31/12/2025
As the year draws to a close, we look ahead to the opportunities of 2026 – but first, here are some highlights from Oulu Business School in 2025! 🌟
In February, Governor of Bank of Finland, Olli Rehn, along with professors Juha-Pekka Junttila and Elias Oikarinen from OBS, shared their insights on the key economic and societal prospects in the Economic Forum 2025. Later, OBS had the honor of hosting distinguished guests again: members of the International Advisory Board to support our strategy work and accreditation advancement.
Research activities were as strong as ever. As a highlight, Research Council of Finland granted significant funds to professors Tuija Mainela and Janne Järvinen. Speaking of professors – Professor Jaakko Simonen gave his inaugural lecture in April, and three new adjunct professors gave their demonstration lectures in August: Irina Atkova, Alexandra Middleton, and Tuula Lehtimäki.
In teaching, great work was awarded by Finanssi ry, when the student organization honored Academy Fellow Anniina Rantakari and University Lecturer Sanna Huikari at its annual celebration. Exchange activity also thrived: nearly half of the University of Oulu’s outgoing exchange students come from OBS, and one in four incoming students study here. The share of OBS' incoming students is expected to reach one in three in spring 2026.
Along with many more achievements not mentioned here, we wish everyone a wonderful and successful New Year! 🎆
Photo 1: Olli Rehn speaking at Economic Forum 2025.
Photo 2: Professor Jaakko Simonen (far right) with professors Mehdi Dennis, Qifeng Shu, and Davide Taibi.
Photo 3: New adjunct professors Alexandra Middleton, Irina Atkova, and Tuula Lehtimäki.
Photo 4: Academy Fellow Anniina Rantakari (left) and University Lecturer Sanna Huikari.