Distinguished members of the university community recognised at the opening ceremony of the academic year
Professor emeritus Anssi Paasi, a long-serving professor at the University of Oulu, was honoured for bringing Finnish geography research visible around the world. A particular reason for the recognition was Paasi's receipt earlier this year of the prestigious international Prix Vautrin Lud, regarded as the highest recognition in geography – the first time it has been awarded to a Finnish scholar.
Professor Paasi is an internationally renowned geographer whose pioneering research on political geography and questions of regional identity has received wide recognition. He has also previously received the Vega medal, served as an academy professor and published hundreds of scientific publications.
University Lecturer Christian Schuss, from the Optoelectronics and Measurement Techniques Research Unit, was recognised for his exemplary embodiment of the university's value of 'creating new'. Christian Schuss has developed an impactful virtual measurement laboratory with digital tools to support a wide range of courses, successfully managed large student groups with innovative solutions, and actively contributed to teaching-related communities.
Research Director Minna Ruddock was recognised for exemplary implication of the university value of 'taking responsibility'. Minna Ruddock has actively promoted the use of Northern Finland Birth Cohort data, transparency, and a culture of collaboration across disciplines. The maintenance, development, and facilitation of multidisciplinary use of the scientifically invaluable data are of great significance to the research community.
The university value 'succeeding together' was exemplified by two joint master programmes, Joint Master - Superdiversity in Education, Organisations and Society (SEOS) and Joint Master - Redesigning the Post-Industrial City (RePIC). The award for degree programs was received by Professor Helka-Liisa Hentilä, Project Manager Marian Tumanyan, Doctoral Researcher Melinda Russial and Solution Designer Johanna Liimatainen.
According to the award citation, the programmes – created through collaboration between European University UNIC as well as several faculties and units of the University of Oulu – are a pioneering demonstration of multidisciplinarity, international appeal, and the ability to succeed together. These programmes enable students to study at several universities during their master’s degree. The RePIC programme, now in its third year, has attracted wide interest among applicants. The SEOS programme will begin this autumn.