University Board opens applications for the position of Rector

The Board decided to open the position of Rector (call for applications in Finnish) for applications from 27 August to 21 September. It also decided that the Rector’s term of office would be five years and approved the Rector’s job description and the plan for the selection procedure and timetable.

The person appointed as Rector must hold a doctoral degree and possess the ability and professional expertise required to perform the duties of the position, as well as a proven record of strong leadership.

The selection plan includes events involving the university community. Similar events received positive feedback during the previous Rector selection process.

Board approves the University’s long-term operational and financial plan

The University of Oulu prepares a goal-oriented, long-term operational and financial plan covering a five-year period. The purpose of the process is to ensure that the strategies and objectives of faculties and other units are reflected at University level through a bottom-up approach. The planning process began in March.

The University’s budgeted operating deficit for 2026 is €4.8 million. Since the budget was prepared, the financial performance of the faculties has improved, particularly due to an increase in external funding. The current forecast is for a full-year operating deficit of €3.3 million. The Board set the University’s operating target range for 2027 at between €0 and a deficit of €5 million.

The Board also decided that the Centrese multidisciplinary research would cease operations on 31 December 2026. In accordance with an earlier decision, the centres will be replaced by a University-wide interdisciplinary institute.

The Board also:

• received the University’s financial report for information;
• received the internal audit reports on audits completed in 2026 for information;
• opened applications for the position of Research Dean at the University of Oulu Business School; and
• received notice of the resignation of Board member Lotta Pennala, who will step down once her successor has been appointed.