Professor Tuula Teeri as president of Aalto University

Professor Tuula Teeri, Ph.D., has been chosen as the first President of Aalto University. The Aalto University Foundation Board appointed Professor Teeri as President for a term of five years beginning 1 April 2009 in a meeting held on 19 December.

Professor Tuula Teeri (born 1957) is currently Vice President at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. She completed her doctoral thesis at VTT, and received her doctorate from the University of Helsinki in 1987. Tuula Teeri is a visionary and inspirational leader of academic communities, a scientist of merit and a staunch supporter of basic research. She has worked at KTH since 1996. Tuula Teeri has significant international experience from, for example, the USA and of Finland’s scientific community at e.g. VTT. She holds several academic, societal and corporate positions.

“I am extremely excited about this challenge. Universities are being modernised all over Europe and Aalto University is leading the way. What makes the renewal so unique is the combination of Helsinki School of Economics’ (HSE), University of Art and Design Helsinki’s (TaiK) and Helsinki University of Technology’s (TKK) strong areas of expertise. I consider the commitment of the Finnish government, the business community and the whole of society to the renewal of the Finnish university system to be significant,” says Teeri, newly-appointed President of Aalto University.

“It’s regrettable that Tuula Teeri will be leaving the Royal Institute of Technology, but I wish her success in her new significant position. At the same time I hope that the co-operation between KTH and Aalto University will strengthen all the more,” says KTH President Peter Gudmundson.

The selection process was prepared by the Search Committee, including Professor Risto Nieminen from the Helsinki University of Technology (TKK), Professor Tapio Vapaasalo from the University of Art and Design Helsinki (TaiK) and Professor Jyrki Wallenius from Helsinki School of Economics (HSE), as well as Aalto University Foundation Board members Matti Alahuhta, Marja Makarow and Anne Brunila.

“For Aalto University’s first President we wanted someone who has a strong background in science and who is an excellent change leader. Both the Search Committee and Board came to the unanimous decision to choose Tuula Teeri,” said Matti Alahuhta, Chair of the Board.

Before the final choice was made, a comprehensive search took place overseas and in Finland, through which it was possible to apply or nominate a suitable candidate for the position. International recruitment professionals were also used in the process. The Search Committee processed over 60 nominations and suggested the most suitable applicants for the job to the Board.

“The recruitment process was a success. Some very high-level people applied who would not have been interested in the position if more traditional methods had been implemented,” explained Professor Tapio Vapaasalo.

The President will begin to lead the transformation process towards Aalto University together with the rectors of HSE, TaiK and TKK, Eero Kasanen, Helena Hyvönen and Matti Pursula.

“I am taking on the upcoming challenges with a humble attitude. The work that has already been done provides an excellent place to continue from,” Teeri states.

For more information: Project Director Jari Jokinen, gsm. + 358 400 914839 or jari.jokinen@aaltouniversity.fi

Tuula Teeri’s Press photographs:
www.ainohuovio.com/asiakaskuvat/aaltoyliopisto/teeri.zip

CV and Press Release:
http://www.aaltoyliopisto.info/en/view/innovaatioyliopisto-info/media2

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Aalto University will start up its operations during autumn 2009, once the new Finnish Universities Act enters into force. The operations of Helsinki School of Economics, University of Art and Design Helsinki and the Helsinki University of Technology will, in their entirety, become part of the Foundation’s operations in early 2010.