Atte Palomäki to strengthen the University of Vaasa’s visibility and impact

Research conducted at the University of Vaasa helps accelerate the energy transition, transform business practices and deepen understanding of societal change. The university aims to bring its researchers’ knowledge and insights more prominently into public discussion and to work together with businesses and other partners to develop solutions that translate research findings into practice.

– We want the University of Vaasa’s expertise to be seen and heard more strongly, both in Finland and internationally, and we want our research to be utilised more widely in business and public decision-making. Atte brings extensive experience from the international corporate world, together with a strong understanding of how communications and stakeholder engagement can support the university’s goals, says Rector Minna Martikainen.

Palomäki’s work will focus on sharpening the university’s profile, increasing the visibility of its research and experts, and strengthening relationships with businesses and stakeholders. He will work closely with the Rector, the university’s management, and the communications, brand and marketing team. His role supports the university’s long-term ambition to strengthen its position as an internationally recognised research university in sustainable business, energy and society.

For around 15 years, Palomäki was responsible for communications, brand and marketing at Wärtsilä. He has also held senior communications positions at Nordea and worked as a journalist. Today, he serves as a senior adviser to business leaders. His experience in the international energy sector provides a natural link to the University of Vaasa’s research and the region’s energy ecosystem.

– What inspires me about the University of Vaasa is its ambition to think big and conduct research that makes a real difference. During my years at Wärtsilä, I saw first-hand how expertise and collaboration in Vaasa can create international success. The university is well placed to play an even stronger role in this. I look forward to helping open doors and bringing the perspectives of its researchers into the conversations where decisions about the future are made, says Palomäki.