The Tampere University Association of Researchers and Teachers (Tatte) has awarded the 2025 Fenix Collegium Prize to University Lecturer Anni Jäntti. Rather than the usual recognition of research or teaching merits, the award highlights contributions to the working community, peer support or trust for co-workers, and practical day-to-day cooperation and solidarity. With this award, Tatte wants to show its appreciation for researchers, teachers, and other staff members who see an equal, collegial community as a creative force and a key prerequisite for academic work.
Anni works on local and regional governance in Administrative Studies in the Faculty of Management and Business. In the nomination letter, Anni’s colleagues describe her as follows:
“Anni is the most fun and warm colleague, and her enthusiasm is contagious. She actively participates in promoting well-being at work and creating a team spirit, whether it is a writing retreat or relaxing on a sauna raft, creating good spirits with her own cheerful and bubbly personality.”
“We, the colleagues who have collaborated with Anni in various contexts, greatly appreciate the joy, support and solidarity that Anni brings to those around her. Anni always has time to chat and listen to her colleagues. She can support those in a dead end with advice on how to do science and an empathetic presence. Anni has the ability to recognize people’s strengths and expertise and bring people together. She is a perceptive researcher and an uncomplicated collaborator who can give constructive and well-considered feedback to her colleagues, promoting the smoothness of joint projects and the meaningfulness of cooperation.”
Anni’s nominators highlighted Anni’s attention to the importance of organizing opportunities for thinking and acting collectively and for taking the time to create meaningful relationships. The selection committee also noted the support that Jäntti’s nomination received from across faculties and campuses and were especially impressed with the way she is able bring people together across differences for common projects and for supporting wellbeing in the workplace.
The Fenix Collegium Prize sum is 1,000 euros. The recipient can spend the amount with and among their colleagues in the way they consider most conducive to the well-being of the work community. In addition, a Fenix Collegium rotating award, created by Tampere-based artist Mikko Tapio, is presented to the recipient.
In addition to the award itself, this year Tatte’s board decided to give four honorable mentions (in no specific order):
The first honorable mention was given to University Lecturer Kirsi Lumme-Sandt (Faculty of Social Sciences). Kirsi’s nominators describe her pivotal role in advocating for early-career scholars and creating a sense of community based on shared growth and mutual support: “She reminds us that we are not alone in this journey—and that helping each other grow is just as important as individual success.”
The second honorable mention was given to University Lecturer Anni Kangas (Faculty of Management and Business). Her nomination letter highlights how Anni cultivates peer support and non-hierarchical culture emphasizing “mutual learning, wellbeing, and a compassionate collaborative environment” and how this “has proven to be an important antidote to the oftentimes toxic academic culture that centres competitiveness and individual excellence above collegiality and community.”
The third honorable mention was given to University Lecturer Anne Jyrkiäinen (Faculty of Education and Culture). Anne’s nominators noted her commitment to dialogue, her enthusiasm, her curiosity and openness, and her willingness to entrust responsibilities and share opportunities with more junior colleagues: “In any situation Anne arrives in, no matter how bad or hopeless, she brings light and hope with her positive presence.”
The fourth honorable mention was given to Professor Piia Jallinoja (Faculty of Social Sciences). Her nominators describe Piia as “someone who makes a real difference—not through grand gestures, but through the everyday ways she fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and support.” They highlight how her inclusive and collaborative approach “has strengthened the sense of community and peer solidarity, making it easier for people to reach out, connect, and thrive in their work.”
The winner and honourable mentions were announced at Tatte’s May Day event on Wednesday 30.4.2025. The award is given every 2 years, so we expect that award will next be given in 2027. Tatte’s board would like to thank everyone who nominated their colleagues for the award. Congratulations to all the nominees, and, of course, especially to Anni Jäntti!