In its meeting, the University Board of the University of Turku selected Professor Jukka Kola as the Rector for the five-year term starting on 1 August 2019.
15 people applied for the position of the Rector of the University of Turku. Eight of them were invited for an interview and four applicants continued to further interviews in the recruitment process. The University Board organised an open interview and discussion event with the top applicants in December. Furthermore, a recruitment consultant conducted aptitude assessments on the top candidates.
In the selection process, the University Board emphasised especially extensive knowledge of the academia as well as insight into research and education policy, proven experience in leadership, networks, and strong academic background.
The University Board of the University of Turku decided unanimously to select Doctor of Science in agriculture and forestry, Professor Jukka Kola as the new Rector.
Kola has versatile and extensive experience in leadership. Among other things, he has served as the Rector of the University of Helsinki. In addition, he has extensive international networks and profound knowledge of the university field, different collaboration sectors, and funding channels.
– The Board was convinced by Professor Kola’s strong expertise in university operations. Furthermore, the decision was influenced by his vision for the role of the University of Turku as an even stronger multidisciplinary and international research university, says Chair of the University Board Ritva Viljanen.
At the moment, Kola is a professor at the University of Helsinki. He has previously held the posts of Rector 2013–2018, Vice Rector 2010–2013, and Dean 2007–2009 and 2004–2006 at the University of Helsinki. He has been a professor since 1999.
The term of the current Rector Kalervo Väänänen ends on 31 July 2019.
Text: Tuomas Koivula
Photo: Hanna Oksanen
Translation: Mari Ratia