Technology group Wärtsilä is set to expand its state-of-the-art technology centre Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa with a €50 million total investment.   Expanding the R&D testing capabilities and facilities will enhance Wärtsilä’s ability to meet the growing demand for developing and delivering sustainable technologies in marine and energy and to support fuel applications needed in the future Wärtsilä also anticipates this investment to accelerate product development and time to market and create potential for future growth of manufacturing capacity and volumes at the Sustainable Technology Hub The nearly 8,000 square meter extension is expected to be commissioned in 2028.   “The widely adopted target of reaching net zero in our industries in marine and energy around 2050 is the lifespan of a single vessel or power plant away the technology decisions for new assets are being made now It is therefore crucial for our customers that our solutions are fuel flexible and capable of running on sustainable fuels once these become more broadly available This new investment in the Sustainable Technology Hub and new R&D testing capabilities will strongly support us in developing engines that can flexibly run on low- and zero-carbon fuels such as ammonia These technologies and related services help our customers reduce emissions Wärtsilä’s Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa has played a pivotal role in shaping decarbonisation of the marine and energy industries The technology centre has a unique approach to collaboration and innovation All Wärtsilä portfolio engines are manufactured in the technology centre which also houses a training centre and one of Wärtsilä’s remote monitoring centres serving customers globally.  Spanning currently a total of 90,000 square meters the technology centre serves as a workplace for over 2,000 employees The Sustainable Technology Hub welcomes around 1,000 visitors each month Wärtsilä announced its plans to expand the Sustainable Technology Hub with an additional office building to centralise all 3,600 Vaasa based Wärtsilians into the same location in 2026 The Sustainable Technology Hub is a critical component of Wärtsilä's goal to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2030 The building is designed to be energy self-sufficient Any excess power generated is returned to the grid while the heat produced by engine tests and other processes is captured and stored in a thermal energy storage tank to efficiently heat the building Managing director Hannu Mäntymaa, Wärtsilä Finland Oy, tel. puh. +358 40 751 5446, Hannu.mantymaa@wartsila.com Director, R&D and Engineering Juha Kytölä, Wärtsilä Finland Oy, tel. +358 40 5002936, juha.kytola@wartsila.com Head of External Communications Anne Alarotu, Wärtsilä, tel.  +358 50 487 1308, anne.alarotu@wartsila.com  image: University of Vaasa campus in the winter The University of Vaasa has received funding from Business Finland for the FlexiPower research and development project which focuses on developing and commercializing the "Building as a Battery" (BaaB) solution The project aims to find solutions that utilize existing building infrastructure as flexible energy sources The goal of the FlexiPower project is to develop and commercialize a solution that enables the dynamic response of building heating and cooling systems to the needs of the power system This innovation offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for balancing the power grid without significant initial investments in batteries or other infrastructure projects The BaaB solution can generate significant revenue for property owners The technology also supports property owners in reducing their carbon footprint and promoting responsible energy management and sustainable development - The project has been warmly received by property owners primarily because it does not require large initial investments making it difficult to calculate the payback period for investments says Edi Sandblom from the University of Vaasa The increasing use of renewable energy sources requires flexible solutions for balancing the power system The solutions offered by the project provide an innovative and efficient approach to this challenge the focus will be on testing and validating the solution in real buildings in collaboration with partners The goal is to explore the applicability of the FlexiPower solution in various markets both in Finland and abroad. The project will continue until spring 2026 Please visit the project website at www.flexipower.net.  are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system Copyright © 2025 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is a dynamic city on Finland’s western coast with a population of 67 000 Energy here is more than a resource – it’s a driving force shaping business This vibrant hub blends modern internationalism youthful enthusiasm and cutting-edge innovation with tranquil natural beauty offering locals and visitors a unique combination of urban living and breathtaking landscapes.  The city’s stunning natural heritage includes the Kvarken Archipelago Finland’s only Natural World Heritage Site on the UNESCO list Its flat plains and ice- and sea-shaped landscapes tell the story of a region that has literally risen from the sea urban life seamlessly coexists with extraordinary nature offering experiences that range from bustling city streets to serene outdoor adventures.  Vaasa’s commitment to sustainability is ambitious and forward-thinking The city aims to be carbon-neutral by the end of the decade and is a charter signatory of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change Collaboration will be key to Vaasa’s success and local universities businesses and municipalities are already working together on research making the region the most innovative in Finland.  Vaasa’s environmental initiatives are driving a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but the city remains committed to addressing challenges in transport and noise pollution With plans to expand housing and grow its population to 100 000 Vaasa is focused on balancing urban development with green living The city has introduced a green coefficient to ensure environmental considerations in built-up areas and aims to improve air and water quality further.  Recognised for its exemplary integration of energy use into education activities Vaasa empowers its young citizens with the tools and knowledge to contribute to a sustainable future Vaasa is a strong example of how innovation collaboration and a deep respect for nature can create a greener This alliance focuses on “sustainable well-being” for guests Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa has become the first hotel in Finland to partner with Swedish wellness company Gympak known as “Finland’s sunniest city,” the hotel features 143 rooms and is close to the city’s market square Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa general manager Joni Koski said: “Our guests value both efficiency and comfort allowing travellers to maintain their wellness routines seamlessly during their stay.”​ hotel guests will have access to Gympak’s wellness bags and curated sets of activewear This complements the hotel’s existing wellness amenities Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa also caters to business guests with dedicated workspaces as well as conference facilities Gympak CEO Jone Sølvik said: “Entering the Finnish market with a partner like Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa is a significant milestone for us “We’re excited to support the hotel’s vision of providing exceptional experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.”​ Earlier this month, Hôtel 2 Février Lomé in Togo, West Africa, also announced a collaboration with Gympak introducing signature wellness bags to the hotel with activewear and essential training items Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network where the seaside meets a vibrant business hub Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa is the first in the country to partner with the Swedish wellness brand Gympak introducing thoughtful and holistic wellness bags for its guests This collaboration brings a shared vision to life - making wellbeing seamless Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa places guests steps away from the city’s vibrant market square a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic coastal beauty and unique natural formations.  With 143 stylish rooms and a steady flow of business travelers the hotel stands out by blending warm hospitality with smart and cultural gems invite visitors to explore the many sides of Finland’s sunniest city curated sets of high-quality activewear designed for comfort and convenience on the go This offering complements the hotel’s wellness-focused amenities including a spacious 24/7 gym and relaxing sauna while also catering to the needs of business guests with dedicated workspaces and a prime location near key business districts “Entering the Finnish market with a partner like Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa is a significant milestone for us,” says Jone Sølvik “We’re excited to support the hotel’s vision of providing exceptional experiences that resonate with today’s travelers.”​ The addition of Gympak’s wellness bags fits naturally into this approach or purchase activewear and training essentials the hotel supports more sustainable travel habits - helping guests pack lighter and still stay active thoughtful step that reflects the hotel’s ongoing focus on comfort We help hotels increase guest satisfaction and get new revenues through our unique and sustainable clothing equipment and in-app trainer and mental coach For more details on the CIT RITK team’s visit and ongoing research projects RIT Kosovo Receives Certificate of Excellence in Academic Progress Reporting for SOIS and CIT Programs RIT Kosovo Student Erjona Neziri Reflects on Life-Changing Study Abroad Experience in the Netherlands FSU | Florida State University News Florida State University News The Official News Source of Florida State University Home / News / FSU Global / College of Business professor conducts research project on technological ecosystems in Finland as a Fulbright U.S As high-level technologies continue to evolve, considering how companies interact and perform with evolving high-level technologies remains a question to Daekwan Kim, the Spencer-Feheley MBA professor in the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing at Florida State University’s College of Business information technology and marketing strategies Kim traveled to the University of Vaasa in Finland last semester to work on his question and conduct the first phase of a new research project He did so through the Fulbright-University of Vaasa Scholar Award scholars the opportunity to conduct high-quality research and teach at the university found the University of Vaasa program and thought The Fulbright- University of Vaasa Scholar Award  is open to scholars in the fields of accounting the University of Vaasa offers three multidisciplinary research platforms with Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre (VEBIC) Digital Economy and Innovation and Entrepreneurship InnoLab Kim chose to go international after realizing his course content and research interests could benefit from direct interaction with the topics they entail I’m going to go abroad to expand my perspectives and research base,” Kim said Through the exploratory model of European research methods Kim was able to interact with and learn from local managers in cutting-edge high-technology startups — factors he highlights as key to choosing Finland as his location site of study “European schools are known for more exploratory studies rather than empirically based studies so they do a lot of interviews and literature reviews to come up with new ideas,” Kim said The exploratory research model involves a qualitative approach to investigate areas in which there is little prior knowledge to gauge potential variables and solidify a research question He found the method most equipped to handle his study Kim was especially attracted to the city of Vaasa’s emerging “Industry 4.0” startups also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to the next phase of industrial advancement with technology such as artificial intelligence and 3D printing Traveling to Finland gave Kim easy access into a world of insight on Industry 4.0 with about 70,000 to 80,000 people in the area but the city has a lot of startups and companies doing business over there too,” he said and I could easily tap into Industry 4.0 industries in the Vaasa area and Finland more broadly Given the population of the town and country the University of Vaasa’s emphasis on innovation technology and entrepreneurship aligned with Kim’s research focus cementing his choice to study at the institution so the University of Vaasa had a perfect culture that matched my research program,” he said In addition to gaining critical perspectives Kim also broadened his own outlooks after becoming immersed in Finnish culture He even experienced a shift in taste preferences after trying salmon soup Kim completed the first phase of research through his trip and now plans to create a research model for empirical testing “We can expand our experiences across different countries and different cultures,” Kim said “It’s definitely a great opportunity for any scholars in any field The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recently recognized FSU as aFulbright Top-Producing Institution among the colleges and universities nationwide with the highest number of faculty and administrators selected for the Fulbright U.S To learn more about the FSU College of Business, visit business.fsu.edu © Florida State University Tallahassee Our promise towards a carbon-neutral future EconiQ Consulting supports customers addressing their unique environmental performance needs Meet IdentiQ™ digital twin for sustainable Service is our commitment to the world’s largest existing installed base and the future of the energy system Accelerating a clean energy transition with a range of solutions for solar Discover the people and technologies behind the multiple pathways towards a carbon-neutral future Advancing a sustainable energy future for all we are co-creating global and local solutions to benefit society Get in-depth insights on topics and trends in the energy sector from industry thought leaders in this animation series about the world of electricity and sustainable energy Diversity and inclusion are the core of our success In October 2024, Hitachi Energy hit a significant milestone by producing the 1,000th WindSTAR unit at the transformer factory in Vaasa These transformers are crucial in the journey toward a carbon-neutral future resulting in a proven solution to integrate renewable energy and provide clean electricity from the world’s largest offshore wind farms In 2016, as power generation from offshore wind farms began to gain prominence, Hitachi Energy launched WindSTAR™ Transformers, which today represents a fundamental pillar in its OceaniQ™ portfolio1 WindSTAR™ units are perfectly suited for offshore wind turbines They are tailor-made to meet the needs of both fixed and floating applications including the latest turbine developments with higher power ratings These transformers are carefully designed following wind energy standards such as APQP4Wind2 utilizing an optimization process that involves prototyping and type-testing for each new design based on the specific application and customer requirements With more than 20 different models engineered to withstand the challenging conditions of operating in offshore environments the compact and lightweight design is well-suited to endure the vibrations and fluctuating electrical loads typical in wind power generation As a result of the success and trust gained over the years since the prototype Hitachi Energy’s transformer factory