University of Oulu

Overview

The University of Oulu, Oulun ylioisto in Finnish, was founded on July 8, 1958. Thereafter, it quickly became one of the largest universities in Finland. In 1959, it only had the Faculty of Philosophy with programs in mathematics and biology, Faculty of Technology with civil and industrial engineering and architecture programs, and the Oulu Teaching School.

Today, it provides educational services through its eight Faculties, namely: Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Education, Humanities, Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Science, Medicine, Technology, and the Oulu Business School.

The university engages in multidisciplinary research with focus on five thematic research areas: (1) sustainable materials and systems, (2) lifelong health, (3) digitization and smart society, (4) changing climate and northern environment, and (5) understanding humans in change. These are handled by four focus institutes namely the Biocenter Oulu, Eudaimonia Institute, Infotech Oulu, and the Kvantum Institute.

These interdisciplinary research activities also involve different collaborating faculties from the Faculty of Science to the Faculty of Humanities. Moreover, the Institution engages in what they call Arctic cooperation. This is done through the Thule Institute. It is the strategic coordination unit that works closely with other organizations.

Thule Institute projects involve the monitoring of the Arctic and terrestrial research. It is also in tight partnerships with other organizations, including the International Union for Circumpolar Health and the Arctic Council.

The University of Oulu is prolific in producing academic publications. Just in 2019, the university produced 2,829 publications and 63 invention closures. Moreover, since 2000, the institution has produced 69 spin-off companies based on their research since 2000. Also, it ranks within the top 3% of global universities, clinching a spot between 251 and 600.

Notable graduates include the former president of Finland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari, Hannu Rajaniemi the author of The Quantum Thief, Juha Sipilä the former prime minister of Finland, and Jarkko Oikarinen the developer of IRC Chat.

The university’s mission is to create new knowledge and produce future talents. It espouses a multidisciplinary approach to research and education with the responsibility to its wider audience in mind. It also seeks to foster research-based innovations. Finally, the university makes it a priority to create a start-up culture.