UAS Technikum Wien awards Riitta Rissanen the title of Honorary Member
26 January, 2026
During a festive ceremony, the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien honored Riitta Rissanen, Rector of Lapland University of Applied Sciences (LUAS), as an honorary member of the university.
By honoring Riitta Rissanen, Rector of Lapland University of Applied Sciences (LUAS), as an honorary member, UAS Technikum Wien recognizes her outstanding services to the continuous deepening of international cooperation and her significant contribution to the qualitative development of numerous joint projects.
Recognition of an exceptional partnership
In its laudatory speech, the university Rectorate and Management emphasized that the relationship between the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien and Lapland UAS has taken on a new intensity and strategic orientation since Riitta Rissanen took office. With her commitment, openness, and solution-oriented approach, Rissanen has “not only accompanied the partnership, but also shaped it significantly,” said Managing Director Florian Eckkrammer.
Benchlearning as a starting point for joint quality development
The benchlearning project was particularly highlighted in the Finnish LUAS 2021 audit process. Rissanen initiated and promoted this cooperative process, which brought together around 60 participants from both institutions. The collaboration enabled participants to learn from each other and exchange good practices in the areas of Collaboration with Working Life (Lapland UAS) and Managing Societal Engagement and Impact (UAS Technikum Wien). This project was a decisive impetus for the further structured expansion of the cooperation.
Action Plan strengthens sustainable cooperation
Another milestone that was recognized at the award ceremony is the joint action plan initiated by Rissanen in 2022, which defines three long-term thematic areas and bundles them strategically. This plan has already given rise to numerous activities, including:
- Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs, which bring together international students in Vienna and Lapland every year
- The development of a double degree program, which has been offering students a double degree for the first time since 2020
- Cooperative research activities and joint project proposals
These initiatives have noticeably strengthened the international positioning of both higher education institutions.
Focus on future topics: Generative AI in teaching
Rissanen set a new focus for the current year: Under her leadership, the topic of generative AI in teaching was placed at the center of the third Action Plan year. The aim is to exchange best practices and develop joint projects, including applications for funded programs.
” Beyond her professional achievements, our collaboration with Riitta has always been characterised by openness, trust, and genuine warmth,” emphasizes Eckkrammer.
An award for special services
The University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien honored Riitta Rissanen as a partner who, with warmth, professionalism, and strategic vision has made a significant contribution to making international cooperation lively, effective, and forward-looking.
By awarding her the title of Honorary Member, the university expresses its gratitude for her many years of commitment – and looks forward to further joint projects.
Further reading:
Lapland UAS
Signing of the double degree programme
Rector’s visit at Technikum Wien (January 2025)
Rector’s visit in Finland (January 2024)
Action Plan meeting (June 2023)PrepaCare(XR) project meeting (February 2023)
Picture Gallery:
In the picture (far right): Riitta Rissanen (Rektorin der Lapland University of Applied Sciences (LUAS)
In the photo: Stefan Sauermann (Vice Rector, UAS Technikum Wien), Riitta Rissanen (Rector, Lapland University of Applied Sciences (LUAS)), and Florian Eckkrammer (Managing Director, UAS Technikum Wien).