Advisory boards
We impact across the world of work.
Our strategy is designed to improve working life, well-being and competitiveness in Southwest Finland. The University’s Board and the Rector and President guide the development of Turku UAS to achieve this goal.
The Regional Advisory Council is an independent forum of experts that contributes to the development of our regional effectiveness with the support of the Board and the Rector. Field-specific dialogue with the businesses takes place through the faculties own advisory boards.
Our impact is built in networks. The work of the advisory boards strengthens our active interaction with the businesses of the region.
Regional Advisory Board
The main task of the Regional Advisory Board is to assess and develop the effectiveness of our activities in the Southwest Finland region. The independent expert forum supports the work of the Turku UAS in developing regional effectiveness.
The Regional Advisory Board meets 4-5 times a year. The Regional Advisory Board assesses the relationship of our activities and results to the development needs of the region. The Regional Advisory Board offers its expert views on how we can develop our operations to a new level. The feedback from the Regional Advisory Board helps us identity areas for development and create innovative solutions.
Regional Advisory Board, members
Term of office, 2025-2026
- Tomi Gustafsson, Terveystalo
- Anna-Kristiina Korhonen, Salon kaupunki
- Paavo Laaksonen, Loimaan kaupunki
- Jouni Niuro, Liedon Säästöpankkisäätiö
- Ulla Teräs, Forum Marinum
Term of office 2023-2025
- Jaakko Hyvönen, Tradenomiliitto
- Laura Kontu, Vahterus
- Niina Ratilainen, Turku
- Katja Suovo, Construction industry
- Pipsa Sivula, Vakka-Suomen Puhelin Oy
- Janne Virtanen, Kesko (2024-2025)
Permanent members
- Vesa Taatila, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Eeva-Johanna Eloranta, Parliament of Finland; Board of Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Niko Aaltonen, Board of Turku University of Applied Sciences
Who can become a member of the Regional Advisory Board?
Five new members are invited to join the Regional Advisory Board each year for a two-year term. Members shall be invited from persons who meet the following criteria as closely as possible:
1. They have a broad knowledge of the development situation in the region in the areas defined by the Turku UAS strategy.
2. People in decision-making positions in areas identified as key in the Turku UAS strategy, in business, public organisations, politics or third sector organisation.
3. People are very familiar with the Turku UAS, for example through their studies or work background.
Advisory Board of the Arts Academy
The Arts Academy has one multidisciplinary advisory board. Its term of office is two years.
Advisory Board of the Arts Academy
Term of office 1.8.2024 – 31.7.2026
- Jarna Heinonen, Professor, University of Turku
- Timo Hintsanen, Director of Urban Planning, City of Turku
- Leena Kela, Residency Director, Kone Foundation
- Katri Koivisto, Special Planner, Regional Council of Southwest Finland
- Antti Korhonen, Head, Yle Southwest Finland
- Anu Laitila, Cultural Director, City of Turku
- Jussi Orell, Editor-in-Chief, Turun Sanomat
- Jere Pensikkala, Managing Director, Taiteen talo
- Hannu Salmi, Professor, University of Turku
- Viivi Seirala, Executive Director, Association for Basic Arts Education
- Henri Terho, Head of Arts Support, Arts Promotion Centre, Finland
- Heli Vahvanen-Mölsä, Project Manager, APFI ry – Audiovisual Producers Finland
Engineering and Business Advisory Boards
There are five advisory boards in the faculty of engineering and business. Their work provides us with important information on the region’s skills and development needs.
The term of office of the Advisory Board is two years. In addition to our partners from the world of work, the members of all advisory boards are members of our UAS community: students and staff.
Financial Services Advisory Board
Term of office 2023 – 2024
- Petra Kaitonen, Talent Acquisition Partner HR, If P&C Insurance Plc.