in Vaasa now celebrates the milestone of the 1,000th unit ready for delivery to customers "This is a great joint success story where customer co-creation is key We work closely with our customers to understand and meet their needs We also collaborate on a global scale to develop technical standards and protocols When the experience and know-how from all our factories and teams around the globe are combined the result is that we are capable of replicating great achievements and innovation across all our power transformer factories worldwide enabling our global customers to pursue their sustainability journey,” commented Pietro Cester A recent example from this cross-region collaboration is the milestone celebrated in Hitachi Energy’s transformer factory in Zhongshan, China, which delivered several WindSTAR transformers to various offshore wind projects in China, including the company’s first 66 kV WindSTAR transformer with natural ester as insulation fluid This pilot represents the company’s continuous commitment to elevate the overall sustainability of the transformers further is now an additional option that complements the choices available to all our customers worldwide WindSTAR transformers were produced with a voltage level of up to 33 kilovolts (kV) these transformers have doubled their voltage capability to 66 kV resulting in lower electricity losses and more cost-effective wind farms “As these transformers have developed and increased in power we have continued to challenge ourselves to give our customers an ever-improving product that can further support the dynamic requirements of the future sustainable power grid It’s crucial for us to be at the forefront of the energy industry’s development and to use our wind turbine expertise to support our customers in this historic transformation of the energy system We are making pioneering products that efficiently integrate renewable energy – enabling a stronger and cleaner grid," says Toni Koskinen Close to 1,000 units of WindSTAR transformers were produced to be installed in wind turbine nacelles of the largest offshore wind farms in Europe and outside the continent proving to be a reliable and evolving solution to serve the diverse needs of the industry representing a significant milestone for the Vaasa factory in Finland "As part of the clean energy transition Several projects are in the preparatory phase across Europe there will be ongoing demand and need for our expertise in wind power-related transformers in the future A thousand WindSTAR transformers produced at our HUB Europe factory is an outstanding achievement and a testimony to our pioneering spirit and efficient production Recognition should be given to the people in the Vaasa factory for the remarkable achievement and passion they devote daily to make this commitment a reality,” concludes Pietro Cester Hitachi Energy recently announced an investment of EUR 170 million into a new Hitachi Energy Park production and technology center in the Vaasa region The investment will enable the doubling of transformer production and testing capacity in Finland to support the clean energy transition Vaasa factory also celebrates its 110th anniversary of industrial transformer production in Finland this year Research and Development (R&D) testing facilities at Wärtsilä’s sustainable technology hub in Vaasa will be expanded thanks to a €50 million investment The aim is to accelerate product development in the marine and power gen segment with the 8,000 square meter extension due to be commissioned in 2028 Blackouts across Iberia show vulnerability of ‘island grids’ Hybrid generation helps mitigate intermittency risks JERA’s FY2024 revenue falls amid lower electricity prices Taurus Energy to implement first AGP XPAND upgrade in Iraq Avangrid helps restore power in Penn’ State after storm Rare earths shortage risks to undermine the energy transition BKV and Comstock to accelerate CCUS projects at Haynesville Egypt-Greece interconnector to get EBRD and EU financing has developed a new technology to capture CO2 directly from factory chimneys The company will launch Series A round to roll out its solution on a large scale aiming for a turnover of €200 million by 2030 May 1 – The Finish technology group has signed a services agreement with Aqualectra the leading power generation on the Caribbean island of Curaçao The 5-year accord will see Wärtsilä optimise energy generation on the island as Curaçao targets to move from its current 30% renewable capacity to 50% in 2025 and 70% by at least 2027 has reserved a site for a new hydrogen plant Oulu the electrolysis plant could reach a capacity of over 500 MW with the plant meant to be commissioned in three phases between 2028 and 2033 April 10 – As offshore wind becomes cost-competitive to fossil power generation Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is developing a digital tool to help wind farm operators decide whether to continue operating older wind turbines or replace them Modern wind towers generate up to 20 MW each three to four times more than older structures while fossil power station based on a modern gas turbine generates over 590 MW April 7 – Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corp (TNPGCL) are planning to add 2,640 MW of power gen capacity in India Main projects included Stage 3 of the 800 MW North Chennai power station Stage 1 of the 1,320 MW Udangudi power plant as well as the 500 MW Kundah pumped hydro power project April 4 – Larsen & Toubro’s Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) has secured new orders in India it will install and commission a 765kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) and built a transmission line for power evacuation Saudi Arabia's orders include two 380kV overhead transmission lines spanning over 130 km while the UAE and Qatar contracts cover multiple GIS projects April 3 – Siemens AG has agreed to acquire Dotmatics a Boston-based provider of Life Sciences R&D software The acquisition extends Siemens’ AI-powered product lifecycle management portfolio given that the US company offers highly profitable multi-modal data management for Life Sciences R&D TÜV SÜD will showcase its services for electric utilities in terms of testing inspection and certification for a broad range of energy sources Suitability studies and inspection is on offer for wind power April 1 – Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Wales and Merseyside are forecast to pay 13% more in electricity bills next financial year than their counterparts in London this equates to nearly £19,000 more in bills on an average like-for-like basis March 31 – Formation of the ‘Accenture Siemens Business Group’ was announced at Hannover Messe today The two companies aspire to co-develop and co-market solutions that combine automation industrial AI and software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio with Accenture’s data capabilities has converted its existing coal-fired power plant to natural gas in the Morrow repowering project utility replaced a coal-fired generating unit with an SGT6-9000HL gas turbine and the repowered combined-cycle gas plant can now produce 550 MW of flexible power March 26 – Hitachi Energy and Amazon Web Services have teamed up to deploy cloud-based solutions for utilities and power grid operators to manage the impact of vegetation on their business Wild growth of trees and bushes can impact power transmission lines while the data gathered from drones and ground patrols can be incomplete and disconnected and real-time weather forecasts to help utility customers identify and mitigate vegetation interference and risks March 25 – Wärtsilä will supply three 25DF dual-fuel engines for a new 18,600 cbm capacity LNG bunkering vessel being built for Spanish operator Ibaizabal The vessel is built at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in China with the equipment scheduled for fast-track delivery to the yard in September 2025 The ship is expected to be delivered before the end of 2026 March 24 – GE Vernova’s Saudi engineers and specialists have led the first gas turbine outage at SEC's eight power plant in Riyadh With a production capacity exceeding 1,700 MW the plant is vital for grid stability in Riydh and surrounding areas March 20  – The global market for Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) is growing at a rate of 23.1% ResearchAndMarkets projects the market to reach $9.6 billion by 2029 account for more than half of global of CO2 emissions and 20 countries account for 80% of the global emissions March 19 – Korea East-West Power and E1 have sealed an agreement build an LNG-fuelled power plant in Yeosu A 679 MW coal-fired power station is already in operation in Jungheung which Korea East-West Power may well want to ultimately run on cleaner-burning gas March 17 – YPF’s ‘Vaca Muera Oil Sur’ pipeline has gained Argentine government approval to enter into the Regime of Incentive for Large Investments (RIGI) “With an investment of approximately $2.9 billion this project will generate more than $15 billion in oil exports annually,” YPF President and CEO Horacio Daniel Marin said suggesting the project will also impact dry gas production at the field Copyright © 2021 Gas to Power Journal Freyr Battery has announced that it is to receive a grant of 122 million euros from the European Union Innovation Fund (EUIF) to realise a potential joint venture project for the production of cathode material in Vaasa The project in Vaasa aims to develop an industrial-scale LFP cathode material plant with an initial nominal capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year “We are very grateful to be selected for this grant award from the EU Innovation Fund which demonstrates the EU’s continued support for Freyr’s ongoing industrialization efforts of sustainable battery value chain solutions,” commented Freyr CEO Tom Einar Jensen “Freyr is focused on its development efforts in the U.S while we continue to explore avenues to unlock shareholder value from our portfolio of real assets and potential projects in Norway and Europe such as the proposed CAM facility in Finland We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues at the EUIF to finalize this grant,” added Jensen The EUIF grant is linked to a proposed active cathode materials (CAM) project in Vaasa the selection for a grant is an important step towards the final award of the grant after fulfilment of various criteria which are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025 Freyr continues to work with its technology licensor customers and other stakeholders to further develop the basis for the cathode material project Freyr Battery had already secured a plot of land in Vaasa, Finland and at the time the company was still considering building a battery cell plant there the plan is to produce cathode material there Freyr Battery has had a turbulent few months. After just ten months in office, CEO Birger Sten stepped down in June and his predecessor and Freyr co-founder Tom Einar Jensen took over again. Freyr Battery had previously put plans for its Giga Arctic in Mo i Rana, Norway, on hold last autumn in order to focus instead on building a factory in the US state of Georgia called Giga America The company headquarters have now also been relocated to the USA The change in strategy resulted in a number of employees being let go I agree with the Privacy policy electrive has been following the development of electric mobility with journalistic passion and expertise since 2013 we offer comprehensive coverage of the highest quality — as a central platform for the rapid development of this technology Newshub The new Preparedness and Resilience Research Platform (PREP) will start its activities at the beginning of January 2025 – The new research platform will significantly strengthen our research on economic and societal resilience as well as comprehensive security and preparedness The phenomenon-based platform will make it easier to conduct impactful multidisciplinary research and support joint efforts to increase external research funding the platform will conduct high-level international research and provide research-based knowledge for decision-making How can we safeguard the future of democracy And how can we ensure that businesses can operate in a secure and predictable environment that fosters economic growth How can new innovations and technologies support the green transition and resilience How should consumers and businesses prepare for challenging times in their finances and operations How can we strengthen citizens' confidence in the ability of decision-makers to maintain stability we believe we can provide answers to these fundamental questions and Marko Järvenpää, and Research Director Petri Uusikylä – The new research platform builds on the University of Vaasa's expertise in business It supports the university's strategic vision as an internationally recognised high-impact research university Vice Rector for Research at the University of Vaasa The new Preparedness and Resilience Research Platform will be one of four multidisciplinary research platforms at the University of Vaasa focusing on energy and sustainable development centred on innovations and entrepreneurship.Further information regarding the new platform will be presented at a high-level opening seminar in Vaasa on Tuesday If you are interested in collaborating with the research platform Newshub is packed with news and articles about trending topics and relevant social themes Stay on top of trends and follow us on our Newshub Read more about our impactful research To the Newshub front page Contact information Office of the President of the Republic of FinlandPress release 24/202523 April 2025 President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will visit Vörå and Vaasa in Ostrobothnia on the west coast of Finland on Tuesday 29 April 2025 The programme will begin at Norrvalla Sports Hall where the presidential couple will meet students from Vörå municipality schools the Finnish band from Vörå who will represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be attending the event and perform at the end of it President Stubb and Mrs Innes-Stubb will meet with local people at a public event in front of Vörå town hall starting at 11.30 the visit will continue at the University of Vaasa President Stubb was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Vaasa in September 2024 the President will deliver a speech on the transformation of world politics The day will conclude at the Wärtsilä Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaskiluoto where the President and his spouse will visit the Hub’s production research and product development facilities.Corrigendum 23.4.2025 at 10.30: The company name Wärtsilä Smart Technology Hub has been corrected to Wärtsilä Sustainable Technology Hub More news Office of the President of the Republic of FinlandMariankatu 2FI-00170 HelsinkiFinland Tel. +358 (0)29 522 6000kirjaamo@tpk.fi © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland 2024 Accessibility statement of Presidentti.fi The Commission announced the winners of the 2026 European Green Cities Awards on Wednesday (27 Nov) with Guimarães (Portugal) taking the European Green Capital prize and the European Green Leaf award for smaller cities going to Águeda (Portugal) and Vaasa (Finland) The 2026 European Green Capital winner was awarded to Guimarães based on its commitment to achieving continuous improvement regarding all sustainable challenges and developments as well as realising comprehensive results in all seven environmental management areas The jury recognised that Guimarães has successfully made sustainability part of its culture with support available across the whole community It was also impressed with how the city connects creativity with science and data and strong connections nationally and in Europe the city can help inspire other cities to maintain their ambitions and continue learning and progressing to a sustainable future for all The jury