To mark the 70th anniversary of pharmacy education, a commemorative history book is now being published, chronicling the development of the programme, the people behind it, and its significance to Finnish society.
Pharmacy education at Åbo Akademi University was established in 1956 thanks to substantial support from the Swedish-speaking pharmacy profession, led by Kurt Björkman and Arne Nylander. Two years later, on 21 March 1958, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences was granted the right to award pharmacy degrees, and in the spring of 1959 the first pharmacists graduated from Åbo Akademi University.
The history book also offers insights into the history of pharmacy dating back to the 16th century, when “barber-surgeons”, or barbers, practised medicine in addition to cutting hair and shaving beards. In Turku, one of the most renowned master barbers was Andreas Hansson, who operated a pharmacy on Ågatan in 1556. Exactly 400 years later, pharmacy education was established in Turku.
The publication will be launched during Pharmacy Days 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, on the Kohtaamiskulma stage. During the launch event, the book’s author, history doctoral researcher Emil Kaukonen, will be interviewed alongside pharmacy alumni from different decades, who will share their experiences of studying and working in the field.
Free copies of the history book will be available while supplies last.
A warm welcome to celebrate this anniversary with us!
More information about the Pharmacy Days programme and registration (registration closes on 26 October):
Kohtaamiskulma programme