- Kristian Tammenniemi, Account and Sales Manager, OP Turku Region
- Olli Alho, Business Director, Lähi-Tapiola Southwest Finland
- Markus Lauri, Regional Director, Oma Säästöpankki Oyj
- Pirkko Paatelo, Local Director, Apartment Centre
- Teemu Alanko, Branch Manager, Somero Savings Bank
- Jussi Lahti, Sales Director, Aktia
- Mikko Hautamäki, Head of Service Companies, Lowell
- Jennica Heikius, Director, Ålandsbanken
- Taina Tallbacka-Kitola, Director, Nordea
Chemical Industry Advisory Board
Term of office 2023-2024
- Jaana Hänninen, Director, Sustainability and Environment, Valmet Automotive
- Lita Norden, Vice President Process Industry & Pharma, Elomatic Oy
- Janika Koskenvuori, Head of Unit/Food Microbiology, Eurofins Scientific Finland Oy
- Mika Tuomola, Director, Research & Development, Honkajoki Oy
- Miia Jylhä, Research and Development Manager, LSJH
- Lasse Poukka, HR Specialist, Bayer Oy,
- Iina Condo, Manager HSE, PerkinElmer Oy
- Miikka Frantti, Project Developer, Ilmatar Energy Oy
- Kalle Karjala, Operations Manager, Turku Energia Oy
- Jukka Nurmi, Business Director, Rejlers Oy
Logistics, Automotive and Industrial Engineering Advisory Board
Term of office 2023-2024
- Antti Havola, Director, Program Management, Valmet-Automotive
- Ari Viitanen, President, CarinaFour Oy
- Jussi Valtonen, Logistics Manager, KiiltoClean Oy, Turku
- Antti Aali, Head of Technical Services, Keskusautohalli Oy
- Jussi Jalonen, Head of Unit, Kone-Viitasalo Oy
- Heli Virtala, Director Sales & Operations Planning, TELESTE Corpo-ration
- Tuomo Tunturi, Head of Ecommerce Network, Postnord
- Nina Stenström-Iivarinen, Supply Chain Director, Naapurin Maalaiskana Oy
- Jukka Laine, Head of Branch Turku, DB Schenker in Finland
- Lasse Lehtonen, Director, ICT Finland Valmet-Automotive Oy
- Juha Parkkonen, Managing Director, Turun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy
- Janne Lehti, Area Manager, Kesko Corporation, Kesko Logistics
- Jukka Suvanto, Head of Department, Hull Outfitting Meyer Turku Oy
- Tero Siitonen, Managing Director, Western Finland Transport Entrepreneurs Association
Sales Advisory Board
Term of office 2023-2024
- Arto Kallio, Co-Founder and Business Director, Brang Oy
- Eeva Virtanen, Recruiting Coordinator, Trainers House Oyj
- Eetu Tanninen, Project Manager, Evondos Oy
- Henri Huopalahti, Area Director & Senior Consultant, MPS Enterproses Ltd
- Sari Täckman, Senior Manager, Greenstep Oy
- Nina Stenström-Iivarinen, Supply Chain Director, Naapurin Maalaiskana Oy
- Anna Malmilehto, Account Director, Vincit Oy
- Jaana Kallio-Gerlander, Head of Education and Research, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Timo Holopainen, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Construction Industry Advisory Board
Term of office 2023 – 2024
- Kimmo Lang, Agent, Building Construction Industry Association
- Rami Valtonen, Head of Unit, A-Insinöörit Oy
- Jyrki Meri, Regional Director, YIT Finland Oy
- Mika Hiltunen, Project Manager, Bonava Oy, Chairman of Turku RIA Association
- Juuso Kallio, Executive Director, Real Estate Association of Southwest Finland
- Tuovi Päiviö, Uusimaa ELY Centre, Director of the Transport and Infrastructure Area
- Jukka Annevirta, Executive Director INFRA ry, Western Finland District Association
- Pekka Anttila, Technical Director, Lainio & Laivoranta, Civil Engineers RKL
- Andreas Salonen, Inspection Manager, Turku Building Inspection, TART Chairman
- Fiona Foley, student representative, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Esa Leinonen, Head of Department, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Vesa Turunen, Head of Research, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Health and Well-being Advisory Boards
There are nine advisory boards in the faculty of health and well-being. Through the work of these boards, we gain important insights into the region’s skills and development needs.
The term of office of the advisory boards is two years. In addition to our business partners, all boards are made up of members of the UAS community: students and staff.