commended all Green Capital finalist cities for their exceptional accomplishments and dedication They recognised the tough competition among three outstanding candidates and acknowledged that they are an inspiration for other cities impressed the jury with their unique approaches to engaging their communities in the green transition Águeda was praised for its comprehensive and structured approach to sustainability with numerous inspiring measures for all environmental areas Its extensive communication and participatory strategy is supported by online dashboards available to the whole community The jury also recognised art and culture as powerful driving forces behind the sustainable transition the city can count on its local “Green Ambassadors” and is well-connected which enables it to help other cities in Portugal and Europe was commended for its bold ambition to be “Carbon Neutral Vaasa 202X” using its growing energy sector as an incubator and driver for systemic sustainable transitions The jury recognised “the Nordic energy capital” for raising awareness among citizens through energy education from a very young age thanks to which sustainability becomes ingrained in the community the city will continue to be a showcase for using innovative technological solutions to empower and make its citizens greener The jury praised all four Green Leaf finalist cities for their dedication with limited funds They genuinely connected the local community and the city’s administration and are warmly welcomed into the European Green Leaf network as an example to other similar cities Guimarães will be granted a financial prize of €600,000 The award will contribute to the city’s actions aimed at increasing its environmental sustainability as the 2026 European Green Capital will each receive a financial prize of €200,000 A total of 21 cities competed in this edition of the European Green Capital and Green Leaf awards. An international panel of seven independent urban sustainability experts evaluated the applications and shortlisted seven finalist cities The finalists were interviewed by an international jury comprising representatives from the European Commission the Secretariat of the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy I congratulate the laureate cities of Guimarães and Vaasa for their commitments to ambitious environmental goals and for inspiring others The European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards are a recognition Cities are key players in advancing the green transition and I commend the continuous engagement of all participants in promoting a clean and healthy environment so that their citizens enjoy a better quality of life With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas cities play an important role in the implementation of the European Green Deal leading to an environmental and economic transformation The European Green Capital Award was launched in 2010 by the European Commission to encourage cities to become greener and cleaner and thereby to improve the quality of life for their citizens The Award recognises cities that are committed to achieving the European Green Deal’s ambitious goals and more specifically the Zero Pollution Action Plan The European Green Leaf Award was established to recognise the environmental efforts and achievements of smaller towns and cities (20,000–100,000 inhabitants) Being a European Green Capital or a European Green Leaf city brings many benefits: from increasing the city’s profile to building new alliances attracts investment and builds a better quality of life for citizens Current and previous European Green Cities Award winners EU Environment newsletters deliver the latest updates about the European Commission’s environmental priorities straight to your inbox seeks outstanding candidates to the following positions in AI research and its various applications: These Principal Investigator (PI) positions are jointly offered by the University of Vaasa and ELLIS Institute Finland a newly established world-class research hub in AI and Machine Learning ELLIS Institute Finland is the second institute of ELLIS In collaboration with universities across Finland the Institute is now recruiting Principal Investigators (PIs) to lead research teams in AI This is a unique opportunity for researchers at all career stages to do work with global impact in a research environment that is one of the best in the world today for AI and ML More information about the requirements and how to apply at ELLIS institute web page 1) Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Space Applications  The University of Vaasa is seeking applications for a tenure-track Professor position in AI for Space Applications.  This position offers an exciting opportunity to drive research and innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with a particular emphasis on new space business models and their role in the energy transition The position focuses on advancing AI-driven solutions for satellite-based solutions and intelligent data processing to support sustainable and commercially viable space technologies and applications.  2) Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning – Energy Systems The Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Research Group is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research and innovation in the intersection of AI with a particular emphasis on applications in energy transition technology 3) Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Balancing Energ and Optimisation for HPC We are seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) the position may be filled as a PS Fellow position with a particular emphasis on Energy efficient High Performance Computing (HPC).  Applications are invited for tenure track positions at all levels (Assistant Professor Associate Professor and Professor) in the following areas: Space Applications Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (Energy Systems) and in Balancing Energy and Optimisation for HPC Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field and have a strong research background in academia Regular publication in top-tier AI-driven venues is espected.  As regards the position in Space Applications, further information on the position and the working environment may be obtained from Vice Rector Mika Grundström (tel. +358 29 449 8786, email: mika.grundstrom@uwasa.fi) or Professor Heidi Kuusniemi (tel. +358 29 449 8504, email: heidi.kuusniemi@uwasa.fi) As regards the positions in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and Balancing Energy and Optimisation for HPC, further information on the positions and the working environment may be obtained from Dean Raine Hermans (tel. +358 29 449 8622, email: raine.hermans@uwasa.fi) and Professor Mohammed Elmusrati (tel. +358 29 449 8275, email: mohammed.elmusrati@uwasa.fi) PI positions | ELLIS Institute Finland Vaasan Sähkö Oy is the leading power supplier in the region of Ostrobothnia providing electricity to about 100,000 customers and district heating for about 90 percent of the region’s capital city As the only supplier of heat and power in the Vaasa region Vaasan Sähkö Oy needed to upgrade its old monitoring and reporting system in order to minimize the risk of equipment failure and secure and maintain operational reliability but the customer also wanted to have a better user interface replacing old graphics with a state-of-the-art interface and zoomable options and to improve communication traffic The new system the company had in mind had to be well-supported and futureproof simpler trend and reporting functionalities and the capacity to expand functions and features in the future It had to be able to receive exact values from substations turn them into valuable information and maintain the raw measurement and event data for 2 years Historian function was the main requirement Vaasan Sähkö asked Hitachi Energy to update the company’s ten-year old servers from Windows 2003 to Windows 2012 R2 and in addition update the installed MicroSCADA 8.4.5 technology to MicroSCADA Pro 9.4 including the Pipeline Library and most importantly Since Vaasan Sähkö’s district heating unit was happy with the existing MicroSCADA Pro system they wanted to continue using that as with the flexible system the old and new interface work in parallel and enables gradual update of HMI process graphics Historian was one of the key requirements why Vaasan Sähkö chose MicroSCADA Pro and the benefits of the company-wide usability were essential to the customer Most important benefit to the customer was the storing capability: every situation and measurement from the district heating network such as temperature and currents is measured because the Historian server does not miss fast transients Because Historian gathers data from remotely readable meters and provides measurement data and information about network behaviour to simulation programs it helps the customer to build their network Benefit from a maintenance perspective is that operators can follow equipment lifetime the customer is provided with data from the entire period Fault localization is much easier in utilities where this data is readily available Other benefits of Historian include ease of reporting With the Historian the end customer support improves as Vaasan sähkö’s customer service personnel are able to detect changes in the district heating network by themselves directly from the Historian covering everything from staff skills to installed firmware from which the customer can draw to ensure system documentation remains current and valid facilitating future expansion or modification In a twist that challenges conventional wisdom about cryptocurrency safety exchanges operating in highly regulated markets like the United States face a greater risk of collapse than their counterparts in less regulated regions according to groundbreaking research from the University of Vaasa in Finland which analyzed data from 845 cryptocurrency exchanges customers and operating in countries with high transparency indexes are more likely to fail This finding upends traditional assumptions about the relationship between regulatory oversight and exchange stability Nearly 500 cryptocurrency exchanges have already collapsed since 2014, leaving countless traders unable to access their funds. The research, published in the Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions & Money identifies several key risk factors that could help investors avoid future losses customers to trade experience higher probability of default compared to those that restrict U.S clients,” notes Assistant Professor Niranjan Sapkota The study uncovered several surprising patterns in exchange failures which operate similarly to traditional banks by holding customer funds show a significantly higher risk of default compared to decentralized exchanges where users maintain control of their assets The data indicates that decentralized platforms have a 31.2% lower probability of failure High withdrawal fees emerged as a particularly telling warning sign Failed exchanges typically charged withdrawal fees approximately 1.5 times higher than their successful counterparts The research also found that exchanges offering a limited selection of cryptocurrencies were more likely to fail suggesting that diversity in trading options contributes to long-term stability The findings have implications for both regulators and investors in the cryptocurrency space Developed nations with strong financial infrastructure create environments where exchanges face increased pressure from compliance costs and sophisticated cyber threats exchanges in developing nations with less established crypto regulations appear to face fewer of these challenges The research offers practical indicators for investors seeking to protect their assets Beyond examining withdrawal fees and cryptocurrency variety the study suggests looking for exchanges with established referral programs and strong user ratings as these features correlate with lower default risks Using advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques the research team achieved an 81% accuracy rate in predicting exchange failures This level of predictive power could prove valuable for both regulators and investors in identifying at-risk platforms before they collapse The study’s implications extend beyond individual investors to policy makers and exchange operators By understanding the factors that contribute to exchange stability regulators can develop more effective oversight frameworks that protect users without creating unintended vulnerabilities The research comes at a crucial time for the cryptocurrency industry which continues to grapple with concerns about exchange reliability following several high-profile collapses The findings suggest that the path to safer cryptocurrency trading may require rethinking traditional assumptions about regulatory oversight and exchange operations titled “The Crypto Collapse Chronicles: Decoding Cryptocurrency Exchange Defaults,” appears in the December 2024 issue of the Journal of International Financial Markets Antila has extensive experience in leading IT management roles within public organisations He joins the University of Vaasa from the Finnish Food Authority where he has served as the IT Director since 2019 Antila has been responsible for the overall operation of the Finnish Food Authority's digital services Antila has held various IT management positions not only at the Finnish Food Authority but also at the Agency for Rural Affairs and the City of Vaasa Antila has extensive experience in software development and its management in the private sector – The digital director supports our university's strategic goal of enhancing the utilisation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence amidst the continuous and rapid changes in digital services and technologies Juha Antila brings strong expertise in the development and implementation of digital systems which is crucial for the innovative development of teaching The role of the digital director includes ensuring that our university community collaborates effectively in developing operations through digitalisation we can ensure that we stay closely aligned with digital and AI technological advancements Juha Antila is a member of the university's leadership team he will lead the development of the university's digital services and operational activities The role emphasises the development and implementation of the digital services strategy as well as the utilisation and adoption of new technologies in teaching – I am truly excited about the upcoming tasks and the opportunity to get to know my new colleagues I studied at the University of Vaasa and have fond memories of my time there When applying for the position of digital director I familiarised myself with the university's strategy and noticed that it closely aligns with my own philosophy where digitalisation is an essential part of the organisation's operations and enables the development of activities and achievement of goals I concluded that I want to be part of this journey and contribute my share I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this role The University of Vaasa began its EnergyWeek programme on Monday with the Sustainable Energy Reimagined evening event which focused on exploring the future of energy Rector Minna Martikainen underscored the university’s commitment to high-level research in close collaboration with industry – We are working to conduct the highest-level research aiming to drive economic growth through our actions This is why we say: only knowledge capital can create financial capital the Vaasa region is an example of the successful implementation of Finland’s innovation policy. – Here ecosystem projects and leading companies funded by Business Finland are flourishing creating extensive networks that connect smaller companies Secretary General of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) addressed Europe’s