Four candidates selected for the Rector’s position

In total ten persons applied for the position of the Rector of the University of Jyväskylä by the deadline on 7 May. Of the applicants, the University Board selected four candidates based on a comprehensive evaluation in its meeting of 15 March. One candidate withdrew the application after the end of the application period.
Published
16.5.2023

The following applicants have been invited to be interviewed by the University Board:

PhD Piia Björn
Doctor of Philosophy Piia Björn is a docent of Special Education at the University of Helsinki and Vice Rector (Education) at the University of Turku.

PhD Marko Hakovirta
Doctor of Physics Marko Hakovirta works as a professor of sustainable business and bioeconomy at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the United States.

PhD Jari Ojala
Doctor of Philosophy Jari Ojala is a professor of comparative business history and the dean of the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä.

PhD Saara L. Taalas
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Business Studies) Saara L. Taalas serves as a professor of business studies at Linnaeus University in Sweden.


In compliance with the Universities Act, the University Board elects the rector for a maximum term of five years. The rector is required to have a doctoral degree, abilities and professional competencies needed in the position as well as good leadership skills demonstrated in practice.

The trade unions and the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä will arrange an open panel discussion for the applicants on Friday 26 May at 12 noon–2 p.m. The University Board members will also follow the panel discussion.

Further information:
Antti Koivula
Chair of the University Board
telephone +358 30 474 2340