Marita Niemelä appointed University Board
The Aalto University Academic Affairs Committee has appointed DSc (Tech) Marita Niemelä as a new member of the Aalto University Board and Professor Andreas Mortensen for a new three-year term as of 1 January 2023.
Marita Niemelä received her doctoral degree in the field of chemical engineering from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1997. In 2009–2011, she served as part-time professor at Aalto University.
Niemelä is currently the director of the energy business unit at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency and innovation catalyst. From the beginning of 2023, she will lead Rejlers Finland’s new division focused on sustainable energy solutions. She has also held leading positions at Neste Engineering Solutions, Valmet, Metso and Pöyry. Niemelä has been a Board Member of the Academy of Finland and the Finnish Bioeconomy Cluster FIBIC and an Advisory Board Member of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. In addition, she has held several international roles.
Marita Niemelä combines thorough knowledge of the Finnish education, research and innovation systems with a strong international perspective. Her expertise on research-based renewal of the energy industry is an important asset for Aalto University in the rapidly evolving national and global environment.
The Academic Affairs Committee selected Andreas Mortensen, whose term of office is ending, for a new term as of 1 January 2023. Andreas Mortensen has been a member of the Aalto University Board since the beginning of 2020.
Stepping down from the board is Susanna Pettersson, who has been a member of the Aalto University Board for three consecutive terms, starting on 1 March 2014. According to the Aalto University Foundation’s Constitution, she therefore cannot be reappointed for a new term.
‘Susanna Pettersson's influence on the development of Aalto University and its board has been crucial in many ways. In addition to her significant expertise in the field of culture, she has systematically emphasised and promoted the status and wellbeing of students in the university community. Susanna’s constructive, pleasant and broadly considerate style and actions have helped build trust and a good atmosphere within both the board and the broader community,’ says Board Chair Mikko Kosonen.
As of 1 January 2023, the Aalto University Board will comprise Mariana Amatullo, Sari Baldauf, Ilkka Kivimäki, Mikko Kosonen, Karel Luyben, Andreas Mortensen and Marita Niemelä.
More information:
Kristiina Mäkelä, Provost, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee
+358 40 559 3454, provost@aalto.fi
Board
The Aalto University Board decides on the strategy, operation and financial issues and is responsible for any far-reaching plans.
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