shifting geopolitical landscape stressing the need for strategic autonomy and greater investment in research and innovation He emphasised that the clean energy transition is key to restoring the EU competitiveness.Béatrice Coda Clean Energy Transition at DG Research & Innovation tackled the critical challenges facing Europe’s energy transition: competitiveness low-cost energy for industries and consumers decarbonization and energy security.A panel discussion on the role of industry in collaborative energy research featured Managing Director Pekka Tiitinen (ABB Finland) Paolo Bondavalli (European Innovation Council) Tiitinen emphasised the value of university-industry partnerships and Bondavalli highlighted Europe’s opportunity to lead in energy storage solutions for the electric grid including Hannu Laaksonen, Petri Uusikylä, Heidi Kuusniemi the University of Vaasa’s research platform VEBIC hosted the Transforming the Energy Landscape seminar and integrated systems.Professor Hannu Laaksonen and postdoctoral researcher Giovanna Pinilla De La Cruz introduced the PEAK project emphasising the need for increased flexibility in future power systems.Postdoctoral researcher Kirsi Spoof-Tuomi discussed biomethane’s role in the energy transition highlighting its ability to replace fossil-based natural gas without modifications and support industrial processes she stressed that biomethane is not only a cleaner alternative but also a strategic asset The seminar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by research programme manager Karita Luokkanen-Rabetino Sales Manager Antti Kettu from ABB, Antti Majava from BIOS Research Unit, Ingvar Kulla Managing Director of Esse Elektro-Kraft, Mats Söderlund held for the fifth time during Vaasa EnergyWeek focused on offshore wind power and the use of satellite data in the design and the EU-partially funded InnoWind project were moderated by Professor Heidi Kuusniemi Chief Advisor of International Collaboration at Business Finland; Dr Senior Scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute and Adjunct Professor at the University of Vaasa; Veera Villikari Advocacy Manager at Renewables Finland; and Mathias Skog The panel discussion at the end of the seminar also sparked lively conversation among the audience The University of Vaasa granted Associate Professor of Marketing Henna Syrjälä the University of Vaasa Science Communication Award in recognition of her contribution to the popularisation and communication of science and for her role in fostering dialogue in society honorary mentions were granted to Professor Emeritus of Public Management Ari Salminen and Professor of Energy Technology Maciej Mikulski for their contributions to science communication The awards were presented during the Research Exhibition on Energy organised by the university as part of Vaasa EnergyWeek on Wednesday The exhibition offered attendees with the latest insights into energy research in the Vaasa region The researchers presented their science posters and discussed their research and projects with the public Read more about the awards postdoctoral researcher and Bahaa Eltahawy project researcher at the University of Vaasa participated in the Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector for SMEs panel at Energy Week on Thursday The panel discussed ways to protect critical infrastructure and safeguard operations and how SMEs can use cybersecurity measures to gain a competitive advantage in the energy sector – Security and trust are at the heart of all business and the value it creates products and the technology used by the company - trust is a value proposition The key is to change the mindset that cybersecurity is just a matter for the IT department It is primarily the responsibility of the users themselves – Cybersecurity is also about culture and behaviour Behaviour can be managed within the company but culture is more difficult - many of us have not lived long in the digital age If a company wants to stay in business in the future cyber issues need to be taken as seriously as business in general The panelists also included Jadranka Lovrić Senior Project Manager for European Digital Innovation Hub (CROBOHUB++) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing and Henrik Madsen Head of the Centre for IT-Intelligent Energy Systems in Cities (CITIES) and Section Head of Dynamical Systems Technical University of Denmark. Panel discussion was organised by the University of Vaasa there was also a discussion about the future workforce and turning diversity into a competitive advantage at the Future Workforce seminar and workplaces are becoming more diverse than ever Research shows that inclusive workplaces boost employee well-being Senior Lecturer Susanna Kultalahti gave a keynote about understanding generational needs The newer generation's loyalty is not to the company itself These are the keys for companies to engage young people and offer them suitable solutions – Young people today talk a lot about well-being and responsibility and raise issues We need new types of personnel management and the courage to raise issues The same for everyone or what each deserves and needs – that is the challenge for supervisors and personnel management Professor Maciej Mikulski participated in the Engine Technology seminar on Thursday. Mikulski talked about the Integrated Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (iHAPC) project aims to revolutionise the energy sector by showcasing sustainable hydrogen-argon power cycle (H-APC) at pilot scale The concept is targeting unprecedented power generation efficiency with net-zero emissions – This project is very ambitious and it takes many steps to reach the goals To complete a large-scale project like this it comes with challenges which is totally normal We are lucky to have such strong and dedicated consortium where each party has their own role Last year, the University of Vaasa also introduced a joint energy laboratory together with Wärtsilä The facility plays an important role in the iHAPC project as it enables the infrastructure for the H-APC technology demonstration At the Energy Academy's Back to the Future Roast representatives from universities and local companies had the chance to answer students' tricky questions.  The students asked about the attractiveness of the area the use of AI and the connections between studies and working life Energy Academy is a cooperation model between universities and leading companies in the Vaasa region It is designed to increase the appeal of the area to students and graduates as well as to create better connections between working life Niladri Saha and Aniket Vibhute from the Strategic Project Management master's programme The final was held at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Pasila on March 28th All members of the University of Vaasa team had extensive experience in project management which contributed to their success in the competition which were central to the competition.  The students reported that the most challenging part of the competition was adapting to the dynamic requirements of the simulation game Quick decision-making and seamless collaboration were essential - Our teamwork functioned exceptionally well Each member had slightly different strengths and clearly predefined roles We hope that our success in the competition will inspire future students to take on similar challenges The research environment to be introduced in early 2026 will enable collaborative research between companies in the energy sector and the university while significantly enhancing the region’s export potential for the benefit of all of Finland The importance of research environments in cutting-edge research is continuously growing – We have seen examples of how expertise has flowed elsewhere in the world as physical research infrastructures have diminished in European universities We are investing in the research environment to ensure that research communities and companies have sufficient capabilities and operational conditions available in the energy transition research area Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Vaasa which develops and manufactures engines for off-road heavy equipment has opened a new clean energy laboratory in Linnavuori where future powertrain solutions for various off-road applications are being created.  we are expanding our current research and development efforts The University of Vaasa does significant research work and will become one of our strategic partners in the research of future fuels Director of Product Development at AGCO Power In addition to preparing the research environment AGCO Power will supply a specially developed single-cylinder engine for laboratory use to the research and competence center located in Vaasa – The single-cylinder engine is flexible and easily adaptable for research purposes We can utilize the research conducted with it for our multi-cylinder engines We are pleased that other partner companies will also benefit from the investments the infrastructure can be used for both education and academic research In the photo: AGCO Power's (left) Director of Product Development Kari Aaltonen and CEO Juha Tervala signing a cooperation agreement with the Vice Rector for Research Mika Grundström and Professor of Energy Technology Maciej Mikulski from the University of Vaasa Ranked 108th in research quality, the University of Vaasa climbed very close to the global top 100. Research quality is one of the areas assessed in the rankings and it is a key indicator for citation impact and research strength, excellence and influence The university’s continuous internationalisation efforts don’t go unnoticed either as the university keeps its position in the top 500 in terms of international outlook.   Ranked 2nd nationally in research quality and 4th in international outlook the University of Vaasa performed well among Finnish universities in both categories.  – We are very pleased with the result as it highlights research as one of our strengths The research conducted at the University of Vaasa is highly cited and truly makes an impact in the areas of sustainable business The ranking result also highlights our strong international outlook and overall it reflects our vision of an internationally recognised high-impact research university I would like to thank our university community for their contributions The THE World University Rankings evaluates universities in five areas: Teaching, Research environment, Research quality, International outlook, and Industry. Read the full ranking list published by THE here Further information: Vice-rector of International Affairs Martin Meyer University of Vaasa marketing researchers Roosa-Maaria Malila Professor of Consumer Behaviour at the University of Vaasa have studied attitudes towards vegetarianism and why meat substitutes still do not make it off the shelf and into the shopping basket Food is a surprisingly strong part of each of our identities It is no longer a completely private matter what choices you make as you wander between supermarket shelves or what you load onto your plate from the supermarket aisle As part of the fight against climate change many plant-based meat substitutes have been launched in recent years but they have not been a success on the market – The consumption of meat and meat substitutes is a highly charged social phenomenon consumers who prefer plant-based alternatives are perceived as socially different - and not in a good way According to the research by Malila and partners people who prefer vegetarian food are associated with a range of positive images But the preference for vegetarian options also causes resentment among people a research revealed that in addition to positive images the promotion of vegetarianism also arouses fear we found that people even wanted to act aggressively towards vegetarians or exclude them from social circles participants were asked to form a perception of a fictional consumer based on their shopping list Participants were presented with three different shopping lists which varied based on the inclusion or exclusion of animal and plant-based protein products from similar product categories All lists included the same five staple foods: pasta to blur the primary purpose of the research One shopping basket was a meat eater's shopping basket The other basket was a so-called “flexible” basket which contained chicken rolls and vegetable sausages in addition to the basic products The third basket was rich in meat substitutes – The mixed feelings towards vegetarians reflect the prevailing climate in which the need to reduce meat consumption for environmental reasons will certainly no longer come as a surprise to anyone changing one's own consumption habits is not so simple This can be reflected in frustration and channeled through those who are already driving change the fear of giving up the benefits gained also causes similar feelings even though a vegetarian diet need not really be a compromise but the image around it may be perceived as such The introduction of the new Nordic dietary recommendations caused a real cut-up frenzy among Finns The recommendations suggest cutting down on red meat The new dietary recommendations call for vegetarian food pulses and sustainably caught or farmed fish on people's plates The new recommendations divided opinion in public debates This phenomenon is in line with research by Malila and partners Most of us know how we should eat to do the right thing for the environment and for ourselves What's the problem that many people still don't change starts first and foremost with each individual but the prevailing structures of our society also play a major role – Food is quite a strong part of our social identity If and when vegetarian food evokes negative feelings not many people want to risk being associated with it Belonging to a group is an evolutionary motive We need acceptance from our fellow human beings The focus turns to how those products are marketed to us – Reducing meat consumption is essential if we are to ensure a viable future for humans and animals on our planet The critical question is how to mainstream vegetarianism Research shows that marketing could be more creative to appeal to people who have not yet made a change in their diet Different consumers need to be addressed in different ways Malila suggests that marketing messages could emphasise how vegetarianism is a better option for the individual rather than highlighting the environmental benefits – Encouraging people to make more sustainable food choices is not just about pricing or whether a product tastes like a Michelin-starred masterpiece It is clear from these findings that sustainable food needs an image makeover if it is to be perceived as socially acceptable New marketing strategies need to address prevailing prejudices emotions and behavioural tendencies to overcome them There are many arguments for not switching to a plant-based diet One of the most frequently raised arguments is cost – We have plenty of domestic research to show that the cost of vegetarianism is not the main barrier to adoption Social reasons are significantly more of a barrier Malila's message is clear: vegetarianism should become the new norm major systemic changes in society are needed – Such a change must be committed to in the long term Vegetarianism itself needs a systemic change in image First steps have already been taken to change this image in which many familiar faces from the public sphere have joined in individual public challenges alone will not be enough for long Our perception of normality is also shaped by what we see on the shelves of shops and how food is presented of putting plant-based products on the shelves alongside animal-based products is a good start The threshold for experiencing products is lowered when a new product is readily available among familiar products Such concrete actions are particularly important in a country like Finland where grocery stores play an important role in guiding consumers' choices thanks to their small markets Malila, R.