The university recognised Niina Gråsten and Tiina Juurela as advocates for greater awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.
University Teacher Niina Gråsten and Student Well-being Specialist Tiina Juurela have received the University of Eastern Finland’s Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Award 2026. They were recognised for their determined, expertly informed and human-centred efforts to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiversity at the University of Eastern Finland. An honourable mention was awarded to the academic subjects of home economics and craft science, which have made significant contributions to advancing cultural and linguistic awareness in research, education and societal interaction.
The award and the honourable mention were presented on the proposal of the UEF Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Committee, as part of the UEF Equality Day celebrations on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Gråsten and Juurela have highlighted the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and drawn attention to how the structures of learning and working environments can affect their daily lives.
“Gråsten and Juurela have addressed neurodiversity with respect and neutrality, and as part of human diversity – not as a problem or something to be downplayed. Their approach is characterised by openness, constructiveness and curiosity, which enhances competence, builds trust and fosters positive attitudes”, the awarding committee notes.
For instance, a blog post by Gråsten, along with the establishment of a neurodiversity peer group, have been important steps in raising awareness and strengthening support. Thanks to their sustained efforts, students and staff members in the neurominorities have felt heard and seen, and a space has been created for addressing their experiences.
The honourable mention for advancing gender equality and equal opportunities was awarded to the academic subjects of home economics and craft science. Recipients of the honourable mention include University Teacher Mari Ponkilainen, Professor Sirpa Kokko, working groups and students.
Staff and students in these subjects have organised workshops that support integration, Finnish language learning, young people’s well-being and understanding of diversity both within the university and beyond. The activities have been carried out in collaboration with the Talent Hub Eastern Finland project, Joensuu District Multicultural Association JoMoni and the Ramppi project of the Somali Family Association of Lieksa, for example.
“In the workshops, everyday skills have been strengthened, a sense of community has been built and meaningful encounters have been created between students, young people and those who have migrated to Finland. The work of these academic subjects has enhanced the readiness of future teachers to operate in diverse learning environments and provided an example of how the university can promote equality and diversity through partnerships and collaboration with organisations”, the awarding committee notes.
For further information, please contact:
University Teacher Niina Gråsten, Law School, [email protected]
Student Well-being Specialist Tiina Juurela, Student and Learning Services, [email protected]
University Teacher Mari Ponkilainen, School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, [email protected]
Vice Rector Laura Hirsto, Chair of the UEF Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Committee, [email protected]
