ɫɫÀ²

News

Marita Niemelä appointed ɫɫÀ² University Board

Andreas Mortensen to continue for a new three-year term

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.

Marita Niemelä

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 AmatulloSari Baldauf, Ilkka KivimäkiMikko Kosonen, Karel LuybenAndreas 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.

Lue lisää
Oppimiskeskus alakerta
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

A group sitting around tables in a modern room; some are holding papers and discussing. Photo from the EDI workshop in June 2025.
University Published:

Creating room for connection, dialogue, and collective planning is more important than ever

Two workshops were organised to build bridges and foster meaningful action on EDI at the Aalto School of Business.
Four people sitting on chairs with a large screen behind them showing Aalto University's Marsio event information.
University Published:

Aalto University’s open-to all events will take you on a journey into research and art

The events are produced in collaboration between Aalto University and the City of Espoo and they will take you from the flood of information to deeper insights. Discover also other events and exhibitions in Marsio building.
Two people wearing headphones sit at a desk with a large screen in a dimly lit office.
Cooperation, University Published:

Unite! Networking Hub Launches: Exchange best practices and learn from peers across Europe

The Unite! Networking Hub is an online space for Unite! faculty and staff to meet to connect and engage with colleagues in the same field of expertise, share and discover best practices, and support one another in addressing work-related challenges.
Advertisement for the XII Unite! Dialogue conference at Aalto University, showing a night view of Helsinki waterfront.
University Published:

Save the Date: XII Unite! Dialogue at Aalto University

Aalto is pleased to host more than 300 invitees at the XII Unite! Dialogue from 6 to 9 October 2025. Registration is now open, with invitations issued to nominated attendees across the alliance.