Antti Syväjärvi. Photo: Anna Muotka.

Originally from Pello, Syväjärvi has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in psychology (Cardiff University, UK, 1998) and a Doctor of Administrative Sciences degree (University of Lapland, 2005). Syväjärvi’s current position as Rector of the University of Lapland began in November 2019. The new five-year term will begin in January 2025. Prior to the position of Rector, Syväjärvi has worked as Professor of Administrative Sciences at the University of Lapland since 2005, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences from 2015 to 2017, and Vice Rector for Research from 2018 to 2019. In addition to the University of Lapland, he has worked at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the universities of Cardiff and Aston in the UK. Syväjärvi has networked extensively and is involved in representation and advocacy work, as he is currently a member of the board of the Confederation of Finnish Industries and chairman of the board of Finnish Education Employers. He is also chairman of the Board of Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

According to the university Board, Syväjärvi's strength lies in his skills and demonstrations of competence in all the core areas of the rector's position. During the application process, he presented a strong vision of the university's comprehensive strategic management and the development of our operations in key areas. According to the Board, Syväjärvi has a responsible view of financial management and the long-term development of personnel competence.

“During his current term, Syväjärvi has done an excellent job as Rector and I am glad that our cooperation will continue. I believe that under Syväjärvi's leadership, the University of Lapland will continue to strengthen its position as a leading expert in Arctic affairs," says Johanna Buchert, Chair of the Board of the University of Lapland.

In addition to Antti Syväjärvi, the following persons applied for the position of Rector of the University of Lapland: University Teacher, DA Krista Korpikoski; Project Coordinator, PhD Tim Luoto; Dean, DA Satu Miettinen; and Vice Rector, LLD Soili Nystén-Haarala. In addition, there was one applicant who did not meet the conditions stated in the application.

The Rector of the university is responsible for the duties prescribed in the Universities Act and for strategic planning, implementation of the strategy confirmed by the Board of the university, and operational management of the University. A person appointed as Rector is required to have a doctoral degree, the ability and professional skills to perform the duties of a rector, and good leadership skills demonstrated in practice. The rector must also have excellent interaction skills and a comprehensive understanding of the university's basic tasks and activities.

Further information
Johanna Buchert, Chair of the Board of the University of Lapland
johanna.buchert(at)luke.fi
050 511 6603