Strategy of the University of Oulu

The University of Oulu’s special strength is bringing science and the different actors of society closer together. We want our research results and expertise to be in active use. We are pioneers in creating and understanding our digital future.

Our university’s global impact is based on scientific breakthroughs, new technology and world-class innovations. Our 60,000 alumni are participating in society as well-educated citizens and employees around the world.

The research done at the University of Oulu benefits people living at all latitudes, but as one of the Northernmost international science universities, we have a particular responsibility toward questions related to the Arctic. We also feel a responsibility toward the wellbeing of society. The University of Oulu’s high-quality research and education have been the basis for the most significant research and innovation hub of the furthers reaches of Northern Europe.

The University of Oulu is multidisciplinary – our sciences are Biosciences, the Humanities, Education, Economics and Business administration, Natural sciences, Medicine and Health, Engineering and Architecture, Computer Science and Electrical engineering.

We are situated close to the Arctic region, humanity’s new frontier. The demanding conditions of the far north have always forced people to be inventive and resourceful, and many innovations that have changed the world have their roots here. At the University of Oulu, we call this Science with Arctic attitude.

We are at the international top in our profile fields

Our scientific profile is built on a university with a wide range of specialisations.

Our focus areas, profile fields and strategic development programmes will steer the University’s development in the coming years.The research units of our eight faculties are in charge of research. Our focus institutes, Biocenter, Eudaimonia, Infotech and Kvantum, promote research co-operation that crosses faculty boundaries in our multidisciplinary focus areas. Arctic research and co-operation networks are coordinated by the Thule Institute. The University of Oulu’s research supports the Arctic agenda with its multidisciplinary expertise. We work actively in networks that co-operate in matters related to Arctic education and research.

We develop high-quality research infrastructures and their compilation into quality services. We coordinate several infrastructures on Finland’s research infrastructure roadmap, and we are responsible for coordinating some European infrastructures in Finland.

Strategic development programmes

We produce impactful, high-quality science as part of the international science community.  We promote responsible science and open access to research knowledge. We are an appealing place for studying and working, and we educate sought-after experts to meet society’s needs. Our aim is to provide an excellent student experience and university community that everyone who has studied or worked at the University of Oulu will want to recommend. Our goal is to also be a pioneer in the digital breakthrough of work and education. Sustainable development is a goal in all of our operations.