Helsinki University Open Science Award goes to Prof. Hautaniemi

The Open Science Award of the University of Helsinki has been presented this year to Professor Sampsa Hautaniemi of the Faculty of Medicine, said the university in a press release on Monday.

The jury appreciated Hautaniemi’s long-term commitment, broad scope and active contribution to promoting open science both in his immediate academic community and at the university level.

While coordinating major research projects, Hautaniemi has developed an operating culture in which the responsible sharing of research data, open source software, open analytical methods and open access publishing are an integral part of the research process.

Hautaniemi has also contributed to the preparation of the University’s research data policy for 2021, and to the work of the steering group for the digital development of research.

The University of Helsinki's Open Science Award has been presented annually since 2017 in recognition of significant efforts to promote open science.

Nominations for recipients of the 2026 award were requested from the University’s unit leadership in September and October, and from all University members via Flamma.

The award jury comprised University Librarian Minna Niemi-Grundström, Postdoctoral Researcher Antti Kanner, Head of Development Aura Kivilaakso and Project Planning Officer Tanja Lindholm.