The University of Eastern Finland is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our high standard of interdisciplinary research and education respond to global challenges and build a sustainable future. Our research is ranked among the best in the world in several fields. We offer education in nearly 100 major subjects and we train experts for tomorrow’s changing labour market needs.
The University of Eastern Finland was established in 2010, following a decision by the University of Joensuu (est. 1969) and the University of Kuopio (est. 1972) to join forces in a merger. The university comprises four faculties: the Philosophical Faculty, the Faculty of Science and Forestry, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio.
Our scientific community and UEF in international rankings
2,700
Employees
15,500
Degree students
17,700
Adult education students
499
QS World University Rankings 2021
401-500
Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2020)
501-600
Academic Ranking of World Universities, ARWU (2020)
Work at UEF
A skilled, motivated and well-being staff is the university’s most important asset and a critical success factor. We appreciate passion for science and knowledge, the will to learn and actively create new things. Welcome to join our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community!

Life in Finland
Finland is an exotic and safe country to study and work in. Our campus cities, Joensuu and Kuopio, are attractive regional growth centres offering a diverse range of services for your everyday life, leisure time and hobby interests.
Sustainability and responsibility
Our activities are guided by ethicality and Sustainable Development Goals. We foster sustainability and responsibility in our research, education and partnerships. At UEF, sustainable development covers all its dimensions: environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability.
Services for the media
The University of Eastern Finland is a pioneer of open science and science communication. We create and disseminate information on latest research findings and the people behind them, as well as on the university’s activities in general. The News and Events section of our website brings together our science stories and news, as well as our events, blogs, podcasts and videos. You can also browse the UEF Connect expert search service to learn more about our research themes, research groups and researchers. In our media bank, you can find our photos and logos, and our communications officers respond to queries from the media.
Coming for a visit?
Our campuses are located by Savilahti bay in Kuopio, and right by the city centre in Joensuu. By clicking on the links below, you’ll find more information about our campus cities and campus areas, our seminar and lecture rooms, campus restaurants, how to find us and where to stay during your visit.
UEF’s organisation
Faculties, units and independent institutes
Philosophical Faculty
- Dean Janne Pietarinen
- 1st Vice-Dean Jopi Nyman
- 2nd Vice-Dean Pertti Väisänen
- Executive Head of Administration Ulla Hurskainen
Schools
Faculty of Science and Forestry
- Dean Jukka Jurvelin
- Vice-Dean Elina Oksanen
- Executive Head of Administration Arja Hirvonen
Departments
- Department of Physics and Mathematics, Joensuu
- Department of Chemistry, Joensuu
- School of Forest Sciences, Joensuu
- SIB Labs, Kuopio and Joensuu
- Department of Applied Physics, Kuopio
- School of Computing, Joensuu and Kuopio
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Joensuu and Kuopio
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Dean Jussi Pihlajamäki
- 1st Vice-Dean Anna-Liisa Levonen
- 2nd Vice-Dean Jorma Palvimo
- Executive Head of Administration Hanna Ollikainen-Richards
Schools, departments and institutes
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio
- School of Pharmacy, Kuopio
- Department of Nursing Science, Kuopio
- School of Medicine, Kuopio
- Institute of Biomedicine, Kuopio
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kuopio
- Institute of Dentistry, Kuopio
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio
- Biocenter Kuopio
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
- Dean Sari Rissanen
- 1st Vice-Dean Minna Tanskanen
- 2nd Vice-Dean Tommi Laukkanen
- Executive Head of Administration Ulla Hurskainen
Departments and schools
- Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Joensuu
- UEF Business School, Joensuu and Kuopio
- UEF Law School, Joensuu
- Department of Health and Social Management, Kuopio
- Department of Social Sciences, Joensuu and Kuopio
- Karelian Institute, Joensuu
Centre for Continuous Learning fosters a culture of professional development among operations of people and organisations. Centre for Continuous Learning acts as a link between working life and science by following the development of new scientific knowledge and finding practical applications for it.
The Language Centre is responsible for language and communication studies included in degrees on Joensuu and Kuopio campuses of the University of Eastern Finland. In addition to courses forming part of degrees, we arrange optional courses for undergraduate, postgraduate and international exchange students, the University's staff and external customers. The activities of the Language Centre support the internationalisation of the entire University and Eastern Finland.
University library's information resources include printed and electronic materials. The library also handles the university's electronic publishing activities, sells university publications and organises information retrieval courses. Moreover, the library is one of the six legal deposit libraries in Finland and a European Documentation Centre.
