RESEARCH PROFESSIONALS’ MEMBERS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OULU ELECTIONS
The University of Oulu Elections will be held on 29 to 30 October 2025. On this page, you will find the Union of Research Professionals members who are candidates in the elections. The listings are in alphabetical order by board.
Election candidates
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marika Koivuniemi
Candidate number: 38
Work title, unit: Business Development Manager, Innovation Centre
I have worked at the University of Oulu for over 10 years. During my university career, I have gained diverse experience working as a research assistant, doctoral researcher, solution planner, teaching, and in roles related to continuous learning and educational business development. I believe that my broad professional experience, along with my background as a member of the Oulu City Board, would bring versatile expertise, insight, and a diversity of perspectives to the University of Oulu’s decision-making.
Election themes
- More transparency in university decision-making.
- Ensuring that the voices of staff and students are heard in university governance.
- Promoting and enabling free research and high-quality education through the work of the University Board.
Ari-Pekka Kvist
Candidate number: 40
Work title, unit: System Specialist, ICT user services
A long-time university member with over 20 years of research experience and nearly 10 years in research IT support services. I possess strong expertise in both research and IT fields. I represent practical knowledge rather than high-level abstraction. The quality of research and expertise is my focus.
Election themes
- Better services advance research, too.
Pauli Väisänen
Candidate number: 49
Work title, unit: Postdoctoral researcher, Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, Faculty of Science
I study space climate and cosmic ray variability as a postdoctoral researcher. I am well knowledgeable about the university community and potential improvements, having been representing the university community in multiple positions of trust throughout the years, including the Oulu University Board, The Ministry doctoral pilot steering group, Research Council, Education Council, Faculty Board, UniOGS board, vice president and chair of Early Career Researchers’ Committee of Tieteentekijät. I should be selected to the Oulu University Board, because I am genuinely aiming to represent the university community widely and I have the required know-how, motivation and mindset for the position.
Election themes
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The University Board should genuinely and openly represent the university community, science and education; to listen, not just have hearings.
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In the decision making, attention should be paid to the different background and groups at the university: different career stages, fields of research, international members of the university community and those with family, etc.
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The University Board should promote co-operation, democracy and collegiality inside the university and reduce unfruitful internal competition and conflicts.
COLLEGIUM
Marianne Isola
Candidate number: 20
Work title, unit: Development manager, Academic Affairs (International Mobility Services)
I am Development Manager at Academic Affairs, and I have worked in the development of education and internationality my entire career. I have experience in being a board member in student union, university and in the city of Oulu. I value good argumentation, hard working and a sunny attitude – I dislike coldness, complains and lack of respect.
Election themes
- I work for the university that welcomes its international students and employees with open arms, actively promotes a green lifestyle and sustainable development, and proactively ensures the well-being and meaningfulness of work / studies of its community.
Ville Kellokumpu
Candidate number: 21
Work title, unit: Postdoctoral researcher, Faculty of Science, Geography Research Unit
I am a grant-funded postdoctoral researcher working at the Geography Research Unit and the chairperson of the University of Oulu Research Professionals (OUTI). As a trade union activist, I’ve served locally as the chair of OUTI, on the board of the Union of Research Professionals, and as JUKO’s strike organizer for the University of Oulu this spring. The Collegium and all levels of university administration need people to defend the interests and well-being of rank-and-file researchers and teachers, and I promise to uphold these principles.
Election themes
- The success of the university stems from the well-being and employment security of the rank-and-file staff, which provides the space and time for transformative science.
- Fixing the issues of grant-funded researchers: Automatic right to vote in university elections and a 10% contract for all, regardless of faculty or unit.
- University of Oulu must defend freedom of science and research during these times when it is being challenged.
Pirkko Viitala
Candidate number: 30
Work title, unit: Laboratory manager, Faculty of Medicine
I have 36 years of experience at the University of Oulu in research, teaching, and staff roles, as well as in representative roles —currently serving as a chief shop steward for JUKO. I have actively contributed to the University Collegium for two terms (8 years) as an initiative-taking and discussion-oriented member.
Election themes
- I am committed to ensuring that the voice of the university staff is heard in decision-making. In practice, every employee’s ability to concentrate on their core tasks should be the foundation of all university operations.
- University governance rules and resource allocation models must support consistency, well-being, and the ability to focus on work.
Ruut Westerlund
Candidate number: 31
Work title, unit: Specialist, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ITEE Teaching
I’m an easily inspired specialist who dreams of slow travel and durable wool socks. I’m part of the faculty support team, working at the intersection of education, research and university services. I like to look at things from multiple angles, keeping everyday opportunities and challenges in mind.
Election themes
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Wellbeing grows from everyday structures where safety, peace at work and coping are at the heart of things.
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Decision-making is based on knowledge and open dialogue, where every voice is valued and matters.
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Education is developed with sufficient support, including students, and research is seen as a partner in education.
FACULTY BOARDS
Jarkko Impola
Candidate number: 57
Running for: Faculty board of the Faculty of Education and Psychology
Work title, unit: University teacher, doctoral researcher, Faculty of Education and Psychology
I am a beginning researcher finishing my doctoral thesis at the unit of General Educational Science. I have served almost ten years in different kind of trusted positions in both student associations and university internal decision-making bodies, and nationally. By voting for me, you will get a member of the faculty board who is focused on the issues and well prepared for meetings, and who is able to think beyond themselves and consider the overall benefit of the faculty.
Election themes
- The faculty’s ability to function and the well-being of its staff are ensured through transparent, fair, and participatory decision-making.
- Our faculty’s expertise and contribution to teacher training and science in the north should be visible to the university administration.
- I hope that if I am elected to this position, my colleagues will feel comfortable approaching me with any issues or ideas for improvement.
Heidi Niemelä
Candidate number: 58
Running for: Faculty board of the Faculty of Education and Psychology
Work title, unit: University teacher, doctoral researcher, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Teacher education, school and society
I served on the board of the University of Oulu Researchers Professionals from 2020 to 2023. I am currently a member of the Equality and Diversity working group of the Human Sciences at the University of Oulu, representing my faculty. I am interested in university policy, freedom of research, equality, and language policies in higher education.
Election themes
- I want to contribute to promoting equality and transparency in the operational culture and decision-making of our faculty.
- I hope to play a part in ensuring that our faculty’s education and research develop in ways that better respond to the demographic change and diversity of society.
Ruut Westerlund
Candidate number: 64
Running for: Faculty board of the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Work title, unit: Specialist, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ITEE Teaching
I’m an easily inspired specialist who dreams of slow travel and durable wool socks. I’m part of the faculty support team, working at the intersection of education, research and university services. I like to look at things from multiple angles, keeping everyday opportunities and challenges in mind.
Election themes
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Wellbeing grows from everyday structures where safety, peace at work and coping are at the heart of things.
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Decision-making is based on knowledge and open dialogue, where every voice is valued and matters.
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Education is developed with sufficient support, including students, and research is seen as a partner in education.