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On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce this opportunity to lead Aalto University into its next phase.
Aalto is a young, internationally recognised university with a clear purpose: to bring knowledge, creativity and people together to shape a sustainable future and renew society. Science, art, technology and business come together in one community on a single campus, creating an environment where research, innovation and entrepreneurship reinforce one another. Much of Aalto’s distinctive culture has been shaped by our entire community counting also on the strong contribution of our students themselves. In a world undergoing profound technological, social and environmental change, our long-term purpose gives Aalto both relevance and responsibility.
We are seeking a President who can recognise the strength of what has been built while seeing clearly what more is possible. The role calls for academic credibility, strategic judgement and the ability to build trust across a diverse community and stakeholders. Aalto is characterised by unusually flat hierarchies: leadership depends on trust, engagement and persuasion rather than position alone. A President who engages genuinely with the community will find an organisation with both the ambition and agility to turn direction into action.
For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to lead a university with global relevance, strong foundations and the freedom to shape what a future-oriented innovation university can become. I warmly invite you to read the full role profile and get in touch.
in the world in art & design (QS 2026)
Most international universities (Times Higher Education 2026)
in the world in business & economics (THE World University Rankings 2026 by Subject)
in the world (QS World University Rankings)
Aalto University builds on the legacy of three leading Finnish universities: Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Since 2010, we have brought science, art, technology and business together in new ways.
Today, the Aalto community consists of 16,000 students and 5,200 employees, including 450+ professors. Half of our faculty members have an international background. Our campus in Espoo is a vibrant cluster of research and innovation with striking architecture, peaceful nature, open spaces for collaboration, and a wide range of services, all with excellent public transport connections.
Diversity is part of who we are. We work actively to build a community where people can belong, contribute and grow.
Aalto University´s Schools are responsible for research, artistic activities, education and societal impact within their own fields based on university’s strategy, school’s annually updated strategic plans (Our Plan), budget and university’s joint rules and principles.
In addition, the university has joint academic activities that transcend university boundaries. In addition to the university’s shared services, service functions are also implemented in schools.
The schools consist of departments and separate units. The university and the schools may have joint units with other universities and universities of applied sciences, as well as research institutes and corporate bodies. In addition, research, artistic activities, teaching and societal impact are carried out in Aalto University’s joint academic activities (JAAs).
We excel and make breakthroughs in and across science, art, technology and business.
We spark the game changers of tomorrow.
We renew society with research-based knowledge and generate innovative solutions to tackle global challenges.
Working for a better world, we act sustainably for the wellbeing of all.
Taking on challenges with agility, creativity and passion, we aim high.
Diversity is part of who we are and we foster an empowered community that shines by working together.
Our strategy describes our purpose, values and ways of working as well as the focus of development.
Our purpose is to shape a sustainable future. We do high-quality research, excelling and making breakthroughs in and across science, art, technology and business. We spark the game changers of tomorrow and renew society with research-based knowledge, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. All our work is guided by the values of the university: responsibility, courage, and collaboration.
We make joint plans for the upcoming 1+3 years as part of our annual processes. These plans of all schools and joint strategic areas are published on Our plan website. Our plan is updated annually during the University Dialogue process held in spring. We regularly organise community events to share information about the development of the strategy and to gather ideas, observations, weak signals and trends that may be relevant to the future of the university.
Read more about our Strategy HERE
Nationalities represented
Faculty and staff
Students
Art and design open up new perspectives and solutions to the world’s big challenges.
We are solving challenges related to the sustainable use of natural resources, the circular economy and a clean environment.
With us, you can search for electrical solutions in sustainability, human welfare and beyond.
Aalto’s research and innovations impact your everyday life. Whether it’s a breakthrough in detecting memory disorders, a sustainable alternative to cement, or turning ideas into startups, you too are connected to Aalto – and have many reasons to donate.
We Are The School of Science. Through our internationally-acclaimed high-level research we aim to make a significant impact on society. The research at our school focuses on advanced energy solutions, condensed matter and materials physics; creation and transformation of technology based business; data science and artificial intelligence; health technology; neuroscience; and software engineering.
Please note that this is a public recruitment process. Aalto University is subject to the Finnish Act on the Openness of Government Activities in respect of its public administrative functions. This means that, where information is legally subject to disclosure, the University may be required to provide applicants’ names and other public information in response to a request for information. Therefore, a request for anonymity cannot guarantee that your name will remain confidential if a disclosure request is made in accordance with Finnish law.
Following the closing date of the advertisement, the names of all applicants will be made public on the University’s website.
Aalto University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Informal enquiries can be made directly to Tiziano Sartor ([email protected]).
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.
The application window will open in late October and the closing date will be 12pm Finnish Time, Monday 23rd November 2026. Completed applications should be uploaded to the Aalto website quoting reference 8578.
The formal interview process will include referencing and additional assessments such as psychometric assessments. The appointment will be made subject to the collection of satisfactory references, financial and security checks.
We know that meaningful work is built by people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you recognise yourself in the purpose of this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you would bring to our community.
Discover a country where career opportunities and quality of life go hand in hand. Finland offers a safe, welcoming and highly innovative environment, with a strong focus on work-life balance, equality and employee wellbeing. Finnish workplaces are built on trust, independence and open communication, giving you the freedom to make an impact while enjoying a healthy balance outside of work. With excellent public services, a high standard of living and a culture that values both people and progress, Finland is an inspiring place to build your career, grow your skills and enjoy life.
Living and working in Finland, Tamara Galkina
Living and working in Finland, Adam Tickle
Designing in Finland, Tomek Rygalik
Raising a family in Finland, Yu Xiao
As Global Senior Partner, Sinéad is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.
During her ten years at Perrett Laver, Sinéad established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe.
Sinéad’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.
Sinéad holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.
Lisbeth is the Managing Partner, Netherlands & Head of Research Europe.
Her experience of senior level executive search includes Senior Academic, Chair and Professorial appointments globally across all disciplines in higher education.
Lisbeth holds an MSc in Biology, a subsequent MSc in Environmental Management and Sanitation, and a PhD in Environmental Toxicology, all from Ghent University, Belgium. Her doctoral research focussed on the occurrence, effects and risks of marine microplastics. Lisbeth is fluent in Dutch and English, and speaks basic French and German.
