Teemu Leinonen selected as Uniarts Helsinki’s vice rector for research

19.12.2023 Features

The recruitment decision emphasised research merits and hands-on management skills.

Uniarts Helsinki’s vice rector for research leads the development of Uniarts Helsinki’s research and doctoral education and promotes the related national and international cooperation between various fields and stakeholders. Alongside the vice deans of Uniarts Helsinki’s three academies and the director of the Uniarts Helsinki Research Institute, the vice rector is responsible for the results of research and for attaining the goals that are used as funding allocation criteria.  

Professor Teemu Leinonen (DA) was appointed vice rector for research for a five-year fixed term from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2029.   

Teemu Leinonen has worked as professor of new media design and learning at Aalto University since 2012. In 2014–2017, he was the vice dean for research at Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Leinonen is active in the research field: he has produced over 30 peer-reviewed publications and written numerous other publications and books. Leinonen has extensive networks, and he has had several important academic positions of trust both in Finland and in the international scene.  

When selecting the vice rector for research, emphasis was placed on research merits, experience in developing research and doctoral education and hands-on management skills. Based on the assessment, Leinonen’s strengths are his vision for the future, versatile research-related competence and international networks, good cooperation and communication skills and strong value-based and people-oriented management style. 

A total of 17 applicants applied for the position of vice rector. Besides the open call for applications, executive search was also used as a recruitment method. The top three candidates in the recruitment process introduced themselves to the university community in a public interview in October.  
 
The recruitment decision was made by the Uniarts Helsinki Board in a meeting on 13 December 2023.

Photo of Teemu Leinonen: Veera Konsti