Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2026–2027

This year, we are celebrating the opening of the academic year at the Oulu Theatre (Kaarlenväylä 2) in honour of the European Capital of Culture year. The ceremony will feature inspiring speeches on science, education, and culture, as well as a greeting from our students. We will also enjoy a sneak peek of the Oulu Theatre’s autumn repertoire and music performed by the University of Oulu Chamber Orchestra. In addition, distinguished members of our university community will be awarded.

Please register for the event by Friday, 21 August 2026. Staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university are all heartily welcome.

Dress code: Smart casual. Dark suit for those participating in the Professor's arrival.

A warm welcome to this shared opening celebration of our entire university community!

Programme

Arrival of the Professors

Opening Address

European Capital of Culture Greeting
CEO Piia Rantala-Korhonen, Oulu2026

Student Greeting
Jonne Haapala, Chair of the Board of the Student Union of the University of Oulu (OYY)

Peeks into Science and Education

• Terhi Piltonen, Professor, Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics

• Nurul Huda Mahmood, Senior Research Fellow, Radio Technologies and 6G

• Heli Maijanen, Docent, University Lecturer in Archaeology, Recipient of the 2025 Coolest Teacher Award

Awarding distinguished members of the university community

The ceremony is expected to conclude at approximately 16:30, after which coffee will be served in the Oulu Theatre foyer.

Arrival and safety

• We encourage you to arrive on foot, by bicycle, or by bus.
• All areas of the theatre are fully accessible. More detailed information on accessibility can be found on the theatre's website.
• General safety instructions will be shared before the event begins.

Enquiries

avajaiset@oulu.fi