University of Oulu Rector Arto Maaninen: Education and knowledge carry us through crises
Arto Maaninen, who took over the rector's emblems of office of the University of Oulu on Tuesday 21 January, will take up his position in a good situation for the university. The progress made by the previous Rector, Jouko Niinimäki, in terms of funding and international position, among other things, sets the stage well for the new rector's new term.
Arto Maaninen sees the University of Oulu as an important player in the face of global challenges and innovation, and sees cooperation as a particular strength in challenging situations.
"We produce new scientific knowledge and solutions and educate future talents to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. We in universities work through research and education to understand changing situations and to adapt to change in a sustainable way as a society. Education and knowledge carry us through crises," said Maaninen in his speech at the university.
"At best, our work helps us to prevent or mitigate undesirable phenomena such as global warming, disease or inequality."
Important vitality
Maaninen sees it important that the university provides the best conditions for researchers and experts to work towards a better future. He also sees the university as an important player in society.
"Scientific research can be effectively translated into impact on society, and therefore the needs of society must be strongly integrated into research. It is important that our researchers have the ambition to stay at the forefront of science in their fields internationally. The university's role is to create the conditions for this, including high-quality research infrastructures, resources for research programmes, a good working environment and support for the development of personal skills at different career stages."
According to Maaninen, the university's expertise and research knowledge are important for regional competitiveness and vitality.
"We must actively seek solutions to challenges and opportunities, remove bottlenecks and find more effective operating models. Knowledge of the operating environment and understanding how it is changing is critical."
According to Maaninen, a particular strength of the University of Oulu is its ability to bring science and different actors in society closer together. This is actively done on a daily basis in the stakeholder work of regional and national projects, but especially in multinational projects.
From a peak year towards development
The University of Oulu has performed well in national and international comparisons. In the financial year just ended, the university's activities were larger than ever before in terms of total funding, and the number of employees is also larger than ever before in the University of Oulu's 67-year history. The year 2024 was also a peak year for the number of students present.
Maaninen thanks all university members and Rector Jouko Niinimäki for his persistent work.
"A big thank you for the success belongs to the university community. We have an excellent working culture everywhere at the university and in this respect I can start my term as rector with confidence. I would like to warmly thank my predecessor Jouko Niinimäki for his work for the success of the university."