Emergency Care Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Anne Hedman, Senior Nurse, Varha
- Tomi Nieminen, Paramedic Manager, Varha
- Vesa Jyrkkänen, Service Manager, Varha, Southwest Finland Rescue Service
- Mikko Virtanen, teacher, Turku Vocational Institute
- Petteri Johansson, Lecturer, Turku Vocational Institute (alternate member)
Staff and student representatives:
- Camilla Laaksonen, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jani Paulin, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jaana Koskela, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Lasse Putko, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Mari Lahti, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Anni Kuusisto, Paramedic student, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Tuomo Ala-Kasari, student paramedic, Turku University of Applied Sciences (alternate member)
Diagnostic Services Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Hannu Aronen, Professor of Radiology, University of Turku
- Kristina Hotakainen, Head of Laboratory Sector, Mehiläinen Oy
- Anna-Kaisa Aerikkala, Laboratory Supervisor, Mehiläinen Oy (alternate member)
- Rutta Kuusela, Medical Director, SYNLAB Finland Oy
- Maiju Manelius, Senior Nurse, Varha, Tyks Laboratories
- Satu Sarlin, Imaging Supervisor, Mehiläinen Oy
- Virva Seiko-Vänttinen, Senior Nurse, Varha, Tyks Imaging
- Tero Soukka, Professor of Biotechnology, University of Turku
- Päivi Wood, Executive Director of the Finnish Radiographers’ Association
Staff and student representatives:
- Camilla Laaksonen, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jarno Huhtanen, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Heidi Kalve, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Julia Märsy, student radiographer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Kristjan Rätsep, student of bioanalytics, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Simo Syrjä, student of bioanalytics, Turku University of Applied Sciences (alternate member)
Rehabilitation Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Marko Grönholm, Physiotherapist in charge, Terveystalo Pulssi
- Päivi Hämäläinen, Rehabilitation Centre Director, Masku Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
- Mauri Katajisto, Chairman, Physiotherapists of Southwest Finland Association/ Ph.D. Association
- Saija Kultala, Project Manager, Department of Physical Lifestyle, City of Turku
- Elina Jokinen, Senior Physiotherapist, Varha, TYKS Hospital Services/Specialist Services
- Tiina Kiesi, Occupational Therapist, Varha, TYKS Psychiatry Department and Vice Chair of the Board, Association of Occupational Therapists
- Pauliina Pohjankukka, Head of Capability Support Services, Varha
Staff and student representatives:
- Mary-Ann Kaukinen, KT Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Pirjo Pennanen, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Anu Kuikkaniemi, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jutta Pajula-Riikonen, occupational therapy student, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Camilla Engström, occupational therapy student, Turku University of Applied Sciences (alternate member)
- Stina Nygård, Physiotherapy student, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Tommi Mustonen, Physiotherapy student, Turku University of Applied Sciences (alternate member)
Midwifery Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Riitta Malmivaara, Head of Family Services, Varha
- Pirjo Parviainen, Head of Family Centre Services, Varha
- Outi Tuominen, Senior Nurse, Varha Children’s Clinic
- Leila Varakas, Senior Nurse, Varha Women’s Clinic
- Leena Kaunisto, midwife, IBCLC, Southwest Finland Breastfeeding Support Network
- Maria Kronlund, Director of the First Home, Turku First and Shelter Home Association
Staff and student representatives:
- Camilla Laaksonen, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Mari Berglund, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Marjatta Häsänen, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Mari Lahti, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jenni Nissilä, midwifery student, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jonna Ryönänkoski, student midwife, Turku University of Applied Sciences (alternate member)
Master School Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Niina Alho, Chair of the City Council, City of Kaarina; Vice Chair of the Regional Board, Varha,
- Eeva-Liisa Elonen, Regional Manager of Working Life Services, Mehiläinen
- Eeva-Johanna Eloranta, Member of Parliament, Member of the Board of Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku UAS Fellow
- Terhi Kivijärvi, Education and Training Manager, Varha
- Tia Melava, PMO Team Leader, 2M-IT Oy
- Johanna Syrjänen, Development Manager, Child Protection Organisations in Southwest Finland
- Sinikka Valtonen, Human Resources Director, City of Turku
- Ville Viitanen, CEO, Cancer Association of Southwest Finland
Staff representatives:
- Eeva Timonen-Kallio, Research Group Leader, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Katja Heikkinen, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Ritva Laaksonen-Heikkilä, Education Officer, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Anne Rouhelo, Education Officer, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Nursing Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Riitta Karjalainen, Head of Specialist Services, Services for the Elderly, Varha, Nurses of Southwest Finland