University Pharmacy (Itä-Suomen yliopiston apteekki) is owned by the University of Eastern Finland. Our profits are utilized in education and research, especially in health sciences.
Leadership and decision-making


The Board defines the university's central goals and strategy. Furthermore, the Board elects the Rectors of the university. The Board of the University of Eastern Finland is composed of a total of 10 members, 4 of whom are external members. The term of office of the Board is 1 January 2018–31 December 2021. Board meetings 2020: 14.2., 31.3., 11.5. , 11.6., 3.9., 2.11. and 14.12. In spring semester 2021 the Board meetings are held 29.1., 12.4., 10.5. and 21.6.
Chair of the Board
Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, DMus, is the Executive Director of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies and a board member in the Finnish Science Centre Foundation. Her earlier positions include coordinator and expert positions at the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 1991–1998, Science Secretary and Science Counsellor at the Academy of Finland in 1998–2004, Development Director at Espoo-Vantaa Institute of Technology in 2004–2008, Vice Rector at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in 2008–2011, and HRD Director at the consultant company Cerion Solutions Ltd. in 2011–2013. She has also held expert positions in the European Commission.
Vice Chair of the Board
Jaakko Kiander, DSocSc, is Research Director at the Finnish Centre for Pensions. Kiander's earlier roles include Senior Economist (1997–1999), Research Director (1999–2006) and Research Professor (2001–2006) positions at VATT Institute for Economic Research, Professor of Economics at the University of Vaasa in 2000, and Director of the Labour Institute for Economic Research in 2006–2010 and the Senior Vice President of Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company 2010–2019. Kiander is a docent at the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki. He is also a member of the board of directors of the OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative, and a member of the board of the OP-Pohjola Group Research Foundation. Kiander is also the vice chair of the Strategic Research Council.
Board members
Jari Jolkkonen, ThD, is the Bishop of Kuopio Diocese. His earlier roles include General Secretary of the Episcopal Conference in 2007–2012, Lecturer of Systematic Theology at the University of Joensuu in 2006–2007, Theological Secretary to Bishop Eero Huovinen in the Helsinki Chapter in 2002–2006 and 1997–1998, and Military Chaplain in 1999–2000. Jolkkonen is a docent at the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Helsinki, a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Eastern Finland, and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Jukka Pelkonen, MD, PhD, is Professor of Clinical Microbiology. His earlier positions include the Head of the School of Medicine of the University of Eastern Finland in 2010–2017, and he has served as a Vice Dean at the University of Kuopio in 2003–2005, and as a Dean in 2006–2009. Jukka Pelkonen has administrative experience also from outside the academia, as he has been a board member of the Hospital District of Northern Savo since 2009, and a board member of Istekki Ltd. since 2011. Pelkonen is the Chief Physician in Clinical Microbiology and a member of the executive group of the Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre Joint Authority Enterprise (ISLAB). Jukka Pelkonen is also familiar with the European research and higher education system, thanks to working as a Researcher and a Research Group Director in Switzerland and Germany for over six years.
Erkki Pesonen, PhD, works in teaching and research roles in the School of Computing at the Kuopio Campus, and he is also the Deputy Head of the School. He is one of the pilot teachers in the project developing flipped classroom teaching at the University of Eastern Finland. He has experience in academic administration and decision-making through to his memberships in the Senate, a Faculty Council and the Teaching Evaluation Council of the University of Kuopio, as well as the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council. He is also the chair of the Association of Researchers and Teachers of Eastern Finland, and he has served as a board member of the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers.
Saara Tenhovuori, BA, majors in literature and studies the Finnish language, pedagogical studies for subject teachers and sociology of art as her minor subjects. She is Vice Chair of the Executive Board of the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland and Chair of the Joensuu Campus Board. Earlier, she served as the person in charge of academic affairs in the Student Union’s Executive Board, as a member of the Student Union’s Representative Council, as the chair of the Student Union’s Section for Advocacy in Joensuu, and as a member of the Faculty Council of the Philosophical Faculty. Tenhovuori has been actively involved in student organisations in a variety of different roles.
Jaana Rekolainen is CEO of the Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce, where she has worked since 2009, first as Project Manager and Deputy CEO and, since 2016, as CEO. Her earlier roles include Head of Export at Finlayson Forssa Oy in 2006-2008, and she has held various positions in SRV Yhtiöt Oy in 1998–2006 relating to activities in Russia, including Head of the Moscow Office and Marketing Manager. Rekolainen holds an MA degree awarded by the University of Joensuu.
