Docents in the Faculty of Science

Docents in the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science supports the title of docent for individuals who have made significant contributions to their field and whose scientific activities are linked to the faculty's research and teaching.

With the help of its docents, the faculty develops its social and international influence by linking its activities to distinguished researchers who are members of the staff of Finnish or foreign universities or who work outside the academic world, for example in business or the public sector. The duties of a docent and the scientific merits required for the title are commensurate with the person's expertise and experience.

The expertise of docents is utilized in research and its development. They may participate in teaching, as well as in student guidance and thesis review, promoting social interaction, and other academic activities.

Applying for the title of docent

The University may award the title of docent (dosentti) to a person who has comprehensive knowledge of their field, demonstrated ability to conduct independent research or artistic work demonstrated through publication or some other manner, and good teaching skills.

The application must include the applicant's contact details, the field of the docentship being applied for, and the applicant's view of the significance of the docentship for research, teaching, or social interaction at the Faculty of Science of the University of Turku.

Before submitting an application, the applicant must consult with the head of the department or a professor or associate professor in the field. The department representative has the best understanding of the need for a docentship from the department's perspective and how the docentship can be linked to the department's activities in practice. The field of the docentship will also be specified in discussions between the applicant and the department.

The head of the department or a professor or associate professor in the field will provide the faculty with a statement on how the docentship in question relates to the faculty's activities and the added value that the applicant's docentship would bring to the faculty's activities, research, and teaching. The department will take a position on the title of the docentship being applied for and the necessity of the docentship. The title must be stated in both Finnish and English. The faculty will determine the field of the docentship based on the applicant's proposal.

A written, free-form application addressed to the Rector of the University of Turku for the title of docent, together with the required attachments, should be sent to the Faculty of Science sci@utu.fi ja HR Secretary Sirpa Kelosto.   

The procedures and instructions for applying for the title of docent are described in the following guidelines:

• Guidelines for applying the Title of Docent in the Faculty of Science
• Applying for the Title of Docent | University of Turku
• Instructions for Teaching portfolio | University of Turku. Structure for Teaching-portfolio-UTU 2025_5.pdf
• Guidelines for assessing teaching skills in the Faculty of Science

When applying for a docentship or teaching position, applicants may be required to give a teaching demonstration. Further information on teaching demonstrations can be found in the faculty guidelines.

Further information on applying for the title of docent:

Merja Fehlig, Head of Faculty Administration, +358 40 17 08 294 and
Sirpa Kelosto, Hr Secretary, +358 50 453 4093.