Deadline: 29-May-2026
The Nokia Foundation and OKKA Foundation are inviting nominations for a recognition award celebrating excellence and innovation in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education at Finnish universities.
The award honours individuals or teams demonstrating outstanding teaching, impactful educational practices, and innovative pedagogical approaches that support society, working life, and the future of ICT education.
Programme Overview
The ICT Education Recognition Award aims to recognize exceptional contributions to ICT teaching and education in Finnish higher education institutions.
The award highlights:
- Excellence in ICT teaching
- Innovative pedagogical methods
- Inspiring education practices
- Contributions to working-life skills
- Impactful university-level ICT education
- Educational leadership and collaboration
The programme supports the advancement of high-quality ICT education aligned with societal and professional needs.
Award Focus Areas
The recognition award particularly values:
- Innovative ICT teaching approaches
- Effective learning environments
- Student-centered pedagogy
- Educational impact and outcomes
- Collaboration between academia and society
- Contributions to workforce development
Who is Eligible?
The award may be granted to individuals or teams working in ICT education at Finnish universities.
Eligible Candidates Include
- Professors
- Research directors
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Researchers
- Experts
- Project managers
- Lecturers
- University teachers
- Teaching assistants
- Educational teams
Both individual and team nominations are accepted.
Who Can Submit Nominations?
Proposals may be submitted by:
- Colleagues
- University staff members
- Work communities
- Student organizations
- Institutional or external partners
Nominators should have strong knowledge of the candidate’s work and achievements.
Nomination Requirements
The nomination must clearly explain:
- The candidate’s achievements
- Educational impact
- Excellence in ICT teaching
- Innovation in pedagogy or educational practice
Submission Language
Applications may be submitted in:
- Finnish
- English
Submission Method
Proposals must be submitted through the official OKKA grant system.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify a Qualified Candidate
Choose an individual or team demonstrating exceptional ICT education contributions.
Step 2: Prepare the Nomination
The proposal should include:
- Candidate background
- Key achievements
- Educational innovations
- Evidence of impact and excellence
Step 3: Submit Through the OKKA Grant System
Ensure the nomination is complete and submitted in Finnish or English.
Why This Award Matters
The recognition award helps:
- Highlight excellence in ICT education
- Encourage innovative teaching methods
- Support educational quality in universities
- Strengthen connections between education and working life
- Promote impactful learning practices in technology fields
The initiative also recognizes educators shaping the future ICT workforce in Finland.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Justification
Nominations should provide clear evidence of educational impact and innovation.
Lack of Specific Examples
Strong proposals include measurable outcomes, projects, or teaching achievements.
Incomplete Nomination Materials
Missing supporting information may weaken the application.
Limited Focus on Educational Impact
The nomination should explain how the candidate’s work benefits students, institutions, or society.
FAQ
What is the ICT Education Recognition Award?
It is an award recognizing excellence and innovation in ICT education at Finnish universities.
Who organizes the award?
The award is organized by the Nokia Foundation and the OKKA Foundation.
Who can receive the award?
The award may be granted to individuals or teams involved in ICT education in Finnish universities.
Can teams be nominated?
Yes. Both individuals and teams are eligible.
Who can submit nominations?
Colleagues, staff members, student organizations, work communities, and partners may submit nominations.
What language should the proposal be submitted in?
Applications may be submitted in Finnish or English.
Conclusion
The Nokia Foundation and OKKA Foundation ICT Education Recognition Award celebrates educators and teams advancing excellence in ICT teaching and learning in Finland. By recognizing innovative pedagogy and impactful educational practices, the award supports the continued development of high-quality ICT education that benefits students, universities, and society.
For more information, visit Nokia Foundation.