Professor of Inclusive and Special Education Markku Jahnukainen has been appointed as the new dean of the University of Helsinki Faculty of Educational Sciences. His term will begin on 1 January 2026.
Following a proposal by the appointment committee, Professor Markku Jahnukainen was named dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences at the Faculty Council's meeting on 23 September 2025. The Council decision was in line with the committee proposal.
Professor Jahnukainen is currently vice-dean for public engagement and innovation at the University of Helsinki Faculty of Educational Sciences. He completed his doctoral degree in special education at the University of Helsinki in 1998.
Jahnukainen was previously professor of special education at the University of Jyväskylä Faculty of Education and Psychology; adjunct associate professor at the University of Alberta in Canada; and university lecturer in special education at the University of Helsinki.
The University had announced an open call for the position of dean for a term beginning on 1 January 2026. Under the University's Regulations, faculty councils appoint deans for a fixed term of up to five years to manage faculty operations and oversee the efficient, economical and effective performance of faculty duties.
After the dean's appointment, faculties will begin accepting applications for vice-dean and department director positions. All deans, vice-deans and department directors are set to commence their new terms of office on 1 January 2026.
