University of Helsinki: Professor Jaakko Kangasjärvi continues as Dean of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Faculty Council in its meeting on August 31 appointed Professor Jaakko Kangasjärvi as Dean of the Faculty for four years starting January 1, 2022.

“I am very happy with the choice, and that I can continue the long-term work I started and take the Faculty’s strategy forward together with the Faculty members. In particular, we want to develop the prerequisites and opportunities for diverse top-level research in our Faculty, as well as increase its impact in the society,” says Professor, Dean Jaakko Kangasjärvi, from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki.

The term of the current Dean of the Faculty ends on December 31, 2021. The call for dean’s position was open from March 14 to April 11, 2021.

At its meeting on February 2021, the Faculty Council set up the appointment committee to prepare the selection of the Dean, which included: Academy of Finland Professor Craig Primmer (Chair), University Lecturer Sirkku Manninen and Student Alma Seppälä. In addition, the Rector appointed Vice Rector Tom Böhling to the appointment committee.

The appointment committee made a proposal to the Faculty Council on the candidate to be selected for the position of Dean based on the applicants’ application documents, interview and the Faculty’s public hearing. The decision of the Faculty Council was in line with the proposal of the appointment committee.

In addition to the Dean’s position, a new term for Vice Deans and Unit Heads will begin on 1 January 2022. The call for these positions will start in the fall.