3 / 2000
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In briefThe University of Turku evaluated
"The University of Turku is a well-balanced institution as regards of its academic profile and its commitment to both basic and applied research. Its academic research performance in terms of research output of international standing per academic member of staff matches that of the University of Helsinki. It is a University of which its members and the city of Turku should feel justly proud." These are the words of the Peer Review Team of the University of Turku in their report External Engagement and Institutional Adjustment. The evaluation report came out in February and besides a good many recommendations, it is very positive towards the University. The evaluation concentrated on the external impact of the University.
The chair of the PRT was Dr John Goddard, Professor of Regional Development Studies and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The other members were Professor Ingrid Moses, Professor Ulrich Teichler, Professor Ilkka Virtanen and Dr Peter West.
80 years but still going strong
The University of Turku celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. On Kalevala day, 28th February, the University received lots of warm congratulations. The most interesting gift came from the Town of Turku, which congratulated University with the donation of a five-year media professorship. The donation will be shared by the University and the Turku School of Economics and Business Administration.
Villa Tammekann inaugurated
Suvi Lindén (left), the Finnish Minister of Culture, the Rector of Turku University, Keijo Virtanen, the Estonian Minister of Culture, Signe Kivi, the Chancellor of Turku University, Keijo Paunio and the Rector of Tartu University, Jaak Aaviksoo. Villa Tammekann in Tartu, Estonia, is a new centre for co-operation of the Universities of Turku and Tartu. Villa Tammekann is the only building designed by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in Estonia.
The house was a private residence commissioned by Professor of Geography, August Tammekann, of the University of Tartu. The Second World War drove the Tammekann family into exile, and during the Soviet era the house was converted into a small apartment building.
In 1994 it was returned to its original owners, who contacted a family friend, Academician Olavi Granö, whose father, Professor J. G. Granö, worked as a predecessor of August Tammekann in the University of Tartu in the 1920´s. The Turku University Foundation purchased the Villa in 1998. The house has now been renovated in keeping with Alvar Aalto´s designs.
Villa Tammekann, an important symbol of the new era, will serve as a base for co operation between the two universities. It was inaugurated in April by the Ministers of Culture of Finland and of Estonia, Ms Suvi Lindén and Ms Signe Kivi.
Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region
The Baltic Sea Region Network is a network of 16 universities in the Baltic Sea Region area. Besides the University of Turku it covers universities in the Baltic countries, Poland and Russia. A new agreement on co-operation was signed in Turku Castle in February. The network will increase the university co-operation in the fields of research, education and administration.
The representatives of the universities took part in a co-operation seminar the day after the agreement was signed. During the seminar, Professor Esko Antola proposed a new initiative for a European Centre for Democratic Institutions and Fundamental Rights to be established in Turku to serve basic research and training and to advance the charter of fundamental rights of the EU.
Students edit a legal journal
During the course students take part in editing the contents of the publication, and in the technical editing and marketing of the journal. The journal was inspired by the American Brandeis Law Journal, which the primus motor of the Turku journal, Heikki Jaatinen, became acquainted with during the year he was working at the University of Louisville in the United States.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Turku offers a course which gives the participants a chance to edit a legal journal under supervision. The Turku Law Journal is published three times a year. This course is worth four credits and lasts the whole academic year. Turku Law Journal is the only English-language legal publication edited in a Finnish university. Each issue of the journal focuses on a certain theme. The first issue studies the influence of the French revolution from the legal point of view. There are articles on this subject from Finland, Sweden, England, Holland, Belgium and Canada.
Young Scientists’ Week
Posters from the seminar which was held at the Department of Food and Biochemistry this winter can be seen here. The Young Scientists’ Week is a 20- year tradition of the department, during which time about 500 students have taken part in it. 
Photo: Seppo Sarimo
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