The President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb bestowed the honorary title of Academician of Science, Finland’s highest academic honor, upon three distinguished scientists on Friday 16 October 2026.
Professor Maarit Karppinen, Professor Martti Nissinen and Professor Seppo Ylä-Herttuala received their titles at a formal reception held at the House of Estates in Helsinki. Professor Karppinen carries out research in the area of inorganic chemistry, Professor Nissinen in theology and Professor Ylä-Herttuala in molecular medicine.
“The great challenges of our time are complex by their nature. In order to tackle them, we need broad-ranging, multidisciplinary collaboration internationally,” President Stubb said in his speech.
According to the President, Finland is well set up to ensure that Finnish scientific research promotes not only excellence but also integrity within science.
“The natural sciences, like all science, are not just a matter of technical expertise, they reflect our values and the kind of humanity we want to cultivate,” the President stressed.
The honorary title of Academician of Science can be held by a maximum of sixteen highly distinguished Finnish scientists at any one time. The title is conferred by the President of the Republic of Finland on the basis of nominations made by the Research Council of Finland Board.
