Advisory Board of the University of Turku

The Advisory Board of the University of Turku is a collaborative body of the University and its central stakeholders and interest groups, and it supports the development of the University’s research activities, education and societal interaction, and strengthens the University’s impact.

The Advisory Board is a strategic sparring partner for the University management and advances the University’s profiling as an active partner to its stakeholders. It supports the development of the operational conditions for research and education by promoting the University's societal interaction. The advisory Board also strengthens the impact and professional life relevance of research and education.

The Chair of the Advisory Board is Director Mari Pantsar from Sitra and the Vice-Chair is Lauri Inna, Director of Kesko’s District in Southwest Finland .

The members of the Advisory Board include:

  • Kari Häkämies, Region Mayor, Regional Council of Southwest Finland
  • Markku Jalkanen, CEO, Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy
  • Liisa Ketomäki, Managing Director, Turku Music Festival
  • Niko Kyynäräinen, Director of Business and Economic Development, City of Turku
  • Johanna Luukkonen, Mayor, City of Hyvinkää
  • Ville Niinistö, Member of the European Parliament
  • Esko Poikela, Mayor, City of Rauma
  • Marja Salenius-Ranki, SVP Human Resources, Elomatic
  • Anna Ståhle, CEO, No Drama Oy
  • Kari Vainio, Senior Advisor, Turun Sanomat newspaper
  • Kirsi Varhila, Director, Satakunnan hyvinvontialue

The coordinators of the Advisory Board are Director for Partnerships and Engagement Leena Wahlfors and Development Specialist Laura Kopu.

The term of the Advisory Board appointed by the Rector is 1 March 2021–30 June 2024.