ÄûÃʵ¼º½

News

The School of Business will confer ten Honorary Doctors at its May 2026 Ceremonial Conferment – this prestigious celebration is held every five years

The first Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business was held in 1946, so the 17th Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business will take place in spring 2026
tohtorinhattu, Kauppakorkeakoulu
Photo: Aalto University/Mika Levälampi

The next Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business will be celebrated from 21 to 23 May 2026. The Ceremonial Conferment is a traditional and prestigious academic celebration where graduates of master’s and doctoral degrees are inducted into the scientific community and accepted according to tradition as its full-fledged members.

Furthermore, at the School of Business, honorary doctors as well as jubilee masters and doctors, who graduated to masters and doctors fifty years ago, i.e., in 1976, will also be conferred.

Ten Distinguished Honorary Doctors

The School of Business will confer ten invited Honorary Doctors. They are significant societal influencers, highly accomplished in their fields of science, or have closely collaborated with the academic staff of the School of Business and its six departments.

Those who have agreed to the invitation and will be conferred to Honorary Doctors in May 2026 are:

  • Professor W. Robert Knechel
  • Professor Xueming Luo
  • Professor George Mailath
  • Professor Claus Munk
  • Kanslianeuvos Arto Mäenmaa
  • President of the Republic Alexander Stubb
  • Professional board member Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae
  • Professional board member Salla Vainio
  • Professor Gyula Vastag
  • Professor emerita Eleanor Westney

The Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business is a three-day celebration that includes, among other events, the ribbon-tying ceremony, the Conferment act and procession, dinner, and the ball. On the last day of the Ceremonial Conferment, the traditional herring lunch, known as ‘sillis’, takes place.

At the School of Business, the Ceremonial Conferment is held every five years. The first Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business was organised in 1946, so spring 2026 marks the 17th Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business.

Further information

Act of Conferment

School of Business Ceremonial Conferment 2026

The 17th Ceremonial Conferment of the School of Business will be celebrated on May 21–23, 2026.

Events
Kauppakorkeakoulun promootio 2022

Honorary Doctors of the 17th Conferment of the School of Business

The School of Business will confer ten new Honorary Doctors in May 2026.

School of Business
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Microscope image of wavy skin tissue layer, pink and purple cells forming dense clusters
Cooperation, Studies, University Published:

Apply now: Bioengineering human tissue: Design, fabrication, analysis

Unite!’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on bioengineering human tissue combines online learning with hands-on training in Germany.
Two people carrying a sign with 'IT Services' written on it and a magnifying glass icon.
University Published:

Multifactor authentication (MFA) required for all services when logging in from outside Aalto, starting 28 April 2026

The MFA policy for Aalto Login (idp.aalto.fi) will be aligned with the policy used by other Aalto services.
Three young people talking at an outdoor event with tents behind them, wearing blue and brown jackets.
University Published:
Graduates in dark suits and top hats at a ceremony, facing a blue-lit stage with many flags.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Seven new honorary doctors in technology at Aalto University in 2026

The ceremonial conferment takes place on university campus in June.