On 27 August 2026, Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, European Commission Director General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, appointed CESAER as a member of the STEAM Executive Panel. CESAER will be represented on the Panel by Petri Suomala.
Following approval by CESAER’s Board of Directors, Petri has also been appointed CESAER Envoy for this role. His mandate took effect on 27 August 2026 and will continue until 31 December 2027.
As Envoy, Petri will represent CESAER on the Panel and engage at the highest level with the European Commission and other stakeholders to advance Europe’s STEAM education and skills agenda. Drawing on the collective expertise of CESAER Members and supported by the Secretariat, he will contribute on behalf of CESAER.
The Panel brings together around 20 representatives from business, education and training providers, and social partners. Established as part of the implementation of the STEM Education Strategic Plan, it will advise the European Commission on STEM skills needs and STEAM education. Its work will include strengthening cooperation between education and business and helping ensure that graduates are prepared for evolving societal and labour-market needs.
The Panel will also contribute to the work of the European Skills High-Level Board -- where CESAER is represented by CESAER Envoy Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of POLITEHNICA Bucharest -- and to an annual STEAM Education Outlook, translating the objectives of the STEM Education Strategic Plan into practical recommendations.
Petri Suomala (Vice President for Education and International Partnerships at Aalto University and Co-Chair of the CESAER Task Force European Higher Education) said:
“Europe’s ability to lead in science, technology and innovation depends on developing talent equipped to navigate profound technological, economic and societal change. Universities of science and technology sit at the intersection of education, research, innovation, industry and society, giving them a particular responsibility to help shape that future.
“As CESAER Envoy, I look forward to drawing on the experience of Aalto University and the collective insight and ambition of CESAER Members. Our shared task is to ensure that Europe’s STEAM education turns excellence in knowledge and talent into innovation, resilience and value for society.”
Mattias Björnmalm (Secretary General of CESAER) said:
“Petri combines strategic university leadership with a deep understanding of European higher education and extensive engagement across the CESAER community. His appointment as CESAER Envoy will bring a clear, authoritative and forward-looking voice from Europe’s universities of science and technology to the Panel.
“The choices Europe makes now about education and skills will shape its long-term scientific capacity, competitiveness and resilience. Through Petri’s mandate, CESAER will help ensure that these choices are informed by institutions that connect excellent education and cutting-edge research in science and technology with innovation, industry and society.”
For more information, please contact the Secretariat.
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