The development of education and impact of research were among the themes addressed at the Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2025–2026 of the University of Eastern Finland.
In the next few years, the University of Eastern Finland will launch several new study programmes to respond to arising competence needs both in all of Finland and in Eastern Finland. In his opening speech, the Rector of the University of Eastern Finland Tapio Määttä mentioned three new study programmes, which will have a total of 180 study places next year.
– The range of our education will expand significantly. The new study programmes include studies in communications sciences on the Joensuu campus and a nationally unique Master's level education in leadership in rescue sector in Kuopio. Our Master’s level education in technology will also be strengthened as data technology education will begin on both campuses.
Määttä also highlighted the importance of strong international education for the future of the university.
– We have several international Master’s degree programmes that have been running for a couple of decades. Measured by the number of highly regarded Erasmus Mundus programmes, we are among the leading Finnish universities. In recent years, we have also launched several Bachelor’s degree programmes taught in English.
In his opening speech, Määttä also expressed his support for academic freedom. The Academic Freedom Index, published early this year, found that academic freedom has deteriorated significantly in 34 countries over the past ten years. The threats to academic freedom include the pressure, harassment and hate speech faced by researchers and the increasing political steering of research.
– Antiscientific views pose a threat to academic freedom and challenge the entire academic world to communicate more openly about our work. It is only through open interaction and embracing also uncomfortable discussions instead of shying away from them that we can maintain trust in science and universities. Researchers’ personal stories about the impact of their research are the best remedy against the confusion stirred up by those with antiscientific views. I am proud that we at the University of Eastern Finland have an abundance of researchers, teachers and university service staff who actively communicate about their work, says Määttä.
The Opening Ceremony of the Academic Year 2025–2026 was held on the Joensuu campus in the Carelia building on Thursday 4 September. More than 3,500 new Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students will start their studies at the University of Eastern Finland this autumn. Roughly 600 of them are international students.
Thematic discussions as a new feature of the Opening Ceremony
As a new feature of the Opening Ceremony, Vice Rectors Jussi Pihlajamäki and Laura Hirsto led discussions on topical themes related to the impact of research and development of guidance education.
The discussion led by Pihlajamäki focused on the diversity of the impact of research. Impact is created in cooperation with stakeholders and is transmitted through their activities, said Pihlajamäki. The participants were Research Impact Officer Outi Vanharanta from the Finnish Research Impact Foundation, CEO of Arbonaut Tuomo Kauranne, Managing Director of Genelec and Member of the UEF Board Siamäk Naghian and Professor of General Education Sonja Kosunen.
The discussion led by Hirsto focused on the development of guidance, the development of international education and teaching provided in English, and the needs of the increasingly diverse body of students and the need for support for learning at the University of Eastern Finland. The participants included Professor of Career Counselling Sanna Vehviläinen, Academy Research Fellow Sonsoles López-Pernas and Administrative Principal of the University of Eastern Finland Teacher Training School Jyrki Huusko.
In her opening address, Chair of the Student Union’s Executive Board Emilia Enroth reminded that the university’s task is not only to train future employees but, above all, to raise critical thinkers and active citizens.
– Global uncertainty feeds polarisation and makes it more difficult to tolerate differing views. Right now, the world needs education, courage to think independently and, above all, the ability to understand each other. This is also the case when the other person’s way of thinking is completely alien to us. Education does not mean that we always agree, but that we can disagree with each other with respect. In a polarising world, this is exactly what is needed, said Enroth.
