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Architect Saija Hollmén, who has worked as a lecturer at Aalto University's Department of Architecture from 2008, has been appointed vice dean at the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. Her area of responsibility is art and creative practices. In addition to her teaching work, Ms Hollmén has coordinated cooperation between architecture and engineering sciences as well as engaged in active international cooperation both at Aalto and in the scope of her work as a representative of non-governmental organisation Ukumbi.

Ms Hollmén's focus in artistic activities has centred on architecture. Currently, works by Ms Hollmén and her colleagues Jenni Reuter and Helena Sandman are being shown at the International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, Italy. The three are the only Finnish representatives invited to exhibit their work in Venice.

'In the scope of my work as vice dean, I want to promote multidisciplinary activities and cross-disciplinary dialogue through artistic and creative activities. Creativity should not be thought of as a characteristic only possessed by people who work in fields classified as creative. Work in the sciences and coming up with new connections and combinations requires trust in one's intuition as well as creative problem solving skills; Aalto University as a whole is a giant resource of this type of people regardless of their field. I feel that this new position as vice dean is an extremely motivating challenge. It will also be a natural extension of my academic and pedagogic work and my areas of research,' Saija Hollmén rejoices.

As vice dean, Saija Hollmén will be responsible for the practical implementation and development of art and creative practices.  Aalto University's president appoints vice deans at the proposal of a dean.

The vice dean's term will begin on 1 August 2016 and end at the completion of the dean's term on 28 February 2019. Ossi Naukkarinen will continue as vice dean responsible for teaching and Teemu Leinonen as vice dean responsible for research and communication.