-M., Pennanen, K., & Luomala, H. T. (2025). Meat alternative consumers still frowned upon in Europe: Analysis of stereotypical, emotional and behavioral responses of observing others. Food Quality and Preference, 125, 105380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2024.105380  – We are delighted to have risen to the number one spot in Finland for business administration in this year’s Shanghai GRAS ranking the result is also good news as for second year we are ranked among the world’s top 25 institutions This demonstrates our research to advance sustainable business I want to congratulate the entire university community and thank everyone for their excellent contributions and impactful work The Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) is a discipline-specific global ranking published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University since 2017 Over 1,900 universities from 96 countries were evaluated in the ranking which covered 55 disciplines in natural sciences Further information: Vice-Rector of International Affairs Martin Meyer The word "neuro" refers to the nervous system and brain function The concept of neurobiome refers to the diversity of brain function which can manifest itself in different ways of responding to stimuli learning and interacting with other people Neurobiome has traditionally referred to abnormalities in brain function usually diagnosed as disorders such as ADHD reading disability or autism spectrum disorder They are disorders when they significantly interfere with life they can be superpowers when we understand how to exploit them – We at the University of Vaasa want to recognise and value these traits as part of our diversity Pensar works at the University of Vaasa not only as director of the Master's programme and as a teacher but also as the face of neurodiversity in educational institutions and in working life Neurodiversity has probably not really increased although there is more talk and more information available on the subject Perhaps it is precisely because of the increased amount of information that more and more people are recognising the traits in themselves The symptoms may manifest themselves as difficulties in learning concentrating or perceiving social situations – Our society also places us in a situation of constant information overload and demanding environments This is when neurotypicalities are more likely to emerge Studies show that up to 10 per cent of university students today experience learning difficulties Learning disabilities have been identified as one of the most common disabilities among tertiary students as studying at university involves a lot of reading Concentration and sedentary tasks can be particularly challenging for neurological students stress and sensory overload can make studying difficult "Something that comes easily to others can be surprisingly difficult for you raising the question: 'What's wrong with me?'" It is these experiences that Pensar wants to influence through her work Pensar's most important task is to make students feel capable and accepted for who they are – I don't want students to be alone with their thoughts or to feel strange and different Many times I will say to a student who comes to me struggling with everyday life management Pensar is currently studying to become a neuropsychological coach This training gives him the tools to offer support to those struggling with neurodiversity issues students at the University of Vaasa can book a free coaching session without a diagnosis being required The meeting will take stock of the challenges the student is experiencing and identify whether there may be something else in their life that is also causing a blockage in their studies – Sometimes a student and I have gone together to meet with the teacher to find out why a course is not going well We have always been able to find solutions Sometimes the solution is that it is probably best to postpone the course to a later date Or if there are different ways of doing the course the most suitable one for the student can be considered It is important to recognise that neurodiversity can affect learning and therefore it is important to provide the right kind of support Teachers at the University of Vaasa have been trained to produce accessible lecture material and have been instructed on how to break up lectures the course should offer alternative ways to complete the course when possible For one person it is fine to read the course book on their own and take an exam for another it is better to do weekly assignments and for a third it is best to do it with a friend or in a group the student is encouraged to make a low-threshold contact with a study psychologist or with FSHS (Finnish Student Health Service) specialists they will identify where the challenges are occurring and what remedies might be available to alleviate them The FSHS carries out tests for reading and other learning difficulties in higher education students you can also apply for reading tests through the Datero association You can't go through the educational psychologist but you can contact him or her if you suspect you have a learning disability and don't know how to proceed Datero ry is a competence center that offers solutions to learning problems and is a partner of the University of Vaasa Students at the University of Vaasa can apply for individualised arrangements and forms of support to help them progress in their studies – A reading disability certificate can be used to obtain extra time for exams and assignments or other individual arrangements It is also worth telling your thesis adviser about your reading disability so that he or she can take it into account in his or her work The University of Vaasa was one of the first Finnish universities to organise neuro-friendly lectures and learning sessions Pensar has applied this lecture concept to its own courses while the open learning sessions have been carried out together with other enthusiastic teachers and tutors These sessions have been open to all students and can be attended even without a formal diagnosis – You can come and do your own assignments or even a thesis There is a sensory-friendly environment to encourage learning and support and help is available There are also snacks to keep your brain going the staff at the Tritonia science library are happy to help with information needs A mind-friendly environment is a space that is stripped of the extra stimuli that can take their toll on concentration Pensar explains that the university is planning to add three new sensory-friendly spaces in the Fabriikki building One is a dark room where you can rest and gather your thoughts while relaxing under a cushion The second is a silent space with a colourful landscape that mimics nature and a projector that plays the sounds of nature to soothe the mind A variety of materials and aids are used to promote relaxation and aid concentration and recovery The third space is a fully soundproofed quiet working area – We want our students to have the smoothest and safest learning experience possible Pensar points out that different ways of thinking learning and problem solving contribute to community creativity and innovation Understanding and embracing neurodiversity opens up new perspectives people diagnosed with ADHD are often associated with images of chaos unreliability or are often perceived as troublemakers they can be quick problem solvers and act as a driving force in a group they are in high demand because they do not get paralysed in stressful or tight situations - on the contrary they can even be at their best in crisis situations exploiting these strengths requires adapting the environment It is important that universities and workplaces support different learning needs and ways of working so that everyone can make the most of their potential sometimes having several things going on at the same time - scrolling through the phone doing homework and watching TV - can even help with attention deficit disorder And neuro-friendly spaces don't hurt any of us anyway That's the kind of information overload we live in today – For some it may mean sitting alone in a dark room for others it may mean reading scientific articles and for others it may mean doing chores around the house we aim to identify everyone's individual ways of strengthening their wellbeing We start from the premise that students do not need to feel under pressure to become different they can achieve their goals by building on their own strengths 1fr);grid-auto-rows:auto;max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 2.0rem 0 2.0rem;}.css-tg00bh>*{position:relative;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.css-tg00bh{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 3.2rem 0 3.2rem;}}@media screen and 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1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:3.2rem;column-gap:3.2rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1440px){.css-8ag0yp{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 and Kristinestad (Kristiinankaupunki in Finnish) celebrated for their picturesque wooden houses and vibrant cultural heritage 0.7);}.css-i2ouuj:hover{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-i2ouuj:active{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-i2ouuj:focus{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-i2ouuj svg{-webkit-filter:drop-shadow( 2px 2px 10px rgba(0 0.7));filter:drop-shadow( 2px 2px 10px rgba(0 0.7);padding:1.6rem 2.4rem;text-align:left;-webkit-transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out;}.css-11b0a0:hover{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-11b0a0:active{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-11b0a0:focus{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-11b0a0 svg{-webkit-filter:drop-shadow( 2px 2px 10px rgba(0 allowing for an extended adventure through Finland's stunning archipelago renowned for its countless islands and serene natural beauty 1fr);grid-auto-rows:auto;max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}.css-107lzxq>*{position:relative;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 3.2rem 0 3.2rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 900px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.4rem;column-gap:2.4rem;padding:0 6.4rem 0 6.4rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:3.2rem;column-gap:3.2rem;padding:0 8.0rem 0 8.0rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1440px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 The conferment celebrations traditionally last three days and consist of several different events Traditions have significant role in the conferment ceremony and many of the forms of the ceremonies have remained unchanged Yet the ceremony is not set in stone; it changes through time and with its organising university The University of Vaasa's conferment ceremony continues a centuries-old European tradition which arrived in Finland in the 17th century via Uppsala The first conferment ceremony of the University of Vaasa took place in 1988 The conferment celebrations started with dance rehearsal on Thursday 19 September in the afternoon The day continued with the rehearsal of the act of conferment, followed by the climax of the day honorary doctors and doctors to be conferred whet their swords for the following day's act of conferment. At the beginning of the event Then the actual sword whetting began under the guidance of the Master of Ceremonies turned the grindstone while the honorary doctors and promovendi polish their swords against it. The evening continued with a dinner for doctors and honorary doctors at the University of Vaasa the act of conferment, took place on Friday 20 September. The message of the conferment ceremony is summed up in the symbols given to the doctors - a hat The diploma confirms the doctor's dignity and status as a member of the academic community The doctor's hat is a symbol of scientific freedom It is a weapon of the spirit in the hand of the wearer right and good that the scientist has determined Rector Minna Martikainen opened the event with a warm welcome to everyone she emphasised the need for universities and doctors to carry out high-quality academic research - often in collaboration with partners as our society and the planet face unprecedented challenges “We want researched knowledge to reach decision-makers we can change the world to be a more sustainable place for future generations Our future depends on both high-quality skills and critical thinking creativity and the ability to use knowledge to strengthen our country's vitality our academic procession through the city is a symbol of the university's importance to the surrounding region Conferrer Merja Koskela gave a speech to the "young" doctors “This ceremony is not only about looking back at your important academic achievement it is also about moving forward and addressing the significance of an academic degree into society.”  Koskela pointed out that it is only at the conferment ceremony that doctors are officially allowed to wear the symbols of the doctorate “The right to bear these symbols is not only a right for which the hat and sword provide symbolic tools defending the common good and informed decision-making from censorship The University of Vaasa awarded honorary doctorates to 12 persons of scientific or societal merit. The honorary doctorate is the highest recognition that universities can award. In connection with the conferment ceremony the university respects foreign and domestic scientifically or socially distinguished persons of its choice by awarding them this title.  each promovendi in turn was conferred as doctor by the conferrer. 64 doctoral candidates at the University of Vaasa have registered for the doctoral conferment ceremony 32 are Doctors of Science in Business Administration and Economics, 12 in Technology 14 in Administrative Sciences and six in Philosophy shared a reflection on what it means to become a scholar “This hat symbolises freedom that every researcher to decide the direction of their own research This hat is not about our own freedom to play around it is about empowering others to play free It brings us responsibility that demands deep care because one day we will meet a scholar will come up with an unconventional idea that challenges our own believes.” a spectacular procession moved on to a conferment service or an secular event The procession proceeded along Kirkkopuistikko to the Vaasa church Friends and relatives of the conferred doctors The conferment service and the secular event at Vaasa City Hall were also open to the public.  