The year of donations 2025
Donation funds have been used effectively for the projects aligned with the university's strategy. The funds are used to support research and education initiatives and the development of new technologies. Supported projects are usually multiannual. Here are some examples of projects made possible by donations that were started or continued in 2025:
- Establishment of the Advanced Intelligence Center Lab (AIC Lab). The AIC Lab provides an environment for innovation, new technologies, idea development and testing, and teaching and science.
- Advancing the digitalization of research in Water, Energy and Environmental Engineering. Developing a virtual research environment and utilizing it to promote the digitalization of the water sector.
- New Innovation Initiatives -support for researchers to promote the development and productisation of energy and health applications utilising 6G technology.
- Development of biosensors, for example as new diagnostic methods for diseases.
- Donation funding has enabled a new kind of research at the University of Oulu in the area of use and modification of biomass, as well as its application in new areas (battery materials, water purification chemicals).
- Research of the mechanisms behind the progression of colorectal cancer and developing measurement methods suitable for clinical use as well as more effective treatment approaches.
- Development of a new treatment for blindness in premature babies.
- Strenghtening the work of humanoidrobotics research laboratory.
The University of Oulu has an increasing number of professors and researchers working in positions that are fully or partially funded by donations. The establishment of a new professorship is an investment in advancing the research field. In 2025, the following professorships were supported by donation funds:
- Assistant Professorship in Micro Entrepreneurship
- Assistant Professorship in Snow-covered Area Hydrology
- Professorship in Information Security
- Professorship in Industrial Management
- Professor of Practice in Industrial Engineering
- Professorship in Organic Chemistry
- Professorship in Printed and Hybrid Electronics
- Professorship in Business Ethics
- Professorship in Financial Economics
- Professorship in Geotechnical Engineering
Donations play a significant role in the establishment of professorships. Many professorships were initially funded by donations and are now supported by university core funding after the first five-year period.
Research requires perseverance, and the uncertainty of funding is particularly emphasized in the early stages of a researcher's career. Donations have been instrumental in supporting several promising researchers in the early stages of their careers.
In 2025 donation funds have supported PhD research on topics such as utilisation of industrial mineral by-products as alternative materials to replace cement and business ethics.
Promoting the well-being of students and the development of education have played a key role in the allocation of donations in 2024. Here are some examples of how donations have been used:
- A new study psychologist was recruited with donation funds. In 2025 targeted support has been provided especially for doctoral researchers through numerous workshops and individual guidance. Expert support has also been offered for the university’s development of generic skills and their integration into the university’s educational framework.
- Development of international students´ guidance in the faculty of technology.
- The new Responsible Economics and Finance Master's Programme started in autumn 2025.
- Students’ diploma theses work and interships has been supported by grants in the field of technology.
- A new university teacher was recruited in water and environmental engineering. A new Geospatial Studies module in Environmental Engineering has been developed for the bachelor’s level within the Environmental Engineering study track.
Support research and education!
New researched knowledge and expertise are vital in a changing world. Donations enable the university to invest in new initiatives. Together with our donors, we are building a sustainable future!