The first Rector’s review offered insights into leadership recruitment and property strategy work

Rector Arto Maaninen remarked that the start of his term has begun with great momentum. He expressed gratitude towards the university community for making him feel welcome from the outset, which has helped ease the pressure.

Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen described his first weeks as Real Estate Director as energetic and eventful, including faculty visits. A facility needs assessment is currently underway as part of the property strategy work, and he encouraged everyone to respond to the survey using the personal link sent via email. This week will feature synergy workshops, and the property strategy will be presented to the Board of Directors in June.

The university as an attractive employer – Everyone can be a positive messenger

The Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday 29 April to appoint new vice-rectors. Two internal candidates have been interviewed for the vice-rector for research, and four external candidates for the vice-rector for cooperation.

Dean positions are expected to open in June, with appointments planned for August–September. At present, the interview and suitability assessment process is ongoing for the dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The board will make a decision in its May meeting.

Rector Maaninen was pleased with the quality of the applications received. He said that the university’s appeal as an employer is currently strong, though interest can vary depending on the position. He encouraged everyone to consider how they might contribute to spreading a positive message through their own networks.

"The most important aspect of our university’s attractiveness is a skilled staff that others want to collaborate with. We have a lot to be proud of and to share in different contexts.”

From an employer branding perspective, Maaninen noted that the university’s well-functioning internal processes haven’t received as much attention as they deserve.

"For example, we have a solid orientation process for new employees. It’s the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the orientation is completed thoroughly, so that new staff have a smooth start.”

He added that student intake forecasts will be available in mid-May, as MDI presents data broken down by degree programme.
"We’ve already heard some initial university-level predictions, which were more positive than expected. It may be that small changes could have a significant impact, and that we won’t be as reliant on international students in the future as previously thought.”

Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen added that property strategy also plays an important role in attracting top talent.

"We are working to ensure that our facilities support attractiveness, not limit it."

Focus on expertise

Rector Maaninen highlighted that research and education are being developed through dedicated development programmes, with secured funding for the next four years.

One current topic in research is the Profi9 call for letters of intent, which focuses on high-level international recruitment. Regarding research funding, the rector stressed the need to increase complementary funding.

"We’ve been improving steadily year after year. Our EU funding performance is strong, the Academy of Finland has remained steady, and we’ve seen growth in Business Finland funding. However, we need to work on securing more funding for high-level scientific projects.”

He also emphasised the importance of societal impact, a key development area in which every researcher plays a role.

"Our core output is expertise – and that will not change. As a university, we systematically develop opportunities for international collaboration. Every researcher engages with stakeholders, at the very least with other researchers – and that’s where new innovations begin."

Rector’s reviews are held 2–4 times a year. The next update will take place after the summer, in August–September. Event details will be shared with students through the university’s student website at oulu.fi.

Photo: In the centre of the photo is Rector Arto Maaninen, pictured with Real Estate Director Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen and the event host, Communications Manager Leena Hirvonen.