The evening programme included a gala dinner at the Mathilda restaurant followed by a conferment ball at Vaasa City Hall.  gave a speech for the university at the gala dinner Rector Minna Martikainen presented the Rector's response to the speech The speech to the conferrers was given by Bening Mayanti presented the speech to the Honorary Doctors The Honorary Doctors' reply was given by Professor Tim Baines the promotion celebrations culminated in a conferment ball The ball included old ballroom dances that had been rehearsed beforehand the conferrers left along the street of honour and the marshals were also released The ceremonial conferment ended on Saturday 21 September with a fun day out for the participants. The day included a visit to see the art of the Maaherrantalo/Governor’s house and a brunch in a maritime landscape At the end of the doctoral conferment ceremony honorary doctor Sari Essayah gave the closing remarks the University of Vaasa and ABB will promote multidisciplinary research and development related to energy resilience and supply security This will be implemented through company specific doctoral education and jointly funded doctoral education positions for doctoral candidates from ABB mentoring and opportunities for project and thesis work as well as internships and summer jobs at ABB will be offered to students interested in the field and making progress in their studies The cooperation will also expand to include student innovation activities, such as the joint Startup space of Vaasa’s higher education institutions and the development of entrepreneurial skills “Our new strategic agreement with the University of Vaasa enables long-term and mutual commitment to the development of education ABB Finland plays an important role within the Group; for example one in seven of ABB employees in Finland is involved in developing new products This requires continuous development of our staff’s skills as part of our lifelong learning culture The working life is also undergoing a transformation and requires new kinds of skills,” says Pekka Tiitinen our cooperation with the University of Vaasa will expand to include not only technical education but also management training and various tailored continuing and further education opportunities for ABB staff Our business units in Vaasa work closely with educational institutions to ensure that graduates from the University of Vaasa are well-prepared to meet our recruitment needs.” we aim for increased and broader research and educational cooperation with companies This strategic partnership agreement with ABB is a significant step towards a more sustainable future It brings new solutions for achieving sustainable energy and business and creates new opportunities for our students and researchers we aim to ensure that in all fields of our university – business and social sciences – we train experts for ABB’s needs Our collaboration serves as an example of how working together we can achieve more and create a more sustainable and research-oriented society for all,” says Minna Martikainen The University of Vaasa and ABB have collaborated in various fields for a long time such as research laboratories and research collaboration related to flexible energy resources A new WSTAR laboratory is also under construction The newly signed strategic agreement extends The university and ABB are committed to advancing the green transition and achieving sustainable development goals through multidisciplinary experiments Multi-factor authentication MFA has been deployed at the University of Vaasa Open University during spring 2024 (see news on 11 April 2024) This means that an increasing number of e-services will require the verification of sign-in either with the Microsoft Authenticator app installed on your mobile device or with the number code received as a text message This makes it possible to reliably identify the users of the university's services and to better prevent phishing and misuse of user accounts MFA authentication can be accessed using the instructions found on our website If you are also a degree student in University of Vaasa it is likely that you have already enabled the MFA and do not need to make one again HAKA login to most of the e-services is still done with just the username part (e.g but if the service requires MFA authentication please note that Microsoft's username in the login window will always be written in the form of username@student.uwasa.fi (e.g the user accounts of Open University students do not include the University's email box or Office365 package For problems related to authentication or the enabling of authentication you can contact the IT services of the University of Vaasa at it(at)uwasa.fi or +358 29 449 8001 In all questions related to Open University studies and services be in contact with the Open University Student Services BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau has been loaned to Finnish side Vaasan Palloseura through the end of the 2025 season “Nicolas is another example of a player developing from our second team to our first team,” said Axel Schuster "This is a great opportunity for Nicolas to test himself in a new environment while furthering his development and experience in his career.” was signed to an MLS contract last September after starting the year with Whitecaps FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro and has made four appearances across all competitions for the first team Fleuriau Chateau was originally selected 74th overall by Whitecaps FC at the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and was then signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Whitecaps FC 2 Ontario started 21 of his 25 appearances for WFC2 during the 2024 season Whitecaps FC loan forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau to Finnish side Vaasan Palloseura through December 31 The Vaasa Spouse Programme Career Club provides international spouses with career development opportunities The second round of this initiative concluded in October 2024 – The Career Club has helped me understand the Finnish work culture and job market It provided me with a platform to connect with other international spouses and potential employers It developed my job-seeking skills like CV and cover letter writing Chilekezi already has relevant work experience from elsewhere She has a solid background in project management and procurement – I am open to exploring various career opportunities in Finland I am eager to learn and grow and I’m confident in my ability to adapt to new challenges and environments included a series of workshops and sessions designed to enhance participants’ career prospects Participants also engaged in practical sessions on CV building with contributions from industry experts from companies like Wärtsilä it’s important to support the Career Club in offering international spouses a sneak peek into career development opportunities in the Vaasa region The Career Club provides excellent networking opportunities and insights into Finnish work culture We truly want to help members feel more at home in Finland everyone benefits: highly skilled individuals find their way into the workforce and the workforce gains much-needed international expertise Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.  HSE and Sustainability Development Specialist at ABB Oy sees that participation in the Career Club is well aligned with ABB’s Diversity we are committed to solving some of the biggest global challenges of our time This is only possible through our exceptional people who work every day inclusion and equal opportunity is critical to our business success and makes us stronger At ABB we strive for a culture where individual differences are not only welcomed but celebrated' This is now the second time the Vaasa Spouse Programme Career Club was organised The first round was open only for Vaasa Spouse Programme members limited spots were offered also to international Doctoral candidates and Master’s students – The Career Club has set a strong foundation for my future career journey in Finland Through its workshops on Finnish work culture I’ve gained valuable insights to refine my goals and professional presence Practical sessions on CV building and recruitment processes have tailored my approach to the Finnish job market while group tasks have enhanced my teamwork and problem-solving skills I look forward to applying these learnings to achieve meaningful success in Finland a Doctoral candidate from the School of Accounting and Finance at the University of Vaasa an M.Sc student in Strategic Business Development – The Career Club provided invaluable networking opportunities and access to industry insights The workshops enhanced my resume and interview skills giving me the confidence I needed to approach potential employers the workshops allowed me to realise my soft skills it has been instrumental in guiding my career journey in Finland Rector and CEO of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences collaboration plays a significant role in enhancing the competitiveness and impact of higher education institutions both regionally – The consolidation of collaboration with the university has progressed smoothly and in good spirits Our common goal is to leverage international partnerships and EU funding which supports research cooperation with European universities and enables the development of new innovations and areas of expertise Our aim is to create even better opportunities for our students we can offer diverse educational pathways that meet the skill needs of the region's business and welfare sectors we can better develop regional expertise and support the region's sustainable development states that the initiative for a joint higher education consortium came from the local business community – The consortium structure enhances our attractiveness and improves our ability to compete for funding The background is the need to address the region's skills shortage the combined entity of the university and the university of applied sciences will be internationally significant and considerably larger and more impactful on a national scale The City of Vaasa and the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce have explored selling their VAMK shares to the University of Vaasa and the chamber 8% of the university of applied sciences the city council established a committee to prepare the sale of the university of applied sciences shares or a corporate restructuring to form a joint higher education consortium a letter of intent was drafted to form the consortium The city council approved the letter of intent between the City of Vaasa and the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce in its meeting on 10 February 2025 The goal of the letter of intent is to arrange the ownership structure of the joint higher education consortium so that the University of Vaasa will have a 70% ownership share the City of Vaasa will retain a 30% ownership share and the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce's ownership will end The arrangement will create a group structure where the university is the parent company and VAMK is its subsidiary – Our goal is to create a significantly stronger higher education institution for teaching and research benefiting the Vaasa and Ostrobothnia region as well as all of Finland business-integrated higher education is the foundation of a successful region Joint ownership brings advantages to both higher education institutions and better supports Ostrobothnia's growing industry and the region's vitality and competitiveness – The aim of the joint ownership structure is to develop the University of Vaasa and the University of Applied Sciences into a significant international educator and RDI actor A broader ownership base provides more services to local businesses the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce supports this development by donating its VAMK shares to the University of Vaasa CEO of the Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce The Ministry of Education and Culture has granted strategic funding to the University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences to promote closer cooperation for the period 2025–2028 The goal is to implement the joint consortium structure during 2025 Detailed planning for closer cooperation will begin in close collaboration with the personnel of both higher education institutions during 2025 the Board of the Foundation for economic education awarded over €5 million in grants in November These grants represent 16.9% of the €29.5 million requested in this funding round Ten research teams received grants, including two from the University of Vaasa. Professor of Finance Timothy King and his team received €100,000 for their project Do organisations and citizens care about the climate and biodiversity Evidence from interviews with senior bank practitioners and 1,000,000 loans – Climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity are major challenges that impact us all Our project looks at the role and responsibilities of financial institutions for addressing these challenges as well as the citizens the project employs novel lending data to examine the purchase choices of consumers with respect to environmentally friendly purchases the project seeks the views of senior bank and finance sector practitioners including executives regulators and policy makers as to what the sector is doing and should do to meet these challenges – The outcomes of the project will offer timely and much needed feedback for policy makers worldwide, King emphasises the project team includes doctoral researchers Buddhi Weerasekara and Enamul Hasan as well as Associate Professor Tatiana King Associate Professor of Finance Vanja Piljak also received €100,000 from the foundation for her project on media-based climate change risks and their impact on international financial markets.  The media-based climate change risk indicators used in Piljak’s research are based on textual analysis of news articles from major US newspapers These indicators capture both environmental and regulatory climate risks we will examine the pricing of transition and physical climate risks across developed and emerging equity and bond markets as climate change and climate risks are recognised as significant and complex challenges for economies Among the participants are Professor Ramzi Benkraiem from Audencia Business School and Associate Professor Milos Vulanovic from EDHEC Business School Associate Professor Nebojsa Dimic and doctoral researcher Maria Zhukova from the University of Vaasa are involved in the project – Our research offers new insights into green and climate finance from both investors' and society’s perspectives The research project will have significant societal impact by raising awareness of the urgent need to respond to climate change Both Professor King and Associate Professor Piljak extend their warmest thanks to the Foundation for Economic Education for its generous funding the following researchers received grants exceeding €10,000: a large number of researchers from the University of Vaasa received smaller research and travel grants the Foundation for economic education supports higher economic education which is developed at university and college level The aim is in particular to promote Finland's economic growth and the competitiveness of its business sector Grants for 2024 from the Foundation for economic education The Alliance for Socially-acceptable & Actionable Plants (ASAP) an international research consortium led by the University of Illinois received funding as part of the Global Centres funding competition In addition to the Universities of Vaasa and Illinois the international research consortium includes Stony Brook University (USA) The research project aims to develop genetically modified plants for biofuel production The main objective is to demonstrate that high energy and water use efficient crops can be produced for industrial use Researchers will also study the social acceptability of genetically modified crops and biofuels The aim is to show how new ideas in synthetic biology can contribute to the development of a sustainable profitable and resilient bioeconomy in a socially acceptable way Cultural and legal factors affecting social acceptance such as energy and genetic modification policies – Genetically modified biofuels are part of the energy transition and the replacement of fossil fuels but there are many other important issues involved such as how agricultural land should be used and how to regulate genetic modification It is important and fascinating to compare the differences between American and European policies This is one of the topics we will be researching at the University of Vaasa The University of Vaasa is involved in the project to investigate the social acceptability and ethical issues surrounding the development of genetically modified crops and biofuels made from them The University of Vaasa is working closely with the University of Essex on these issues.  