In March, we returned almost completely to contact teaching and lifted the restrictions on international mobility and travel. During the year, travelling almost returned to regular levels and the organisation of conferences and other events picked up.
In March, we returned almost completely to contact teaching and lifted the restrictions on international mobility and travel.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the sanctions imposed by the European Union and the Finnish government froze research, education, and other cooperation projects with Russian and Belarusian institutions. The war also affected expenditure through rising energy prices and inflation and the investment activities of the Tampere University Foundation sr.
The amount of research funding increased
The amount of competed research funding increased notably after the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. In the fourth year of our University’s operation, the amount of funding from the EU Framework Programme already exceeded the target initially set for 2024. The level of domestic financing has risen from the pre-pandemic level. In summer 2022, Tampere University conducted its first comprehensive international research assessment, TAU RAE 2022. The results of the assessment will be utilised in the development of the prerequisites for research at the unit, faculty, and University levels.
In the fourth year of operation, the amount of funding from the EU Framework Programme already exceeded the target initially set for 2024.
Tampere University is a popular study option, number of entrant places increased
In 2022, a total of 3,960 degrees were completed at our university. The number of scientific postgraduate degrees rose, and the number of bachelor’s degrees remained on the same level as in the previous year. The number of master’s degrees fell. In the second joint application round for higher education institutions in spring, Tampere University was once again a popular study option. Our University expanded its degree education as part of a national programme funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture by adding 497 entrant places to Finnish-language programmes that began in autumn 2022.
A total of 3,960 degrees were completed in 2022.
More resources allocated to research and education
The effects of the cooperation negotiations held in autumn 2021, the resulting staff reductions and the reform of service operations that ensued were reflected in the University’s support services. The intended savings were achieved, making it possible to allocate more resources to the faculties’ core activities of research and education. Two significant transfers of business took place in 2022. In February, 44 employees and services related to purchase invoices, sales invoicing, travel bills and payroll were transferred to Certia Oy. In September, commercial clinical vaccine testing was transferred to Finvac Oy, a new special assignment company established by the Tampere University Foundation together with the state of Finland. Finvac Oy is domiciled in Tampere, and approximately 80 people transferred to the company from Tampere University.
In the cooperation negotiations, the intended savings were achieved. Two significant transfers of business were also completed in 2022.
Many measures to develop occupational well-being
Occupational well-being was developed based on universities’ joint national survey that was conducted in autumn 2021. The key areas selected for development in 2022–2023 include easing workloads, improving the preconditions for supervisory work, supporting feelings of community, streamlining service processes, and stabilising everyday life. To promote recovery and the planning of work tasks, university-level recommendations were introduced, such as meeting-free Fridays and lunchtimes, vouchers for sports, culture and well-being, a weekly hour of working time that can be spent on exercise and a bicycle benefit.
Occupational well-being was developed based on universities’ joint national survey conducted in autumn 2021.
Discussions support the Facilities Programme
In the next few years, our University will develop its facilities in accordance with the Facilities Programme, and compact its actvities on three campuses. In 2022, numerous discussion events and happenings were organised for the entire community, faculties, and student associations, as well as a comprehensive consultation round to assist the preparations. Service units’ new working environments that support a sense of community were introduced on the Hervanta campus in May.
Conferment of Doctoral Degrees and strategy update were the highlights of the year
The highlights of 2022 included updating the University’s strategy in broad collaboration involving the entire community and the first Ceremonial Conferment of Doctoral Degrees of our young university, which we organised in August. 235 doctors and 14 honorary doctors were conferred at the all faculties’ joint event.
Warmest thanks to all our staff, students, partners, friends and supporters for their outstanding work and dedication in 2022.
Mari Walls
President