UArctic

The University of Oulu is one of the founding members of the UArctic and has a vital role in both the leadership of  UArctic and in developing joint activities and networks. The rector of the University of Oulu Jouko Niinimäki is the vice-chair of the UArctic Board of Governors, professor Arja Rautio is the UArctic vice-president research and visiting professor Jeffrey Welker the UArctic research chair. Docent Mervi Heikkinen (Faculty of Education) is the Primary Council representative and docent Harri Saarnisaari (Centre for Wireless Communications CWC) is the Alternate Council representative from the University of Oulu.

The Thematic Networks provide unique education opportunities in Graduate Programs, as well as mobility opportunities via north2north student exchange.

 UArctic has 54 Thematic Networks and 4 Institutes, which provide a collaborative framework for the development of education and research infrastructures, and the knowledge generation on topical Arctic issues. The University of Oulu is leading the Thematic Network on Communicating Arctic Research, Thematic Network on Gender in the Arctic Knowledge Production and the Thematic Network on Arctic Telecommunications and Networking, and is a vice-lead at the Thematic Network on Health and Well-being in the Arctic. 

University of Oulu is partner in eleven other networks:   
Ageing and Gender in the Arctic   
Arctic Engineering  
Arctic Geology   
Arctic Sustainable Resources and Social Responsibility​​​​​​​
Commercialization of Science and Technology for the North   
Herbivory
Northern Food Security  
Northern Tourism   
Smart Societies in the High North (SmartNorth)
Sustainable Production and Foraging of Natural Products in the North 
Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity in Education

 

Thematic Networks & Research Liaison Office hosted by the Thule Institute

The UArctic Thematic Networks & Research Liaison Office, foreseen by the vice-president research Arja Rautio, is located at the Thule Institute. UArctic's Research Area aims to increase research cooperation between UArctic member universities and research organizations, improve opportunities and conditions for research funding, and to promote cooperation with international science organizations. UArctic Thematic Networks and Research Liaison Office supports Thematic Networks, which link educational, research and outreach activities in key issue areas. Besides the overall coordination of UArctic Thematic Networks, the office services aim to enhance research cooperation and improve conditions for funding. Director of thematic networks Kirsi Latola, planner Heli Niittynen, coordinator Hannele Savela and post-doctoral researcher Anastasia Emelyanova work for the office. Issues related to the Thematic Networks, including guidance for the establishment of the new ones are handled by director of thematic networks Kirsi Latola and planner Heli Niittynen.