Vice Rector Taina Pihlajaniemi: "Always say yes when opportunity appears"

Taina Pihlajaniemi has served as the Vice Rector for Research at the University of Oulu for an exceptionally long time, since 2010. This summer, she will officially retire. However, science and research do not disappear from her life. She will continue to be involved in the supervision of doctoral dissertations and in various international evaluation tasks.

"I do not no longer have to worry about schedules. In the future, there may be more time for me to read fiction, for example," says Pihlajaniemi, who loves literature.

During the time as Vice Rector for Research, in fifteen years, a lot has happened in the academic world. Pihlajaniemi considers the past seasons particularly interesting.

"The Universities have been reformed, and universities have changed in to independent operators. Decision-making and administration have become clearer, and dialogue has been formed between the Board, the Collegium, the rectors and the university community. At the same time, it has been great to have different insights, thanks to external members. They bring extremely important insights to decision-making and development."

Reaching the top

Professor of Medicine, Director, internationally renowned collagen researcher, award-winning pioneer in her field. Pihlajaniemi has made an internationally significant career – from her home university of Oulu. She emphasises that both the scientific world and our university are global.

"Internationally very significant research and work is being carried out here in Oulu all the time," she says and adds:

"Science is always international. And at the same time, in my own roles and responsibilities, I have always proudly taken my place as a Finnish woman from Northern Ostrobothnia."

Pihlajaniemi graduated as a doctor from the University of Oulu in 1981. During her studies, she was able to participate in doctoral dissertation work in the working group of the esteemed Kari Kivirikko. After graduating, she headed to the United States for three years as a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers Medical School.

"International experience is exciting and very important for a young researcher. I have gained a lifelong network from those years."

In addition to science, there has been room for other things in life, for example as a mother and spouse. Pihlajaniemi became a Doctor of Medicine and was appointed docent in the same year that her first child was born in 1987. In 1990, she was awarded a professorship in medical biochemistry.

Management has been a part of Pihlajaniemi's work for almost her entire career. She also likes to talk about leadership.

"It's about working together, cooperation. This must also be remembered in the academic community. It is not worth falling into too self-centred thinking, but it is important to listen to others, learn and understand," she emphasises.

From 1996 to 2009, Pihlajaniemi was the Scientific Director of Biocenter Oulu and the Director of the Graduate School. In addition, she has served on the Board of CSC – IT Center for Science for 11 years, part of which as the Chair. She has also served as the Director of Biocenter Finland, a member of the Research Council of Finland's National Council for Health and a member of the National Science and Technology Council chaired by the Prime Minister.

Led by Pihlajaniemi, a unit consisting of six research groups at the University of Oulu, was selected as the Research Council of Finland's Centre of Excellence in 2012–2017.

"You should be brave enough to seize opportunities and not think about whether I have what it takes to do this."

In 1999, Kari Kivirikko and two other collagen researchers, including Taina Pihlajaniemi, who was 42 years old at the time, received the State Science Award of the Year.

"These tasks and a career at the university are a privilege and a great opportunity", Pihlajaniemi admits.

The secret of success

How has success been possible at a young age and what has it taken to advance to important positions? Pihlajaniemi answers directly:

"I have never said "no" if a great opportunity has presented itself in front of me, no matter how demanding the task is. I would advise young women to do the same today if they are interested in an academic career and management. It's worth seizing opportunities and not thinking too much about how other areas of life are handled or whether I have what it takes to do this. Things will work out."

Pihlajaniemi thanks her family and spouse. She has found support for his career at home.

"Go boldly towards opportunities, that's what I've done. When Kari Kivirikko announced the opportunity to start doctoral dissertation alongside his studies, I didn't think about whether I was too young or whether I could do it. I applied and got in. That opportunity was decisive. It opened the gates to the world and to my career, for which I am very grateful."

Grandmother as a role model

Pihlajaniemi is a pioneer who also has her own role models as well. She mentions female researchers from Oulu, especially in medicine and technology. She also mentions President Martti Ahtisaari and her grandmother Laina Pihlajaniemi.

"Laina Pihlajaniemi was a dashing woman who kept us in check and reprimanded us and taught equality and equality to her family. She taught me that nothing is impossible and that as a woman I can do the same as men. Martti Ahtisaari, on the other hand, is undoubtedly one of the most important Finns internationally, even though he may not always have been appreciated here in Finland. Ahtisaari has had a huge significance globally."

The question of how it feels to move away from an academic career now makes Pihlajaniemi think.

"Many people ask how I feel now. I don't know. I've never retired before," she laughs.

Next, however, she plans to move on to gardening and spend time with her loved ones. Perhaps new paths will open at the same time as the summer starts blooming in the garden.