Tomi Rosti, MA, works as an Information Specialist at the Joensuu Campus. He is the chair of the Staff Association of the University of Eastern Finland, ISYHY, and a deputy chief shop steward. His other positions of trust include being the vice-chair and a member of the board and the working committee of the Association of Finnish University and Research Establishment Staff, YHL, and a member of the regional committee for North Karelia in the Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees, STTK.
Sami Gabbouj, MSc, is currently finalising his doctoral dissertation in neurosciences at the University of Eastern Finland, while also completing a Master’s degree in business studies, majoring in innovation management. Gabbouj has chaired the student association of biomedicine students, Kulti, and he has held several elected positions in the Student Union of the University of Eastern Finland, both in the Executive Board (2015) and in the Representative Council (2016–2017, 2020–2021). Gabbouj also has experience in academic administration: he has served as a member of the university’s Collegiate Body and of the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Health Sciences and. Currently, he is a member of the steering committee of the Doctoral Programme in Molecular Medicine.
Matti Tolvanen (born 1956), LLD, is Professor of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law at the University of Eastern Finland. His earlier roles include, among others, Prosecutor and Chief District Prosecutor positions. His main positions of trust include membership in the Board of Adjustment dealing with taxation-related appeals, and he is also the chair of the constituency electoral committee of North Karelia.
Secretary to the Board, General Counsel and Director of the University of Eastern Finland Petri Rintamäki, petri.rintamaki@uef.fi.
The University Collegiate Body comprises a total of 24 members. Eight of the members represent the university's professors, eight represent the university's teaching, research and general staff, and eight represent the university's students. The term of office of the University Collegiate Body is four calendar years. The term of office of the members representing the university's students is two calendar years.
Members (deputy members) of the University Collegiate Body, elected for a four-year term beginning on
1 January 2018.
Professors
- Kai Kaarniranta, member (Juha Rouvinen)
- Paavo Honkakoski, member (Anna-Liisa Elorinne)
- Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen, member (Kaija Saranto)
- Matti Kotiranta, member (Heikki Tanila)
- Anssi Keinänen, member (Eija Kärnä)
- Hannele Turunen, member (Tommi Laukkanen)
- Mikko Laitinen, Vice Chair (Heli Peltola)
- Pasi Karjalainen, member (Ilpo Helén)
Teaching, research and general staff
- Tero Karjalainen, Chair (Outi Suorsa)
- Juha Riepponen, member (Antero Puhakka)
- Anna-Maria Veijalainen, member (Tarja Virrantalo)
- Kari Kotikumpu, member (Marko Pietilä)
- Maarit Putous, member (Mervi Holopainen)
- Christina Piel, member (Marja-Leena Patronen)
- Olga Davydova-Minguet, member (Markku Saarelainen)
- Kati Kasanen, member (Ismo Björn)
Students (1.1.2020 – 31.12.2021)
- Ari Tervashonka (Salli Kosonen)
- Rosa Summanen (Maria Pulkka)
- Elshakasha Mohamed Yousri (Noora Ahonen)
- Janette Hellberg (Lassi Oikkonen)
- Anri Vesa (Katja Honkapää)
- Marko Koskelo (Julia Kukkoaho)
- Kalle Kattelus (Heli Saari)
- Susanna Remes (Emmi Rajavuori)
University Regulations of the University of Eastern Finland are downloadable as PDF file.
University Services

General Administration and Legal Affairs serves as a general preparatory and executive body for the Rectors and the Director of Administration. General Administration and Legal Affairs is also in charge of matters relating to the UEF Board. The duties of General Administration and Legal Affairs also encompass: Records Management and Registry Services, Executive Support Services, Legal Services and Internal Auditing.
General Counsel and Director Petri Rintamäki, petri.rintamaki@uef.fi.
Data Protection Officer Helena Eronen, helena.eronen@uef.fi.
Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.
Records Management and Registry Services
Enquiries can be sent to the Registry Office: kirjaamo@uef.fi, secured email: https://secmail.uef.fi/kirjaamo@uef.fi.
The Human Resources Services is responsible for providing expert services in issues relating to terms of employment contracts, human resources development and well-being at work. We also provide services for international staff and assistance in matters related to researchers' mobility.