- Heidi Laine, Senior Nurse, Varha, TYKS Heart Centre
- Tuija Lehtikunnas, Hospital Nurse, Varha, TYKS
- Minna Santikko, Coordinating Senior Nurse, Varha, TYKS Salo Hospital
- Tuija Skarp, Ward Nurse, Varha, Salo Health Centre
- Minna Ylönen, Administrative Manager, Varha, Sote-keskus services
- Maijastiina Rekunen, Planner, Varha, Western Cancer Centre
- Satu Heino, Regional Director, Attendo Oy
- Leena Salminen, Professor, University of Turku, Department of Nursing
- Heli Virtanen, Associate Professor, University of Turku, Department of Nursing
- Jari Nevalainen, CEO, 2M-IT Oy
- Armi Rastas, Head of Department, Turku Association of Mental Health Services, Kotikunnas
- Johanna Vuorikoski, Nursing Home Director, Huhtihovi Oy
- Marjut Aalto, Regional Planner, Southwest Finland Association of Memory, Memory Pilot
- Petra Siutla-Luotonen, Service Manager, A-klinikka Oy
Staff and student representatives:
- Tiina Nurmela, Education Officer, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Tiina Pelander, Education Officer, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Tarja Bergfors, Education Officer, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Mirka Toivonen, Better Health Research Group Leader, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Annika Luomala, Customer Service Manager, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Riitta-Liisa Lakanmaa, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Aksel Vannottu, nursing student, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Social Services and Education Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Hanna Heikinmatti, Day Care Centre Director, City of Turku
- Pilvi Heiskanen, Executive Director, Turku Association for Human Services
- Tapio Häyhtiö, Managing Director, Southwest Finland Centre of Social Competence
- Sari Jansson, Curator, Turku Vocational Institute
- Anna Karlsson, Director of Early Childhood Education, City of Salo
- Rita Koivisto, Service Manager, City of Turku
- Satu Lieskivi, Educational Designer, Varha
- Soile Merilä, Director of Social Work, Varha
- Laura Mälkönen, Area Manager for Early Childhood Education, City of Turku
- Mikko Niemelä, Service Director, Merikratos Oy
- Miika Neulaniemi, Head of Community Activities, Fingerroos Foundation
- Maria Ovaska, Early Childhood Education Planner, City of Raisio
- Kati Ranta, Development Planner, Varha
Staff and student representatives:
- Katariina Felixson, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Sirppa Kinos, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Outi Linnossuo, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Meeri Rusi, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Oona Hakala, student of social work, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Oral Health Care Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Tomi Kalpio, Managing Director, Brinter Oy
- Terhi Klint-Pihlajamaa, President, Dental Laboratory Association
- Marina Merne-Grafström, Director of Oral Health, Varha
- Maarit Palttala, Senior Nurse, Varha, Oral health care
- Pekka Vallittu, Professor, University of Turku, Department of Dentistry
- Mervi Gursoy, Associate Professor, University of Turku, Department of Dentistry
- Ilkka Tuominen, Chairman, Finnish Association of Dental Technicians
Staff and student representatives:
- Mary-Ann Kaukinen, KT Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Minna Hyötilä, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Päivi Pietikäinen, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Jaana Manneros, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences (alternate member)
- Milla Lahdenperä, (Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences) Member of Parliament
- Sari Silmäri, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Pasi Alander, Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Heli Korhonen, dental technician student, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Olli Valtonen, student of oral hygiene, Turku University of Applied Sciences
Public Health Nursing Advisory Board
Term of office 2024 – 2025
- Riikka Kytömaa, Project Coordinator, Varha
- Lilli Priha, Nurse, Association of Nurses/The wellbeing services county of Southwest Finland
- Milla Erfe, Senior Occupational Health Nurse, Suomen Terveystalo Oy
- Jenna Sirviö, Senior Occupational Health Nurse, Suomen Terveystalo Oy (alternate member)
- Nanette Huovinen, Executive Director, Southwest Finland Heart Circle Association
- Miia Laasanen, Research Manager, University of Turku
- Marja-Liisa Gustafsson, Lecturer, Turku Vocational Institute
Staff and student representatives:
- Camilla Laaksonen, Education and Research Manager, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Maika Kummel, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Mari Lahti, Senior Lecturer, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Aino Saarinen, student of nursing, Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Kristo Kulmala, student of nursing, Turku University of Applied Sciences