The University of Lapland will reshape its research and education comprehensively over the next few years. The University Board has decided to fund the development of research and education with 2.5 million euros. Furthermore, the university invests in the development of its operations through various means. Vice-Rectors Sari Lindblom and Piia Björn are responsible for the development plans for research and education.

In the research development plan, the University of Lapland has selected three core research areas: Arctic change and adaptation, Design and services as well as Sustainable naturecultures.

“We will establish three multi- and interdisciplinary research communities around these core areas. Researchers from all four of our faculties – Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Art and Design – as well as from the Arctic Centre, will participate in the research conducted within these communities”, Vice-Rector for Research Sari Lindblom says.

The leaders of the research communities will be recruited internally. The leaders are expected to demonstrate innovation and the ability to build an ambitious and robust interdisciplinary research package collaboratively with university professors and other research personnel.

The University Board has additionally decided to launch the preparation of three international tenure track positions linked to the research communities.

“These recruitments aim to attract international top experts to the University of Lapland”, Sari Lindblom describes.

In line with the main goal of the education development plan, the University of Lapland has launched an internal evaluation of the quality of its degree programmes.

The preparation of international master’s degree programmes linked to the research communities will be launched in connection with the formation of the research communities.

“The University of Lapland aspires to join the ranks of top-tier universities. In terms of education, on the other hand, it means strong and high-quality basic degree education, and, on the other hand, bold emphasis on the master’s programmes created in connection with the core research areas”, Vice-Rector for Education Piia Björn says.

Together towards a top university

Johanna Buchert, Chair of the University Board of the University of Lapland, is pleased that the university has set such clear goals for its core research areas and that it’s actively investing in their development.

“I believe the university community is happy to be part of making the University of Lapland greater than its size suggests”, Johanna Buchert says.

Antti Syväjärvi, Rector of the University of Lapland, also emphasises the important role that the university community plays in achieving these goals.

“It’s important for the university to recognise its strengths and allocate resources accordingly, as this helps ensure continuous development of the quality of research and teaching. However, we must also acknowledge that achieving a high level of performance in our operations requires the contribution of the entire university community”, Syväjärvi notes.