Helsinki University hoists flags half-mast to mourn Niemelä´s death

The University of Helsinki on Friday hoisted flags at half-mast to mourn the death of former Rector Professor Jari Niemelä, said the university in a press release.

Niemelä passed away on July 5 at the age of 64 after a prolonged illness and his funeral was held on Friday.

Professor of Urban Ecology Niemelä, was Rector of the University of Helsinki from 2018 to 2022 and retired late this spring.

The funeral was held with only immediate family attending. At the family’s request, instead of flowers his memory may be honoured by making a donation to the University of Helsinki sustainability fund or to WWF Finland.