HYY awards prizes to the best teachers of 2025
NEWS
Every year, HYY awards prizes to distinguished teachers and instructors at the University of Helsinki as thank for their invaluable work.
Good teachers and instructors received their prizes in a traditional ceremony at HYY’s 157th Anniversary at the Old Student House on 8 November 2025. The recipients of the awards were selected based on proposals submitted by students and organisations. Thank you for the numerous nominations you submitted!
The Magister Bonus prize is awarded to a staff member teaching in Swedish or Finnish. The Best International Teacher prize is awarded to a staff member teaching in English. The Good Instructor prize is awarded to a member of the University’s staff providing instruction.
Magister Bonus
Hanna Koivula, senior university lecturer
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Criteria for awarding the prize:
- Student friendliness
- Expertise
- Active attitude towards development
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Paraphrasing the nominating party:
Students are always the focal point of Hanna Koivula’s teaching. Koivula’s strong expertise and enthusiasm towards the subjects she teaches also inspire the students. As a teacher, Koivula is exact but easily approachable and understanding towards students’ different situations in life. She is always ready to listen to students’ thoughts and ensure that learning objectives are met. Koivula’s genuine student friendliness and excitement towards her discipline make her an exceptional teacher – one who genuinely cares about the wellbeing and success of her students.
Best International Teacher
Filip Ekholm, university lecturer
Faculty of Science
Criteria for awarding the prize:
- Student friendliness
- Expertise
- Active attitude towards development
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Paraphrasing the nominating party:
Filip Ekholm has created a unique learning environment around himself, providing students with guidance and mentoring even outside courses. He has had a significant impact on the study and career paths of several chemistry students. Ekholm develops his pedagogically high-quality courses based on student feedback as well as invests in giving feedback and supporting students in many different ways. He exceeds all expectations through his student friendliness.
Good Instructor prize
Janni Haapaniemi, university lecturer
Faculty of Educational Sciences
Criteria for awarding the prize:
- Commitment
- Support for study planning
- Encountering students
- Helping students become a part of the University and scientific community
Paraphrasing the nominating party:
The starting point of Janni Haapaniemi’s teaching and guidance is approaching students as a fellow human being while still ensuring that the teaching objectives are met. Her teaching has a strong basis on research. Haapaniemi is praised for her way of giving students constructive feedback in a gentle manner. She constantly develops and challenges students’ ways of thinking and their understanding of their own expertise. Haapaniemi wants to get to know her students and listen to them. She has also had a significant involvement in curriculum work.
Further information:
Venla Lehtinen
Member of the Board (Higher Education policy)
venla.lehtinen@hyy.fi
