02.2026

Harnessing space data and AI for energy transition – professor Ali Arslan starts at the University of Vaasa

Doctor of Technology Ali Arslan has started as Professor of Space Data Processing at the University of Vaasa in February, bringing with him a strong expertise in space technology and satellite-based Earth Observation. In his new position, he will focus on integrating space data and artificial intelligence to support the energy transition and climate action.

Media release 11.02.2026

University of Vaasa expands its presence in Helsinki – new city-centre campus supports study and collaboration

The University of Vaasa is strengthening its presence in the Helsinki metropolitan area and moving into new, larger premises in the heart of the city. The new Helsinki campus, opening at the end of March, will serve as a base for the University’s students, staff and partners.

Juha Gröhn nojaa kaiteeseen ja hymyilee kameralle

Media release 10.02.2026

Juha Gröhn appointed Professor of Practice in Seinäjoki – Strengthening the competitiveness of the food industry

The University of Vaasa has appointed Juha Gröhn, former CEO of Atria Plc, as Professor of Practice in Seinäjoki. Gröhn has spent his career in the food industry and played a key role in Atria’s internationalisation. His area of focus will be the growth and competitiveness of the food economy value chain.

Media release 09.02.2026

LocalTapiola supports the growth and innovation culture of Finland’s West Coast with a significant donation to the University of Vaasa

LocalTapiola will donate EUR 900,000 to the University of Vaasa for the years 2026–2028. The Growth Spark donation supports multidisciplinary innovation activities related to the energy transition and aims to strengthen students’ competences, advance research, development and innovation activities, and enhance Finland’s competitiveness.

Nainen lajittelemassa vaatteita kierrätykseen

Media release 03.02.2026

VTT, the University of Vaasa and Finnish companies are developing a new user-friendly collection solution for used clothing

VTT is developing, together with the University of Vaasa, Pääkaupunkiseudun kierrätyskeskus and Emmy Clothing Company, the TexMat deposit-return solution for textile collection that rewards consumers for returning their used clothes.

Vaasan yliopiston pääsisäänkäynnin marmoriportti talvella kuvattuna

Media release 29.01.2026

The quality and impact of research at the University of Vaasa at the top level in Europe – number one in citations in the QS Europe ranking

The University of Vaasa reached a new milestone in the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 by securing the number one position in Europe for ‘Citations per Paper’. The university achieved a top score of 100, well above the ranking average of 36.7. This ratio measures the average number of citations obtained per publication, and is a proxy of the impact and quality of the scientific work done by universities.

News 28.01.2026

Rector Minna Martikainen at the University of Vaasa anniversary celebration: “High-level knowledge is Finland’s essential strength”

The 58th anniversary of the University of Vaasa was celebrated on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, with the theme "Knowledge as foundation for resilience." Rector Minna Martikainen opened the event and the keynote speakers were Heidi Backman, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, and Joakim Strand, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering. Additionally, awards for the research and teaching acts of the year, as well as the Student Union's Good Teacher Award, were presented.

News 28.01.2026

Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre strengthens the development of education at the University of Vaasa

The University of Vaasa’s new Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TLIC) supports the development of pedagogy, educational quality and digital learning solutions. The aim is to strengthen the university’s position as a modern and pedagogically advanced learning environment and to support its goals towards increasingly digitalised and student centred education.

Kolme henkilöä seisomassa kukka-asetelmat käsissään. Kaikki katsovat kameraan ja heillä on päällään juhlavaatteet.

News 27.01.2026

The Research and Teaching Acts of the Year celebrated at the Anniversary Celebration

During the anniversary celebration on Tuesday 27 January, the University of Vaasa awarded the Research and Teaching Acts of the Year. The Research Act of the Year 2025 was awarded to Professor Sami Vähämaa. Professor of Practise Elina Melgin, Professor Rebekah Rousi and Researcher Hanna Hietikko got the Teaching Act of the Year 2025 Award. University Teacher Otto Ellonen received the Good Teacher award, University Teacher Mirjam Särs received an honorary mention, and University Lecturer Laura Perttola was granted the Good Supervisor Award from the Students' Union of the University of Vaasa.

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