Deans Appointed For Six University Of Helsinki Faculties

Deans have been appointed for six faculties at the University of Helsinki for a five-year term commencing in the beginning of 2026.

This time, deans were appointed to the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Educational Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Theology, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. With the exception of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, five of the appointees are first-time deans.

Newly appointed deans 1 January 2026 by faculty:

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry : Professor Mari Sandell

Faculty of Arts : Professor Johanna Viimaranta

Faculty of Educational Sciences : Professor Markku Jahnukainen

Faculty of Law : Professor Jukka Mähönen

Faculty of Theology : Professor Petri Luomanen

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine : Professor Olli Peltoniemi

Congratulations to all the appointees!

Overseeing faculty operations, deans are responsible for finances and development. They also promote research, teaching and public engagement. At the University of Helsinki, deans collaborate closely with vice-deans, department directors and their respective faculty councils.

Vice-deans and department directors to be appointed next

Faculty councils decided on the appointments in accordance with the University's Regulations. The faculty councils were supported by appointment committees representing professors, other staff, students and University leadership.

The appointment process commenced in May 2025 as an open call for applications, progressing in the summer and autumn to closed and open interviews at the faculties. The final decisions were made in September and October.

With the deans now appointed, the selection of vice-deans and department directors will follow later this year. Their terms will also begin on 1 January 2026.