Quality Label for Excellence awarded to the University of Oulu

The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) has awarded the University of Oulu the Quality Label for Excellence in recognition of its outstanding commitment to continuous improvement. The university has demonstrated an innovative pioneering spirit, and an approach focused on long-term development. The university’s operational culture is characterised by a strong commitment to stakeholder collaboration.

The University of Oulu’s societal engagement impressed the evaluation panel

The University of Oulu is deeply committed to regional development, interdisciplinary research, and advancing sustainable development. Its key strengths lie in extensive, long-term networking, robust interdisciplinary collaboration, and a proactive role in driving societal renewal. The university’s partnerships range from local initiatives to international collaborations, all while considering regional characteristics.

The university’s strategy is closely aligned with regional development goals, positioning it as a central actor in building and sustaining the regional innovation ecosystem. Its work significantly contributes to the competitiveness of Northern Finland as a whole. As a driving force in innovation and social transformation in the region, the University of Oulu places an emphasis on creativity and forward-thinking. Its strategic programmes and operational frameworks are designed to foster entrepreneurship and support technological advancement. In addition, both physical working environments and digital platforms foster new ideas, creative thinking, and broad collaboration with stakeholders and networks.

The continuous interaction between the university and its external partners is impressive, and societal engagement and collaboration is clearly an integral part of the university’s organisational culture. This approach is particularly evident in interdisciplinary and cross-boundary projects, where expertise from various fields is combined with stakeholder engagement, says Professor Martin Ubani from the University of Eastern Finland, Chair of the Excellence Evaluation Panel.

The audit highlighted several exemplary practices through which the university effectively strengthens the societal impact of its activities and deepens stakeholder collaboration. One noteworthy initiative is the Impact Helper tool, developed by the university to assist researchers in articulating the impact of their work, identifying relevant stakeholders, and aligning their projects with the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to the evaluation panel, the university demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and a firm commitment to addressing both regional and global challenges. Its approach to fostering sustainable societal transformation and maximising the impact of its activities is defined by a long-term vision, cross-sectoral initiatives, and extensive stakeholder collaboration.
 

Criteria for Excellence assessment

FINEEC has awarded the Quality Label for Excellence on an annual basis to higher education institutions audited by FINEEC in the third cycle of audits (2018-2024). The purpose of the Quality Label for Excellence was to reward higher education institutions that have distinguished themselves with development and enhancement activities of exceptionally high quality. HEIs that had been granted the level excellent in at least one evaluation area in the audit process were candidates for the Quality Label for Excellence in the following year. The evaluation areas were HEI creates competence, HEI promotes impact and renewal, and HEI enhances quality and well-being. The assessment of Excellence was carried out by an evaluation panel appointed for this purpose, and the final decision on awarding the Quality Label for Excellence was made by the Higher Education Evaluation Committee. 

The Quality Label for Excellence awarded to the University of Oulu covers the evaluation area HEI promotes impact and renewal. The Oulu University of Applied Sciences was also a candidate in the evaluation area HEI enhances quality and well-being. Both candidates’ enhancement work is at an excellent level. The Quality Label for Excellence has been previously granted in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The 2025 Quality Label for Excellence was awarded on 9 May 2025. Altogether, six higher education institutions were granted the Quality Label for Excellence during FINEEC’s third cycle of audits.

Higher education institutions awarded with Quality Label for Excellence (2021-2025)

The principles, criteria and process of awarding the Quality Label for Excellence (PDF)