the University of Vaasa is examining the social acceptance of the genetically modified crops being developed as well as the biofuels produced from them and the ethical questions surrounding these issues the University of Vaasa is closely collaborating with the University of Essex the University of Vaasa is also conducting research on the regulation Data will be collected from the United States The study will result in recommendations for monitoring and public oversight of genetically modified biofuel production This research on synthetic biofuels is well-aligned with the University of Vaasa's strategy – It is exciting to be part of a large-scale NSF project working with the top international partners in the field The significant funding from the Research Council of Finland is a recognition of the University of Vaasa's research expertise the deputy leader and researcher of the Finnish sub-project The Research Council of Finland has announced that the NSF and its partner funding agencies from the United States the United Kingdom and the United States have awarded over $82 million through their Global Centres funding competiton The ASAP project and five other research projects have been selected as new Global Centres These new Global Centres will focus on the bioeconomy and may include research from any combination of scientific disciplines supported by the NSF Director Tommi Lehtonen Leena Kunttu The plan for this extensive development project and related investments to strengthen the region was announced on Wednesday 7 August at the Wasa Future Festival The plan includes joint laboratories to enhance energy transition and boosting of doctoral education to ensure cutting-edge research and expertise for the energy industry but also new business skills for export organisations The extensive cooperation with green transition and energy companies is based on common interests and strong trust between the University of Vaasa and the companies the Ostrobothnian Chamber of Commerce and the Ostrobothnian Regional Council are participating in the project with the University of Vaasa The ministries and EU are expected to contribute to an investment of around EUR 40 million.  The University of Vaasa is a valued partner in the energy and environment business cluster as the university is committed to research and education on the business and societal transformation of the clean energy transition and the development of technical solutions The close dialogue between the business sector and the academic community focuses on competencies and issues critical to the future well-being of Finland as a whole The cooperation now being launched will explore the possibilities of making artificial intelligence more widely available to university staff and speeding up the university's services and processes such as the student admissions process and student services the parties will be able to jointly innovate new digital services that support the university in its pursuit of its vision of becoming an internationally influential research university "Through our strategic agreement with Microsoft we aim to enhance the utilization of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in teaching The best student experience is also built on utilizing the latest technology and digitalization as well as flexible learning opportunities Through AI-assisted operations and process automation we also aim to ensure that all fields of our university – business technology and social sciences – are best placed to focus on conducting internationally significant research and education related to sustainable business energy and societies in line with our strategy," says Minna Martikainen "We are pleased with the open-minded attitude of the University of Vaasa in the strategic utilization of artificial intelligence we will explore opportunities to integrate AI into university services innovate new digital solutions and foster a collaborative culture of excellence We are committed to supporting the University of Vaasa on its journey to become an internationally successful and influential research institution," says Mervi Airaksinen The project funding from the European Urban Initiative (EUI) programme supports new solutions to challenges in sustainable urban development The aim of the programme is to develop and scale up effective solutions across the European Union A total of 110 applications were submitted – This funding is proof that our entire EnergyVaasa ecosystem is a frontrunner in the green transition project lead and Strategy Manager at the City of Vaasa Vaasa will develop comprehensive solutions that support the clean energy transition titled Nordic Energy Capital – Creating system level urban energy transition with project partners including the University of Vaasa The project will demonstrate how electricity and heat can function together as an efficient whole A digital twin of the Vaskiluoto energy system will be created to support the planning and development of sector coupling This digital twin enables innovative solutions such as simulating high-temperature heat pumps currently under development It also explores average heat profile analysis in high energy consumption industrial areas and the integration of the heat profile into the energy system A full system-level energy transition requires citizen involvement and the shared use of precise energy efficiency indicators we will work together with residents to study satellite and energy data combining it with the city’s geospatial information to evaluate energy efficiency We are developing an interactive application that will help change the way we think about The model will help detect heat and cooling loss both in the energy network and in the urban structure Aho says that Thanks to local energy expertise and Finland’s advances in space technology both Vaasa and Finland are well positioned to play a key role in developing system-level solutions as the activities of the StartUp space are developed collaboratively by all higher education institutions in Vaasa: the University of Vaasa Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) and the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Law The StartUp space is located on the 2nd floor of the Fabriikki building of the University of Vaasa The aim of the StartUp space’s activities is to support the development and growth of start-ups and to promote an entrepreneurial mindset This is pursued through business incubator and accelerator programmes The incubator and accelerator programs provide a comprehensive development pathway for emerging start-ups to launch and grow profitable businesses companies have lacked common spaces for creation and interaction in Vaasa and the new StartUp space addresses this need It is both a physical space and an entrepreneurial community that supports new experiments Promoting startup entrepreneurship is very important for us,” says Minna Martikainen “The startup activities of Vaasa's higher education institutions have recently received less attention so it is very gratifying that we have now relaunched the activities through the Vaasa Consortium of Higher Education and with the support of the City of Vaasa All higher education institutions in the region have agreed to collaborate on this initiative I see huge potential in combining our expertise and together achieve a large critical mass of students and staff," says Sören Kock representative of the Rector of Hanken in Vaasa hopes that the new StartUp space will encourage bold experimentation and new learning “Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skills are key to creating and commercialising innovations and thus play a crucial role in strengthening the competitiveness of our region and the whole of Finland The StartUp space offers excellent opportunities to meet as well as to create successful businesses,” continues Vahtera “We are excited to work with the other higher education institutions to create a dynamic and inspiring environment and activities that support the startup ambitions of our students,” says Örjan Andersson the StartUp space will not only be a meeting place for students and entrepreneurs but also a place where ideas can grow into sustainable businesses.  “The city's higher education institutions have long been a driver of innovation and collaboration and now we are taking another step forward together Together we will create a future where entrepreneurship is a natural part of academic life and where we give our students the tools to shape their own success stories,” tells Fagerström The StartUp space is the outcome of the StartUp Arcade project funded by the City of Vaasa’s jubilee fund “Our goal is to be the most entrepreneur-friendly city in Finland and entrepreneurs are really important for the vitality of our region – that’s why we want to be involved in funding a joint StartUp space for higher education institutions which brings together different languages and fields of study can produce truly great innovations and new businesses for our region,” says Mayor Tomas Häyry various entrepreneurship-related events and activities will take place in the StartUp space throughout the week from 3 to 9 October In the photo: at the opening of the StartUp space Vice-Rector of the University of Vaasa and Sören Kock – The University of Vaasa surpassed five other universities in the amount of strategic funding Our university's strategy has been received very positively by the Ministry with funding granted for all the actions we proposed Martikainen emphasises that the strategic funding application was prepared in collaboration with businesses in the region and the broader ecosystem – I especially want to thank our partners and key stakeholders for their cooperation we can drive substantial progress for Finland The University of Vaasa’s initiatives to be funded include for example the Energy Transition Research Initiative which positions the university as an international leader in energy transition and sustainability research and innovation Strategic funding will also be allocated to the development of doctoral education through the CoDoc collaboration model with companies and organisations the university’s growth as an influential educator the education and integration of international students the development of the higher education consortium with Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and the well-being of students and personnel the university aims to help Finland achieve its R&D expenditure target of four per cent of GDP by 2030 as well as the goal of increasing the share of young adults with higher education degrees to 50 per cent by 2030 The university is committed to ensuring skilled workforce nationwide while also expanding its own recruitment of talents in research and education Measures to strengthen research activities and infrastructure are also planned The Ministry of Education and Culture has confirmed its agreements on targets for universities and budget allocations for 2025–2028 Ten percent of government funding for universities is allocated through strategic funding and the remaining 81 percent is allocated through a funding model The performance-based model calculates funding annually using the latest statistics on education and research The revised model places slightly more emphasis on research activity An additional indicator – the number of first-time students – has been added and will account for around three percent of university funding we have taken into account both scientific and societal merits and contribution to the University of Vaasa and to Finland as a whole Recipients of honorary doctorates representing society and international business include President of the Republic of Finland one of Sweden’s most valuable investment companies I am delighted that we have such a diverse and distinguished group of new honorary doctors all of whom are leaders in their fields and advocates of our university's disciplines The conferral of doctorates in September 2024 will be the sixth in the history of the University of Vaasa The following people will be awarded honorary doctorates at the graduation ceremony:  President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb holds a PhD in international politics he was Professor and Director of the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute in Florence President Stubb is a former National Coalition Party MP He has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.  he was Vice-President of the European Investment Bank President Stubb worked as a researcher at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Permanent Representation of Finland to the European Union and the Academy of Finland The University of Vaasa regards President Stubb as an exemplary international leader who has drawn attention to the importance of knowledge and science in decision-making Honorary Doctor of Administrative Sciences: Katju Holkeri is Head of Unit in the State Administration Development Department of the Ministry of Finance She has become known as a promoter of transparency in various areas of administrative policy Holkeri has contributed to governance research by serving on the steering groups of numerous research and study projects She has been a key contributor to the OECD in several roles during her career She has also been very active at the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) Holkeri's interest in administrative transparency systemic change and evaluation of governance fits well with the profile of administrative sciences at the University of Vaasa Tim Baines is Professor of Operations Strategy and Executive Director and co-founder of the Advanced Services Group at Aston University He is the most cited scholar in servitisation and product-service systems and one of the leading intellectuals in the field He is working hands-on with both global and local manufacturing companies to understand servitisation in practice and help to transform businesses Baines has had significant collaboration with the Strategic Business Development research group at the University of Vaasa for many years including two edited books on servitisation and the Servitisation Spring Conference organised by the University of Vaasa in 2023 Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah is an alumna of the University of Vaasa She has a very long and distinguished career in both politics and sports She is the Secretary-General of the Christian Democrats (Finland) and she has held positions on municipal councils in the Finnish Parliament and in the European Parliament she is a board member of the International Olympic Committee and board member of the Finnish Olympic Committee including being the world champion in race walking 1993 and European Champion in 1994 over 10 km Throughout her career she has consistently highlighted the positive aspects of University of Vaasa and has positively influenced the perception of her Alma mater Iftekhar Hasan holds the title of University Professor at Fordham University and has forged a distinguished career in finance programme and co-director of the Center for Research in Contemporary Finance at Gabelli School of Business Professor Hasan's research interests are in the areas of financial institutions capital markets and emerging economies focusing on interdisciplinary questions and public policy issues He has had strong practical impact as a scientific advisor at the Central Bank of Finland He is involved in joint projects with the University of Vaasa and has contributed to these with a very broad and high level of expertise A professional board member Anne Korkiakoski is an alumna of the University of Vaasa She has held positions such as Executive Vice President at Kone Oyj Global Marketing and Communications Marketing and Communications Director of Elisa Oyj and CEO of Euro RSCG Nordic She was awarded the Talouselämä Marketing Director of the Year award 2012 Korkiakoski's long list of board assignments includes Nordic Morning Group Korkiakoski is a highly regarded figure in the field of marketing and communications with a strong track record of influencing and engaging with corporate executives Korkiakoski has selflessly given her time and shared her expertise with her alma mater University of Vaasa She served as