A total of 117 doctoral graduates and 23 honorary doctors from Finland and abroad will attend the conferment ceremony. The honorary doctors include leading figures in research, business, and politics who have distinguished themselves academically or significantly contributed to LUT University's mission.
“The doctoral conferment is a ceremonial occasion, but it carries a deeper message as well. It speaks to the importance of science, courage, and innovations that address the challenges of our time. The contributions and expertise of our doctoral graduates and honorary doctors enrich our university and the wider community,” says Rector Juha-Matti Saksa.
Honorary doctors from home and abroad
Among those receiving honorary doctorates in technology are climate advocate Kirsten Dunlop from the Netherlands and YouTube personality Kyle Hill from the United States. Anthropologist Rosana Pinheiro-Machado, whose research focuses on globalisation, will become LUT's first honorary doctor in social sciences.
“Receiving an honorary doctorate from LUT University means a great deal to me. LUT is ready to question its own assumptions and embrace new thinking about approaches to learning and the role of universities in the future,” says Dunlop.
The Finnish honorary doctors include several notable figures from the software industry and futures research. Software Finland CEO Rasmus Roiha, Mimmit koodaa Programme Director Milja Köpsi, and Futures Researcher Risto Lintu will receive honorary doctorates in technology. Futurist Elina Hiltunen will receive an honorary doctorate in business administration.
“The title came as a surprise, followed by a real wow moment, because the university was recognising such a non-traditional field. Few people realise, for example, that the software industry in Finland is a twenty-billion-euro sector and the country's fourth largest export industry,” says Roiha.
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A doctoral degree opens doors
Doctoral studies and dissertation research are an unforgettable journey that culminates in a distinguished ceremony. During the festivities, new doctors receive their doctoral regalia: a hat and, for those in business administration, philosophy, and social sciences, a sword.
“I am so excited about the conferment. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate the end of my doctoral studies together with everyone else who has made the same journey,” says Iben Bolund Nielsen from Denmark, whose doctorate is in the field of business administration.
German doctoral graduate Tobias Wesselborg is equally looking forward to a celebration unlike anything in his home country. His doctorate in technology has served him well in his career in research and development:
“R&D positions often require a doctoral degree, so it has been an excellent door-opener for me.”
Pia Adibe, Doctor of Science in Business Administration, agrees:
“My doctoral studies broadened my worldview enormously. I am also grateful for the work I did alongside my research, such as teaching, mentoring students, and leading projects. It has all proven valuable for my career.”
All doctoral graduates and their dissertation topics are listed on our website.
Academic procession to military cemetery
The conferment ceremony at the Lappeenranta City Hall auditorium is for invited guests. Highlights of the event include a keynote address by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, who will be receiving an honorary doctorate in business administration.
Weather permitting, the ceremony will conclude with an academic procession to the Lappeenranta military cemetery, where a wreath will be laid at the war memorial. The public is welcome to watch the procession, which is expected to pass at approximately 14:30–15:00. The route from City Hall to the military cemetery runs along Villimiehenkatu. Kirkkokatu and Kauppakatu.
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