Human Resources Director Jouni Kekäle, jouni.kekale@uef.fi.
Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.
Development Services coordinates the university's planning and development activities, produces data on the university's operations for reporting and evaluation purposes, and is in charge of performance reporting required by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Our services are:
- Performance Management and Quality
- Research Services
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services
- International Relations
- Communications and Media Relations
Director of Planning and Development Soili Makkonen, soili.makkonen@uef.fi.
Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.
Performance Management and Quality
We are involved in the university’s strategic planning and in the implementation of strategic measures. We are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the realisation of the university’s strategy.
Director of Planning and Development Soili Makkonen, soili.makkonen@uef.fi.
Research Services
Research Services provides staff members of the University of Eastern Finland with expert services relating to research and innovation activities, and external funding.
Research Development Manager Anu Liikanen, anu.liikanen@uef.fi.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services is an organisation of experts supporting and promoting the commercialisation of research findings and expertise emerging from the University of Eastern Finland.
Director of Planning and Development Soili Makkonen, soili.makkonen@uef.fi.
International Relations
Director of International Affairs Riikka Pellinen, riikka.pellinen@uef.fi.
Communications and Media Relations
Head of Communication Petri Hynynen, tel. +358 50 407 8996, petri.hynynen@uef.fi.
General email address for Communications and Media Relations: viestinta@uef.fi.
Joensuu Campus
Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus, Communications and Media Relations Office, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.
Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 1st floor.
Fax: +358 13 251 3309
Kuopio Campus
Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Communications and Media Relations Office, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
Visiting address: Yliopistonranta 1 E, Snellmania building, 2nd floor.
The function of Student and Learning Services is to coordinate, provide and develop general student services as well as to develop teaching, counselling and learning at the University of Eastern Finland.
Director of Student and Learning Services Miia Turtiainen, miia.turtiainen@uef.fi.
Financial Services at the University of Eastern Finland comprises Financial Administation, Procurement Services and Facilities Management Services.
Chief Financial Officer Heini Koskenvuori, heini.koskenvuori@uef.fi
Read more about our staff at UEF Connect Search Service.
Financial administration
Financial administration is responsible for organizing the university's accounting, preparing financial statements, managing liquidity, investments, taxation and auditing. Furthermore, the financial administration prepares the university's budget and produces financial data for management and external stakeholders. The Financial administration is also responsible for the university's cost accounting and its development and offers guidance and support in financial issues to the other units in the university.
Chief Financial Officer Heini Koskenvuori, heini.koskenvuori@uef.fi.
Joensuu Campus
Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Financial Services, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.
Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 2nd floor.
Kuopio Campus
Mailing address: University of Eastern Finland, Financial Services, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
Visiting address: Yliopistonranta 1F, Melania building.
Procurement services
Financial Services is responsible for providing centralised procurement services for the university. Centralised procurement services are a way to support the University of Eastern Finland in the achievement of its performance-related goals through adherence to the procurement legislation and by purchasing products and services from the right places at the right prices. Furthermore, centralised procurement services pay attention to the procurement-related process costs through standardising products and services, and through optimising the number of products, services and their providers.
Chief of Procurement Services Markku Torvinen, markku.torvinen@uef.fi.
Facilities Management
Facilities Management is responsible for matters relating to the university’s real estates and facilities, facilities management system, lease contracts, cleaning, safety and security of university facilities, management of hazardous waste, parking, facility and guest room reservations, instrument and equipment maintenance services, as well as porter and transport services. Facilities Management also prepares plans relating to construction and renovation projects and supervises the interests of the university during the above mentioned projects. Our services seek to ensure that the university's academic departments and units have access to facilities that are optimal in terms of cost-efficiency and capacity and that they are in efficient use, monitored and maintained, and clean.
Head of Facilities Management Tarja Harjula, tarja.harjula@uef.fi.
IT Services is a specialist organisation responsible for the ICT and learning technology services.
Director Marko Holmavuo, marko.holmavuo@uef.fi.
UEF’s contact information
Joensuu Campus
Yliopistokatu 2, FI-80100 Joensuu, Finland
P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
Kuopio Campus
Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland
P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
Switchboard number: +358 (0)294 45 1111
Email addresses to personnel: firstname.lastname@uef.fi
Kuopio University Hospital, clinics
P.O. Box 100, FI-70029 KYS, Finland
Switchboard number: +358 17 173 311
Email addresses to personnel: firstname.lastname@kuh.fi