News

Eleven candidates apply to become Rector at Åbo Akademi University

Åbo Akademi University has begun the recruitment process for a new Rector. The application deadline was 2 November, and the position attracted 11 applications.

The term of office for the new Rector will be from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030. 

Four of the applicants do not wish their names to be made public at this stage of the process. The applicants who have consented to their names being published are:

Mikael Collan, Professor, LUT University

Patrik Henelius, Vice-Rector for Research, Åbo Akademi University

Sabina Jordan, Senior Lecturer, Police University College

Reko Leino, Dean of Faculty, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University

Tuomas Martikainen, Deputy Head at the School of History, Culture and Arts Studies, University of Turku

Pekka Santtila, Professor, NYU Shanghai

Gunilla Widén, Professor, Acting Rector, Åbo Akademi University

The appointment will be made by the Åbo Akademi University Board. The Board is expected to make its decision in January.

The university community will have the opportunity to get to know the finalists. The plan is to arrange a Q&A session with the applicants who proceed to the final stage.

The person elected as Rector is expected to have professorial competence and the abilities and professional skills required to perform the duties of the position, as well as proven leadership skills.