In her speech at the opening ceremony of the academic year, Rector Sari Lindblom highlighted, among other things, the role of scholarship and research in seeking solutions for societal change, the significance of universities in redefining our identities, as well as access to higher education.
At the opening ceremony of the academic year at the University of Helsinki, Rector Lindblom spoke about how the societal transformations seen globally in recent years resonate in the conversations taking place at universities and in research contexts.
"As society around us changes, the University has an active role through science and research as a partner in conversation and a seeker of solutions."
For almost 385 years, the University of Helsinki has been educating experts in the service of Finnish society.
"We have helped to construct a Finnish identity, championed equality, contributed to building our welfare society, advanced economic and technological development, and fostered Finland's international interaction and global relations," Lindblom said.
One of the most significant developments in recent decades in Finland has been the growing importance of international activities. It also affects the cultivation of a national identity.
"Universities are key places for us to redefine our identities in a changing world. Here, a variety of cultures, nationalities and generations come together. We engage in socially prominent critical conversations, conduct scholarly research and influence society by unlocking opportunities for new insights. We are in the process of defining who we are as a nation, both now and in the years ahead," Rector Lindblom summed up.
Knowledge and learning are for everyone
Rector Lindblom pointed out that the University is also in the service of society.
"This means the opportunity to work for a society that we consider worthy of pursuit. By educating broad-minded experts in a wide range of fields, we are also promoting equality."
One of the spearheads of the strategic plan of the University of Helsinki is that knowledge and learning are for everyone.
"This is why we make choices to ensure that more and more people have the opportunity to complete a university degree. In the coming decades, Finland will increasingly need high-level competencies," the rector said.
Rector Lindblom emphasised that improving the level of education requires both long-term investment from the government and capacity for renewal from universities.
"In its programme, the current government has pledged to raise the educational level of the population. The University has bold talent and diverse expertise for putting research-based knowledge increasingly effectively into practice. We must ensure that our education is relevant and that we are able to meet the needs of society."
