Campuses abuzz with events and activities to celebrate the opening week
On Tuesday 10 September, Tampere University will celebrates its first-ever opening of the academic year. In addition to speeches, an academic procession and music, the programme will include the unveiling of the President's new chain of office. The chain of office has been designed by artist Pekka Jylhä in collaboration with Saarikorpi Design. The artistic and philosophical premise of the chain of office, made of laser-cut stainless steel, is the human potential to address problems large and small. The galaxies, planets and orbits depicted in the chain of office illustrate this theme. Mari Walls, President of Tampere University, will be one of the speakers at the opening ceremony. She took up her appointment in January 2019. Linda Liukas, author and illustrator of Hello Ruby, founder of Rails Girls and Honorary Doctor of Tampere University, will also deliver a speech. Music will be performed by Tampere Academic Symphony Orchestra, Tampere University Singers and the student choir Teekkarikuoro. The full programme and registration link are available on the event website. Watch the opening of the academic year online starting 10.9. at 13.00!
Students take to the streets on Wednesday
Wednesday is a day of celebrating students and the anniversary of the Tampere Leadership Symposium. The Eighth Tampere Leadership Symposium will begin at 8:00 with a meet & greet for researchers and end at 18:00 with an invitation-only anniversary seminar that marks the first 20 years of EMBA education in Tampere.
The students of TAMK will celebrate their own Tursajaiset freshman party on Wednesday. Students will line up to prepare for procession from the TAMK main campus into Tampere Central Square at 12 noon. The procession and festivities on the square is a sight not to be missed. You also have the opportunity to experience the authentic student tradition of “sitsit” on Wednesday in Tullikamari. Sitsit is an academic dinner party that includes a three-course meal accompanied by a lot of singing and toasting. Please register for the event by 10 September. The admission fee of €5 will be paid upon arrival.
Focus on the social and healthcare reform
The events of the opening week will continue on Thursday with Science dialogue on the city centre campus. The event will explore socially and financially sustainable social and healthcare systems. These questions will be addressed by researchers of Tampere Universities along with the audience. The event will be open to all. You will be able to take part in the discussion in person or through social media: #kestäväsote.
All the members of the higher education community are welcome to the TAMK main campus on Thursday to enjoy a programme of workshops and activities designed to promote the wellbeing of our staff and students.
Future scholars will be arriving on the Hervanta campus on Thursday from primary and comprehensive schools. Children and youth will have the opportunity to attend inspirational, hands-on workshops and learn more about, for example, robotics and wind power. The event is organised by FabLab Tampere and Tampere University’s own Juniversity.
The city lights up in purple
The events of the opening week will spread across the city, and you can also get involved in the activities through different media and online. The city’s landmarks, such as Näsinneula Observation Tower and Tampere Hall will be illuminated purple, the University’s signature colour, to mark the opening week. Researchers will take to the airwaves on the University’s own radio Moreeni.
Arri Priimägi, who has received an award from the Academy of Finland in recognition of his scientific courage, will talk about his work on light-responsive materials. Professor of Gamification Juho Hamari will also talk about his research, as will Marika Kokko and Essi Sarlin, experts on microplastics and circular economy. Professor Katriina Aalto-Setälä, MD, PhD, Specialist in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, will talk about growing human heart cells in laboratory conditions.
Our photo competition is hoped to attract a large number of submissions in the next few weeks. You can enter the competition by posting a photo on an open Instagram (@tampereuni), Twitter (@TampereUni) or Facebook account (@TampereUniversity). The hashtags #humanpotentialunlimited or #ihminenratkaisee as well as @avajaisviikko_tampere must also be used. The best photos will be awarded with some of the best local experiences in Tampere.
