Professor Tommi Kärkkäinen continues as the chair of the University Collegium

The University Collegium of the University of Jyväskylä had its organising meeting on 3 February 2026. Professor Tommi Kärkkäinen from the group of professors was elected as the chair of the University Collegium. Outi Aarresola from the group of teaching and research staff and other staff was elected as the first vice chair and Venla Suosalo from the group of students as the second vice chair. The chairpersons were elected for a two-year term, from 3 February 2026 until 31 December 2027.

Published

4.2.2026

Kärkkäinen has already served as the chair of the Collegium in the pervious term, starting from 15 August 2024.

Professor Kärkkäinen is from the Faculty of Information Technology and his research interests are related to, among others, artificial intelligence, machine learning, learning analytics, brain research and nanosciences. He has worked as a professor at the University of Jyväskylä since 2002. Kärkkäinen has conducted joint research and published articles with researchers from all six faculties of the University. He has a long experience in management duties at JYU and as a member of the University Collegium.

“I humbly thank the members of the University Collegium for their unanimous trust,” says Kärkkäinen. “I will do my best to promote the interests of the university community and foster an interactive and collegial working atmosphere within the Collegium and between the various bodies of our university.”

The University Collegium of the University of Jyväskylä comprises 30 members, each with a personal deputy. Of the members, 10 represent the professors, 10 the teaching and research staff and other staff, and 10 the students.

The University Collegium decides on, for example, the number of the University Board members and the term of office of the Board and its members. It also selects the Board members from outside the University community, confirms the University’s financial statement and annual report, and decides on discharging the Board members and the Rector from liability. The Collegium also functions as a voice of the university community towards the University management.

The Collegium’s term of office is from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.