Jari Ojala is the new chairperson of Unifi: Finland needs to invest in science and human capital

Unifi has also appointed a new Board of Directors for the same period.

Rector Jari Ojala was appointed as the new Unifi chairperson. The other members of the board are Kaarlo Hildén, rector of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Sari Lindblom, rector of the University of Helsinki, Minna Martikainen, rector of the University of Vaasa and Tapio Määttä, rector of the University of Eastern Finland.

The new chairperson emphasises the pivotal role of universities, science and higher education in driving positive change and serving as a valuable resource for society as a whole.

“Finland’s 14 universities are building the country’s future every day through high-quality education and research,” says Jari Ojala. “Significantly, there is a broad consensus in Finland that innovative, high-level research and high-quality, accessible education are the foundations of future success and well-being. In the coming years, it will be important to ensure core funding for universities and increase funding proportional to student numbers to bring it up to the Nordic level.”   

As part of its vision for research and higher education, Unifi has proposed that 60 per cent of young adults in Finland should hold a higher education degree by 2040. To raise the level of education and expertise and allocate resources effectively, a plan must be drawn up that extends beyond election cycles and has parliamentary approval. Access to higher education must also be ensured for immigrants and Finns who speak Finnish as a second language.

In response to the shortage of RDI experts in Finland, universities have reformed researcher training, which is being carried out in parallel with the doctoral pilot programme launched last year.

“Doctoral education at universities responds flexibly to the diverse needs of society and the world of work,” says Ojala. “Two thirds of PhD graduates work in various positions outside academia. In companies, PhDs are employed in a wide variety of roles. Startup companies have a higher proportion of trained researchers than other companies. Nevertheless, everything is based on scientific research, and the most significant innovations often arise from basic research. If we want Finland to remain at the forefront, investment in basic research is absolutely essential.”

Jari Ojala has been rector of the University of Jyväskylä since August 2023. He is a professor of comparative business history. He was a member of Unifi’s Board of Directors in 2024–2025.