6.3.2025

Åbo Akademi University Elects Deputy Rector, Vice-Rectors, and Deans 

The Board of Åbo Akademi University approved a new administrative instruction, elected a new Deputy Rector, new Vice-Rectors, and Deans. 

After the conclusion of change negotiations in February, the Board decided to reorganize the university’s operations into a model with two faculties. This new structure requires updating certain governing documents. 

At its meeting on 5 March 2025, the Board approved a new administrative instruction that define the responsibilities, authorities, and tasks of the university management. These instructions are specifically based on the strategy’s formulation that operations should be managed with consideration for both organizational and academic conditions. 

Åbo Akademi University will have two faculties, named in the administrative instructions: the Faculty of Human and Social Science and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. These faculties are administrative units and operate on both campuses. 

The new organizational structure and the administrative instructions will come into effect on 1 August 2025. To begin planning operations in time, academic leaders need to be appointed well in advance. 

On the proposal of Rector Mikael Lindfelt, the Board appointed Professor Marko Joas as Deputy Rector, Professor Patrik Henelius as Vice-Rector for Research, Professor Gunilla Widén as Vice-Rector for Education, Professor Malin Brännback as Dean of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, and Professor Reko Leino as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The term of office for all of them follows the remaining term of office of the current Rector, until 31 July 2026. The positions of Deputy Rector, Vice-Rectors and Deans will be advertised for a five-year period in 2026.    

The Deputy Rector is the Rector’s first deputy. The Deputy Rector also serves as Rector in Vaasa and is the chair of the Administrative Body for the Vaasa campus. The Deputy Rector operates in Vaasa and Turku.