Under the leadership of the new vice rectors, the University of Lapland will strengthen its role as an arctic competence cluster and develop its strategic collaboration across the Lapland University Consortium (LUC). Their task is to promote the quality and impact of education and research, which contributes to the university’s growing national and international recognition.

Piia Björn. Photo: Ville Rinne

As Vice Rector for Education, Piia Björn’s areas of responsibility cover strategic development of the university’s education and learning environments. She is also in charge of ensuring the quality and impact of education and teaching. Moreover, her tasks include enhancing the university’s societal engagement, with a particular focus on development of university–workplace collaboration, continuous learning, and creating societal impact. Björn is the leader of the Teaching Development Group, the purpose of which is to support the development of the university’s strategic education activities.

Björn is looking forward to building strong collaboration with the university community and its stakeholders:

– I am expecting my term as vice rector to bring excellent collaboration with the whole university community as well as within the Lapland University Consortium. I also look forward to enjoyable collaboration with the students. The University of Lapland is immensely well positioned to become even better known and more attractive, both in Finland and internationally. It was the uniqueness and enchantment of the north that brought me here.

Piia Björn

• Doctor of Philosophy (2006), University of Helsinki
• Professor of Special Education, University of Eastern Finland (2014–2019)
• Vice Rector, Development of Education and Educational Structures, University of Turku, (2020–2024)
• Title of Docent, Special Education, University of Helsinki (2012–)

Sari Lindblom. Photo: Ville Rinne

Sari Lindblom’s tasks include strategic development and profiling of the university’s research as well as ensuring the quality of science and research at the university. She will promote responsible research and strengthen the university’s societal engagement, in particular in collaboration with research institutes and companies as well as through international partnerships. Lindblom is the leader of the Research Development Group and the Doctoral School, which support the university’s strategic growth and enhance the overall impact of the university’s research.

Lindblom’s objective is to enhance the overall societal impact of the research conducted at the university, to increase cross-disciplinary collaboration between the faculties and the Arctic Centre, as well as to strengthen research collaboration across the LUC consortium and with companies and key stakeholders.

– There is an enormous potential for the university to be developed and profiled in our particular focus areas both nationally and internationally, and I am impressed by the breadth and diversity of expertise our university has. I feel privileged to work in this role and context. People in Rovaniemi and at the University of Lapland have welcomed me as one of their own much sooner than I had expected.

Sari Lindblom

• Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration), (2012), University of Eastern Finland
• Postdoctoral Researcher, University Teacher, University of Eastern Finland (2012–2021)
• Lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences (2009–2012)
• Head of Education Division, Principal Lecturer (RDI), Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences (2013–2015)
• Human Resources Manager, Kaakon Viestintä (Länsi-Savo Group), (2015–2017)
• Research Manager, The Finnish Border Guard (2017–2021)
• Chief Officer; Science & Impact, LUT University (2021–2024)

Further information

Piia Björn, Vice Rector for Education, University of Lapland, firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi
Sari Lindblom, Vice Rector for Research, University of Lapland, firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi