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Media release 03.07.2026

Pekka Suominen appointed Professor of Automation Technology at the University of Vaasa: “The circular economy cannot run on good intentions alone”

Doctor of Philosophy Pekka Suominen has started as Professor of Automation Technology at the University of Vaasa in June. His research focuses on intelligent automation systems, robotics, measurement technology, artificial intelligence, and the use of industrial data in decision-making.

Dissertation 29.06.2026

Professionals’ workload in the social and healthcare sector reflects on clients – supporting professionals increases retention and improves public trust in public services

A doctoral dissertation defended at the University of Vaasa maps the stressors of public service professionals at a time when the transformation of the social and healthcare sector has made work more interactive and complex. Salla Maijala’s doctoral dissertation in social and health management provides research-based knowledge to develop management within the sector.

Vaasan yliopiston Ankkuri-rakennus ja kesäinen kampus

News 25.06.2026

University of Vaasa continues its upward trend in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings

The University of Vaasa has continued its upward trajectory in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings, published on 24 June 2026. The University improved its position to the top 401-600 globally.

Media release 25.06.2026

Tatiana King and Vanja Piljak appointed Professors at the University of Vaasa – research highlights sustainability and the transformation of financial markets

Two new professors started at the University of Vaasa in June. Their research addresses current sustainability challenges from the perspectives of accounting and finance. Professor of Accounting (ESG reporting and sustainability) Tatiana King studies sustainability reporting and climate risks, while Professor of Finance (international financial markets) Vanja Piljak focuses on sustainable finance and investment.

Kaksi henkilöä kattelemässä. Toisella on kädessään ruusu ja paperiköörö, päässä valkoinen teekkarilakki ja päällä musta mekko. Toisella henkilöllä (rehtorilla) on päällään valkoinen hame ja kaulassa hopeinen yliopiston koru.

News 18.06.2026

Graduates celebrated at Publiikki: “Finland’s future is built on expertise, and the graduating students are exactly what the country needs”

The university celebrated its master’s and doctoral graduates who completed their degrees during the spring semester at the Publiikki ceremony held on Wednesday, 17 June. The Publiikki is a joint graduation celebration organized by the university twice a year.

Resilience workshop group picture at the campus

News 16.06.2026

International student group explored Finland’s comprehensive security model and U.S. Intelligence

The EUNICE network organised the summer school Strengthening Resilience in the Times of Polycrises, with the University of Vaasa leading its organisation in Vaasa and Helsinki. Over the course of the week, 20 students from across Europe had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with Finland’s comprehensive security model. The programme also featured a visit from internationally renowned intelligence expert, Professor Jan Goldman from the United States.

News 16.06.2026

New Strategic Research Council projects at the University of Vaasa

Two subprojects funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) of the Research Council of Finland will be transferred to the University of Vaasa, along with their research teams. The host organisation will change from VTT to the University of Vaasa as of 15 June 2026. The projects are AIdemoc, part of the DEMOC programme, and CAREFUTURE, part of the SKILLS programme.

Vaasan yliopiston Tervahovi-rakennuksen pääsisäänkäynti

Media release 15.06.2026

Significant research funding awarded to the University of Vaasa – energy, healthcare and security examined from multiple perspectives

The University of Vaasa has received significant funding for five research projects. Three projects were funded by the Research Council of Finland and two by the Interreg Aurora programme. Altogether, the projects received approximately €2.12 million in funding.

Dissertation 15.06.2026

Urban innovation projects can deepen inequality – inclusive innovation policy as a solution

Promoting innovation through urban development has grown in popularity around the world. However, urban development centered on economy and technology can unintentionally increase social inequality and marginalise low-income residents. In her doctoral dissertation from the University of Vaasa, Johanna Kalliokoski presents inclusive innovation policy as a solution.

Dissertation 10.06.2026

The mastery of human factors can improve the safety of high-speed workboats

Successful cockpit operations in high-speed workboats are not achieved by overemphasising the technical skills of individual crew members. Instead, safety and performance are built on the proactive mastery of human factors and the functionality of the operating system, according to a doctoral thesis by Mikko Lehtimäki at the University of Vaasa.