The growth in RDI volume was selected as the success story of the year. The award was received by Research Director Cimmo Nurmi and Vice President Heikki Haaparanta. The significant growth in RDI volume strongly supports SAMK’s strategy, and many successes have been achieved. At the same time, the funding base for RDI activities has become more diverse, and internationalisation has strengthened, for example through DIVERSE cooperation.
The social services team received the initiative of the year award for several initiatives and activities supporting community spirit. The team has organised warm-hearted competitions and events that have strengthened the sense of community and brought positive visibility to SAMK. Examples include the wool sock competition, the SAMK Goes Good event and the Hyvät teot kiertoon campaign. The award was received by the entire social services team, led by Head of Teaching Nina Leppälampi.
Project Assistant Sinikka Kyngäs was selected as the project operator of the year. According to the grounds for the award, her contribution to the smooth running of SAMK’s research activities is significant. She performs her work exceptionally well and has helped others countless times in situations requiring a skilled and reliable problem-solver with expertise in project activities.
The number of SAMK publications increased from the previous year: in 2025, a total of 257 publications meeting the criteria of the Ministry of Education and Culture were produced. At the same time, the range of publications expanded to include more podcasts and videos. Senior Lecturer Tomi Kuusimäki was selected as the publisher of the year. Kuusimäki has been an active author of publications for several years. In 2025, he contributed to seven different publications, most of which were professional D-type publications.
Researching senior lecturer Sanna Lindgren was selected as the communicator of the year. The grounds for the award highlight that she practically designed and produced SAMK’s sustainability podcast herself. The podcast was pioneering work on an important theme and demonstrated how impactful communication can be produced with a low threshold. She is also active on LinkedIn and contributes through her work to building SAMK’s employer image and brand. She naturally approaches matters from a communications perspective, and cooperation with her is smooth thanks to clear plans and determined progress.
Student Union SAMMAKKO selected Annika Suvela as the teacher of the year. According to the grounds for the award, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing teaching and supporting student learning. She is known for her clear, consistent and encouraging teaching style and her genuine desire to help every student succeed. Students value her strong pedagogical expertise and high work ethic. Suvela continuously develops her teaching based on student feedback. She actively advocates for students and supports their success both in their studies and in their future working lives.
Based on a staff vote, Faculty Secretary Liisa Suominen was selected as the SAMK person of the year. The grounds for the award described her as someone who works energetically for the benefit of SAMK, helps others and shares her expertise.
Recognition also for community-building activities
For outstanding community-building activities promoting students’ ability to study and staff’s ability to work during the 2025–2026 academic year, the K25KU student group, which began its Fine Arts studies last autumn, and the Electrical and Automation Engineering team were recognised.
The K25KU group, more familiarly known as Kankaanpää Kuvis 2025, has a strong and supportive class spirit in which students help and support one another. Several students in the group have also become involved in student union activities to promote student wellbeing and opportunities within their field.
The Electrical and Automation Engineering team was recognised as the staff group of the year. In the team, community spirit is visible in everyday work. Colleagues help each other, ask how others are doing, and share both successes and challenging moments together. The same atmosphere is conveyed to students: it is easy to be yourself, focus on learning and work towards your own goals, knowing that support from teachers is available. For the team, community, caring and working together are not separate objectives, but the foundation of everyday activities.