Vice-Chair of the Board of the University of Vaasa from 2018 to 2021 She was a member of the board for two terms She has been a speaker at several university events and lectured at the university for almost 20 years She has greatly impacted the university’s fundraising by chairing the university’s Fundraising Committee Roberto Verganti is the Josefsson Family Acting Professor in Art and Innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics – House of Innovation where he is director of the Center for Art & Innovation Verganti is also a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School and Co-founder of Leading’Lab at the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano He is also an Ambassador for the European Innovation Council at the European Commission His research focuses on how to create innovations loved by people He explores how leaders and organisations generate radically new visions Verganti has published extensively in many leading journals and is the recipient of many prestigious awards He has actively co-operated with the University of Vaasa especially in the field of user-oriented innovations Jacob Wallenberg has made a significant contribution to developing the Vaasa region into the largest energy technology hub in the Nordic countries with significant investments in companies such as ABB and Wärtsilä through his role as Chair of Investor AB Wärtsilä made its largest ever investment in Vaasa The new Sustainable Technology Hub plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and cooperation as a global competence centre This investment in Vaasa region and the new strategic agreement between the University of Vaasa and Wärtsilä are of great significance to the University as we join forces in addressing the energy transition and moving towards a carbon-neutral society The University of Vaasa truly values Jacob Wallenberg’s visions and efforts in helping Nordic companies universities and research organisations to collaborate His career includes leadership roles at various institutions: he has led the Nordic Investment Bank and has held important positions in the Ministry of Finance Bank of Finland and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development He has also chaired the Economic and Financial Committee of the European Union Åkerholm served as Chairman of the Board of the University of Vaasa for two terms from 2014 to 2021 he led the University of Vaasa through many transformative changes not forgetting the university's vital role in the economic region of Vaasa From the perspective of the University of Vaasa Throughout his long and significant career he has led not only ABB but also Sandvik and Wärtsilä He has also been a board member of Danfoss His actions have greatly impacted the transformation of the Vaasa region into the largest energy technology cluster in the Nordic countries The university of Vaasa collaborates closely with ABB and other energy cluster companies in research inspiring stakeholders to explore new forms of collaboration The university highly appreciates Rosengren’s contribution to this collaboration through the companies he leads Angappa Gunasekaran is Professor of Supply Chain Management at the School of Business Administration at Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg He has also served as Director of the school Gunasekaran is a globally recognised interdisciplinary researcher committed to integrating perspectives and methods from various disciplines to create innovative projects He ranks as the fifth most cited researcher in the category of “Business and Management Scientists” on Research.com Dr Gunasekaran worked as an associate professor at the University of Vaasa and later he held the position of FidiPro Special Professor in emerging areas of management and information systems He still regularly visits our university and has influenced multiple research projects and publications currently serves as Global Powertrain Expert and a member of the Scientific Council at BOSMAL Automotive R&D Institute Ltd in Poland which is the largest vehicle and powertrain systems research and development centre in Central Europe and as a professor at Krakow University of Technology he held the position of Head of the Engine Research Department at this institution for over 20 years and was also Scientific Secretary Bielaczyc is a visiting professor at several EU universities where he lectures on global trends in propulsion technology development the future of emissions legislation and emission reduction technologies He has been cooperating with Finnish companies and universities for about 30 years in many research projects organising scientific conferences and joint publications He has been a long-time supporter of the University of Vaasa and an active keynote speaker in various forums he chaired the advisory board of the Clean Propulsion Technologies project led by the University of Vaasa tel. +358 29 449 8611,  minna.martikainen(at)uwasa.fi  The teams at ABB Vaasa in Finland have achieved a 1400 tCO2e reduction in the site’s Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2019 as part of ABB’s Mission to Zero™ program widespread work to improve energy efficiency and investment in green energy sourcing are delivering significant progress towards net zero Mission to Zero™ is ABB’s program to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency at its sites essential for ABB’s journey towards net zero in its own operations digital energy management  – powered by ABB Ability™ Energy Manager – and building automation solutions Mission to Zero™ sites commit to improve their sustainability Vaasa employees have contributed more than 100 energy-saving ideas with many already contributing to a 20 percent (1,082 MWh) reduction in consumption since 2019 R&D engineer Johan Asplund is one of many employees contributing to the site’s Mission to Zero™ journey: “Finland’s cold climate means heating buildings is a big part of our total energy consumption Investments to make heating more energy efficient can be costly; every smart way we find to deliver a small saving is welcomed We also avoid over-cooling our working environments in the summer.” and automated storage solutions have also contributed to year-on-year increases in productivity and energy efficiency at the site Energy management at Vaasa starts with the sourcing of electricity following the RE100ii renewable energy initiative and the use of district heating The site has installed end-to-end smart energy solutions and an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) system ABB Vaasa’s fleet of electric vehicles is charged using green energy The Vaasa facility is integrated into the local district heating system to save energy in winter The site’s district heating – more efficient than central heating – is 100 percent renewable is equipped with energy-efficient ventilators connected to air-water heat pumps that can cool and heat the building ABB Vaasa is a global center of R&D and manufacturing excellence for electrical low-voltage switches ABB's website uses cookies. 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Learn more I agree and Raine Hermans were awarded the Research Act of the Year award for the service model of joint laboratory research infrastructure The recognition belongs to the entire Efficient Powertrain Solutions research group of the School of Technology and Innovations and the finance administration team for their excellent collaboration in developing the new service model The model is based on the establishment of ground-breaking research infrastructure The service model is being applied for the first time in the collaboration agreement between the University of Vaasa the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland which was signed last autumn to implement a joint energy laboratory for industry and research institutions promotes the energy transition by setting a framework for future extrapolated combustion research towards zero-emission engines The constructed service model aims to be expanded to other research infrastructure agreements – Receiving this recognition is a significant achievement It also shows how different perspectives and teams can work successfully towards common goals – The achievement underlines University of Vaasa leading role in powertrain research engaging leadership style – a unique skillset that will allow us to shape the future of power generation The new infrastructure with its unique collaboration model provides the critical-mass to achieve this goal university teachers at the University of Vaasa's Language Centre Linginno received the Teaching Act of the Year award for their online course “Finnish as a Foreign Language” The goal of the summer online course is to familiarise international master's students with the country’s culture and the Finnish language even before they arrive in the new country for their studies The course was developed as part of the ESR Talent Coastline Employment project (2020-2022) the course was harmonised with other Finnish as a Foreign Language 1a courses it can now be included as credit-earning studies in the degrees of international students the course was harmonised and included in Linginno's official curriculum as a credit-earning Finnish language course which is mandatory for international students as part of their degree making university studies in Vaasa and integration into Finnish society easier the course has enabled networking and getting to know other new students beforehand arriving in a foreign country is not as exciting or intimidating and a meeting in Vaasa at the end of summer when students start their studies The final exam is taken in August-September when students have officially started their studies and received their university user credentials of which about 60 percent completed the course by December The course has been perceived as helping with integration into a foreign country and culture I think Mia Juthman and I make a great team because we bring out the best in each other We both enjoy taking on new challenges and are not afraid to laugh at ourselves — Receiving the award is a big incentive as a teacher It makes us think that the work we do is valuable We want to do important work that benefits our students and showcases the expertise of the University of Vaasa The Good Teacher Award is given annually to a successful teacher who has inspired students at the University of Vaasa University Lecturer Juho-Pekka Mäkipää received the award According to the Students' Union of the University of Vaasa Mäkipää has shown a willingness to provide individual feedback and to receive feedback for improving his teaching An honorable mention was awarded to University Lecturer Teemu Mäenpää The honorable mention is given to a teacher who receives special praise from students for their inspiring and motivating teaching style the Student Union is also awarding the Student Support Award for the first time This award is given to a non-teaching staff member who has contributed to student well-being or academic progress The Student Support Award was given to Specialist in Study Affairs Hanna Korpela Applications for the Bachelor’s programme in Business Administration are submitted via Studyinfo and students are selected based on their certificate of upper secondary education The application period will be open until 10 April at 15:00 EET.  - The English-language Bachelor's programme is ideal for young people planning an international career in fields such as finance Studying business at the University of Vaasa will give you an internationally competitive and well-respected degree All our business programmes have been awarded the AACSB accreditation and we are the number one university in business studies in Finland according to the the Shanghai Ranking The AACSB is an internationally recognised accreditation for business schools which only 6% of the world's business schools have received.  The University of Vaasa is the largest business educator in Finland Close cooperation with major global exporters in the region provides students with valuable networks and brings them close to the working life already during their studies.  HELSINKI FINLAND The CanSat competition will be held in Vaasa from 27 to 30 March 2025 Students from across Finland will launch working satellite models built into soda cans to altitudes of up to three kilometres as part of the national CanSat competition in Vaasa is part of the European Space Agency's education programme and challenges teams to apply science and technology skills in a hands-on project that mirrors real satellite development Each CanSat is a fully functional satellite prototype built to fit inside a standard beverage can with launches taking place over the Söderfjärden meteorite crater near Vaasa Participants work in teams of four to six under teacher supervision This year’s event has attracted a record number of entries from cities including Vaasa CanSats will measure parameters such as temperature pressure and other variables chosen by each team the data is analysed and presented to a panel of judges drawn from Finnish space sector organisations The winning team will advance to the European CanSat final at ESA’s research centre ESTEC in the Netherlands said the event brings practical science and engineering into classrooms in a meaningful and motivating way The competition also encourages public interest in space technology and supports students considering careers in science and technology fields CanSat Finland is coordinated by ESERO Finland which is led by science centre Heureka in collaboration with a national network that includes the Finnish Space Research Society The event is funded by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation The CanSat initiative is part of a wider effort by ESERO to address declining interest in STEM careers by bringing space science into schools and projects like CanSat that combine science learning with creative problem-solving Advertisement inquiries and other after-sales issues: info@helsinkitimes.fi Helsinki Times is the first and only English language newspaper providing news about Finland in English A weekly print edition of Helsinki Times was published from March 2007 up until Feb Helsinki Times is an online-only publication and other groups and individuals interested in Finland from all around the world © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy The Silent Engine project aims to develop silent and vibration-free innovations by fast-tracking that is parallel development instead of slow noise is more of a constraint in reaching zero emissions than the exhaust components The project aims to remove this roadblock for future powertrains but also emphasise new quality in coordinated noise This methodological development is important so that in the future the control complexity can be handled better and even more superior propulsion systems can be created As the primary research actor in Silent Engine the University of Vaasa will handle two key phenomena that cause engine noise – the so-called airborne noise and exhaust noise Vibration excitations and related structure-borne noise will be handled by Wärtsilä and Vibrol in connected company projects ­The Silent Engine project creates high-level expertise in noise and vibration management for the industry to meet the tightening noise emission requirements there is a lack of competence and resources when it comes to noise and vibration It is expected that the results of this project will have a significant impact on the development of industrial competitiveness The project will promote the transition to carbon-neutral fuels in the industry The Silent Engine project is directly linked to the Business Finland Veturi ecosystem “Zero Emission Marine” (ZEM) programme initiated by Wärtsilä (2022–2025) Silent Engine secures real-world emission (including noise) compliance for technologies which enable the introduction of green fuels – one of the main focuses of the university’s research platform VEBIC