Big Heart Award 2026 to Carolin Nuortila

Carolin Nuortila has advanced equality and non-discrimination within the university community especially by supporting international students and staff in integrating into the University of Vaasa. She has worked persistently to create a safe and encouraging learning and working environment.

In her teaching, Nuortila applies inclusive methods that ensure all students – regardless of background or previous academic experience – have equal opportunities to succeed.

According to her colleagues, Nuortila serves as a daily example of empathetic, respectful, and equitable interaction. She is described as the “heart” of her research group: she creates a professional yet warm atmosphere, shares her expertise generously with early-career researchers, and is always ready to offer help even during busy times.

– I feel honored to receive the feedback my work community has given. Probably everybody knows from their own experience how important it is to get advice and help from others, whether in their home country or abroad. But when being abroad, it might weigh even more. I value equality and equity very highly, Nuortila says.

In addition, an honorary mention was awarded to International Affairs Specialist Anne Ahlqvist, who has determinedly highlighted the challenges faced by international students and worked to find solutions to them. The Big Heart Award and the honorary mention were presented on 12 February at the university-wide Valentine’s Day staff event.