The Fulbright Finland Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Sari Havu-Nuutinen and Ilkka Lakaniemi.
Dr. Sari Havu-Nuutinen is Professor of Early Years Education at the University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Philosophy. She brings nearly 25 years of experience as a teacher educator in early childhood education, science education, and pedagogical studies in teacher education. Her research focuses on conceptual learning and learning environments in science education among young learners, and she has led several research projects in these areas. Her research groups include both international and Finnish doctoral students working within these fields of expertise.
Dr. Havu-Nuutinen has extensive experience in higher education leadership and has designed and led research-based and customized educational projects internationally. She is an alumna of the Fulbright Finland Foundation, having received the ASLA-Fulbright Research Grant for a Senior Scholar in 2015-16.
"I have worked with Fulbright scholars and the Fulbright Finland Foundation in many ways during the last ten years and had wonderful moments. I hope these experiences will support our work on the Board as well. It is a great honor to serve the Fulbright Finland Foundation and collaborate with colleagues," Sari Havu-Nuutinen says.
Ilkka Lakaniemi serves as Director of the Center for Knowledge and Innovation Research (CKIR) at the Aalto University School of Business. CKIR fosters collaboration between academia and industry, advancing research toward practical application and market adoption. Prior to joining Aalto University, Lakaniemi held senior management roles in business development, corporate strategy, and venturing at Combient, the Finland Chamber of Commerce, Nokia Corporation, and Nokia Siemens Networks.
Ilkka Lakaniemi is an alumnus of the Fulbright Finland Foundation, having received an ASLA-Fulbright Graduate Grant to the University of California, Berkeley in 1995-96. He has also studied and worked as a researcher in political economy and modern history at the University of Helsinki, the United Nations University – WIDER, and the University of Edinburgh.
"I am honored to join the Board. The Fulbright experience has had a positive and transformative impact in my life in many ways. I am delighted to contribute to the Fulbright Finland Foundation and its wider community for its future advancement,” Ilkka Lakaniemi says.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation warmly welcomes Sari Havu-Nuutinen and Ilkka Lakaniemi to the Board of Directors.
At the same time, the Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Kirsimarja Blomqvist (LUT University) and Timo Korkeamäki (Aalto University), who both recently concluded the maximum of two terms on the Board of Directors. The Foundation thanks them for their strong commitment and significant contributions to Fulbright Finland and to Finnish–U.S. academic and professional exchange during their tenures.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization registered under Finnish foundation law. It is governed by its Board of Directors. The Board comprises a diverse cross-section of leaders who bring a wealth of expertise to bear on common commitment to achieve the goals of the Fulbright Finland Foundation. The Finnish Board members are appointed by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Chief of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Finland appoints the American members. Board appointments are for four years.
