Career stories

The University of Eastern Finland’s campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio are home to more than 3,000 experts in different fields. All in all, there are 255 different professional titles in our work community. We are also a genuinely international academic community: our employees hail from 77 different countries.

On this website, our employees talk about their work and about the university as a work community. Join us!

Doctoral researcher pursues a career in medical physics

Mary Joy Erojo aims to enhance cardiac diagnostic imaging using physics and artificial intelligence to improve people’s lives.

Johanna Uotinen syksyisen ruskan keskellä.

Human scientists understand of our changing and complex world

According to University Lecturer Johanna Uotinen, graduates in the human sciences are specialists with flexibility and broad-based expertise, capable of mastering large entities.

Doctoral researcher Fatemeh Maleki Almani

Mathematics comes alive in inverse problems research

Fatemeh Maleki Almani wanted an international career and applied to the DREAM Doctoral Education Pilot in Finland.

Work for public health

Sohaib Khan, a University Lecturer in the Master's Degree Programme in Public Health, calls for greater cooperation between universities and employers.

An international Master’s degree programme served as a stepping stone to PhD studies

Interest in the laws of science led Akuroma George to do research in technical physics.

An international career in gerontology led to a professorship in Eastern Finland

Honglin Chen, a Professor in Gerontological Social Work, studies how technology could enhance the well-being of older adults and support healthy aging in place.

Doing research is rewarding and requires passion

Writing her dissertation in social psychology, Doctoral Researcher Ella Heimonen works in a research project as part of an international network.

Jussi Hyvärinen’s work is fuelled by science and art

Jussi Hyvärinen, a library information specialist and an award-winning poet, understands the languages of science and art.

Coaching for success in international funding programmes

Research Manager Eevi Laukkanen re-joined the academic community in Finland after years spent abroad.

Precision and creativity go hand in hand when working in a scientific library

Senior Information Specialist Tuulevi Ovaska develops communications at the University of Eastern Finland Library and provides information retrieval support for the academic community.

Norssin hyvinvointivalmentaja koulun pihalla.

A school coach always has time for pupils

Lower secondary school pupils can reach Inkeri Tiitinen at school and on social media.

Historia- ja maantieteiden laitoksen johtaja Pieter Dhondt polkupyöränsä kanssa.

A close-knit scientific community enables direct interaction

Having a background in university history, Head of Department Pieter Dhondt plays a role in shaping the future of the university.

A systems analyst’s trouble-shooting is supported by a good team

Working in the customer service team at Digital Services, Tommi Eskelinen helps to resolve even the trickiest problems.

Big employer, good benefits

Working in Digital Services of the University of Eastern Finland, Mari Lackman is pleased with the university's equal and open-minded atmosphere.

Tomi Oinas gets to develop research methodology on a full-time basis

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies’ very own Staff Scientist is tasked with developing the faculty’s data-intensive research infrastructures and methodological expertise.

Everyday life in the teacher training school is diverse

For teacher Mari Hakanen at the Rantakylä Teacher Training School, the success of her pupils and smooth interaction with them is an important motivator.

An interdisciplinary community sparks innovative research

Professor of Chemical Ecology James Blande and his research group at the University of Eastern Finland focus on plant stress responses and plant-to-plant interactions.

Drawn to neuroscience by curiosity, brought to Kuopio by lucky chance

Associate Professor Alina Solomon conducts international brain research at the University of Eastern Finland – while enjoying the quiet and nature.

An IT Solutions Architect likes the company of people best

Successful process and technology solutions bring added value to the everyday life of their users. For Tomi Kontio, that’s rewarding.

New staff scientist role allows Kimmo Jokivarsi to focus on imaging equipment for research

The University of Eastern Finland has recruited new staff scientists who specialise in research infrastructure and research methodology.

An electronics tinkerer builds, maintains and teaches – and busts some myths along the way

Senior Laboratory Technician Tommi Itkonen found his field through studies in physics and interest in electronics.

Smooth transition from studying law to teaching and studying it

Anu Puustinen worked in the restaurant industry for a long time before finding a new career path, thanks to studies in law.

From chauffeuring the Rector to keeping the keys to the university

Facility Secretary Kjell Grinden enjoys the university's international atmosphere and concrete, varied work.

Making teachers’ voice better heard

The Facilitators are working to reform the university's teaching in a more blended and flexible direction. One of them is University Lecturer in English Susanna Kohonen at the Language Centre.

Learn more about our new professors

Juhana Hakumäki appointed as Professor of Clinical Radiology - Increasingly accurate imaging promotes better treatment

Thanks to the rapid development of imaging methods, diseases can now be detected and diagnosed earlier and more accurately than ever before.

Ivana Kholová appointed as Professor of Pathology: Cell and tissue samples can tell us more and more

"Pathologists work mostly with living people," Professor Ivana Kholová points out.

Kaari Mattila appointed as Professor of Practice at the University of Eastern Finland

The new Professor of Practice will promote understanding of human rights, democracy and the rule of law among students of social sciences, while also enhancing their professional skills in these themes.

Harri Hyppölä appointed as the first Professor of Public Health Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland

“We should roll up our sleeves to strengthen primary healthcare. Specialised healthcare cannot make up for what’s lacking in statutory basic public services,” says Professor of Public Health Medicine Harri Hyppölä.

Merja Kokki appointed as Professor of Anaesthesiology

A mother giving birth may need pain relief even before going into full labour. “This is being increasingly acknowledged,” says Merja Kokki, Professor of Anaesthesiology.

Tuija Keinonen appointed as the School of Pharmacy’s first Professor of Practice

The newly appointed Professor of Practice will build bridges between scholars and students of pharmacy, and business and industry.

UEF Distinguished Professor Sui Huang: Approaching the era of phenomics

Sui Huang, an esteemed Professor at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), has started as a new UEFDiPro Professor. One focus of the project is plasma proteomics, which offers a clinically novel and useful window to systems health and disease states.

Ville Männistö appointed as Professor of Gastroenterology

As many as one in three adults in Finland have steatotic liver disease. “This threat should be addressed properly, as there are ways to alleviate the situation,” says Ville Männistö, Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Eastern Finland.

Mikko Nissi appointed as Professor of Medical Physics and Engineering

Mikko Nissi appointed as Professor of Medical Physics and Engineering.

Jenni Alisaari appointed as Professor of Education

A linguistically responsive teacher fosters pupils with extensive language skills.

News

The Good Teacher award to Antti Haapala

Hazards identified, risks assessed, borders crossed: ToxiSA advances global toxicology education

Studying Environmental Policy and Law at UEF: Frieda Theil’s experience in Joensuu

Events

Lejish Vettikkat Parameswaran, MSc: Doctoral defence in Applied Physics, Kuopio

Africa Day 2025 at UEF

Photonics 55 Years in Joensuu

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