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Media release 01.10.2026

University of Vaasa ranks among the world's top 500 universities and leads Finland in research quality

The University of Vaasa has once again secured its place among the world's top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027. The university is ranked in the 451-500 band among 2,297 universities from 118 countries.

Vaasan yliopiston kampus kuvattuna ulkoa syksyllä

News 28.09.2026

Shanghai Ranking: University of Vaasa enters global top 100 in Public Administration

The University of Vaasa has strengthened its position in the prestigious Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2026, achieving a place among the world's top 100 universities in Public Administration. Ranked in the 76-100 category globally, the university is the only Finnish university included in the field this year.

Dissertation 28.09.2026

New model supports AI adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises

Some small and medium-sized accountancy firms have lagged behind larger firms in adopting artificial intelligence. Both a lack of expertise and investment costs can act as barriers, and now a new maturity model is helping to plan new development initiatives.

Alisa Flinck Pahkasalo seisomassa yliopiston logoseinän edessä

News 18.09.2026

Master’s programme in Strategic Business Development acknowledges Alisa Flinck Pahkasalo’s thesis as the best in 2025

The Best Master’s Thesis in Strategic Business Development in 2025 acknowledgement has been awarded to Alisa Flinck Pahkasalo for her Thesis titled “Leveraging relational buyer-supplier collaboration for supplier sustainability development: Towards Scope 3 emission reductions - A qualitative case study”

Dissertation 17.09.2026

Health and social services reform highlights the need for collaboration in a fragmented system – systemic cooperation still needs building

A doctoral dissertation to be defended at the University of Vaasa contributes to the current debate on the health and social services sector and its development. Marina Kinnunen’s doctoral thesis in Health and Social Management Sciences examines the roles of different actors and their collaboration within the health and social services system.

News 16.09.2026

ICT Systems must become more energy-efficient and long-lasting – universities and TIEKE develop new solutions for businesses

Requirements related to the ecodesign and energy efficiency of ICT equipment will become stricter in the coming years. Energy efficiency, repairability, and long service life will become increasingly important factors in both product development and procurement. At the same time, sustainability, emissions reduction, and energy efficiency are gaining greater importance as decision-making criteria in both the public and private sectors.

Dissertation 14.09.2026

Foreign divestments can increase risk for multinationals – risk assessments are crucial

Foreign divestments can be costly, warns doctoral student Arshed Iqbal from the University of Vaasa. As the world around us becomes more challenging, risk assessments are also more important than ever.

News 07.09.2026

Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce Award presented to Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh – sector coupling enhances energy system flexibility

The Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce has awarded University of Vaasa Project Researcher Seyedehsahar Seyedbarhagh a prize of EUR 5,000 for energy-related research. The award was presented at the University of Vaasa’s opening ceremony for the academic year on Monday 7 September.

Media release 07.09.2026

Rector Minna Martikainen at the opening of the academic year: “High-level expertise is the most important foundation for Finland’s growth”

High-level expertise – in particular, the expertise developed through university education and research – is the most important foundation for Finland’s growth, Rector of the University of Vaasa Minna Martikainen emphasised at the University’s opening ceremony for the academic year on 7 September. According to Martikainen, high-quality university research and education produce new knowledge and innovations, improve productivity and strengthen the capacity of businesses and society to renew themselves.

News 07.09.2026

Alumna of the Year Elina Bardram builds international solutions to climate change

Doctor of Economics Elina Bardram has been selected as the University of Vaasa’s Alumna of the Year. Bardram has built an exceptionally influential international career in climate policy and sustainable development. She currently serves as Director for Climate Resilience and Information Management at the European Commission in Brussels and has led the EU’s negotiating efforts in several major international climate negotiations, including those that resulted in the historic Paris Climate Agreement.