University of Oulu awarded Quality Label for Excellence for outstanding quality in development work
The Quality Label for Excellence awarded to the University of Oulu covers the evaluation area Higher Education Institution promotes impact and renewal. The label is based on an excellence grade received during the audit conducted in 2024. The label is based on an excellence grade received during the audit conducted in 2024.
According to the Excellence Evaluation Panel, the University of Oulu's development work is at an outstanding level. The university's strategy supports the competitiveness of Northern Finland and aligns with regional development goals. It plays a key role in the innovation ecosystem and fosters entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and creative thinking through both physical and digital working environments.
The panel found that the University of Oulu is strongly committed to regional development, interdisciplinary research, and sustainable development. The university actively drives societal renewal and builds broad cooperation networks, ranging from local initiatives to international partnerships.
The University of Oulu also has an impressive and deeply embedded culture of collaboration, where expertise across disciplines and stakeholder engagement come together.
“We are truly honored to receive the Quality Label for Excellencefor our outstanding development work. The recognition of our strong commitment to regional development, interdisciplinary research, and sustainable development is deeply appreciated. It is rewarding to see our long-term efforts acknowledged, and I would like to thank the entire university community for this achievement,” says Rector Arto Maaninen.
The university's societal engagement made a strong impression on the evaluation panel. A defining feature of the institutional culture is the strong commitment to stakeholder collaboration.
The audit identified several exemplary practices that enhance the university's societal impact and cooperation. Notably, the Impact Helper tool developed by the university supports researchers in articulating the impact of their work, identifying stakeholders, and aligning with sustainable development goals.
“The ongoing interaction between the university and its external partners is impactful, and collaboration is clearly a core part of the university’s organizational culture. This approach is particularly evident in interdisciplinary and cross-boundary projects,” says Professor Martin Ubani, Chair of the Excellence Evaluation Panel from the University of Eastern Finland.
During the third audit cycle (2018–2024), FINEEC has annually awarded excellence quality labels to audited higher education institutions. The University of Oulu is the second university to receive this recognition. The label is valid until March 22, 2030, in accordance with the validity of the audit label.
FINEEC Press Release: Quality Label for Excellence awarded to the University of Oulu
The University of Oulu passed the audit conducted by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) on March 22, 2024: