The Aalto University is one of the foremost projects in the higher education reform
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On Thursday, May 29, the Government authorised Sari Sarkomaa, Minister of Education and Science, to sign the charter of the foundation of a new university (which has gone under the working title of innovation university). The new university, which will be created through a merger of Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design, has been given the name Aalto University.
According to the charter of foundation, a national mission for the Aalto
University Foundation is to advance the success of Finland through education
and research. The University will make a positive contribution to Finnish
society, technology, economy, art, art and design and international appeal,
and support the welfare of both humankind and the environment.
The university board is appointed by the Government and other donators. The
Government will appoint five board members at the proposal of the Ministry of
Education. The University's academic committee and the student union will be
heard in the appointment of two of these members. Other donators to the
foundation's basic capital will appoint two of the members. The board members
must represent the highest level of national and international expertise in
the branches of science and arts of the University and social and economic
expertise. The board members are appointed for four calendar years.
The board decides on the foundation's strategy, matters relating to the
activities and economy of Aalto University and other plans of great
consequence. The board appoints a President to direct the foundation and the
art and science community of the University.
The board is assisted by an academic committee, which works alongside it. The
committee consists of representatives from the management, professors, other
staff and students of the constituent Schools. The rector appoints the
committee at the proposal of the Schools.
The foundation has a basic capital of 280 million euros donated by the
founders. The Finnish Government will contribute with 200 million euros, and
the other founders with 80 million euros towards the basic capital.
The charter of foundation will be signed in June, provided that Parliament
allocates an appropriation of 200 million euros for the purpose in the first
supplementary budget of 2008. The Aalto University will start to operate in
August 2009.
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For further information, please contact
- Heljä Misukka, State Secretary (09) 160 77162
- Jari Jokinen, Project Director (09) 160 77212
