Tampere Awards 2025: honouring the promoters of literature, local democracy and inclusion

Tampere awards

Writer Seppo Jokinen was awarded for his merits as a writer. Jokinen’s character, Inspector Koskinen, has appeared in thirty novels and has conquered both television and theatres. Jokinen’s works have made Tampere known to a wide audience and enriched Finnish crime fiction with their distinctive approach. 

Politician and writer Satu Hassi received the award for her long and impressive career in promoting democracy, equality, human rights, the environment and energy. She has served as chairwoman of the Green Party, member of parliament, minister and member of the European Parliament. Hassi has published several works on various topics. 

Gold Medal of the First Class of Tampere

Elisa Hakanen, Managing Director, was honoured for her long-term and meritorious work for Tampere Pyrinne and its extensive sports activities. Ms Hakanen has made a significant contribution to the development of a vibrant city of sport and events in cooperation with the city and other stakeholders. At the heart of Hakanen’s work are the thousands of volunteers, juniors and top athletes who have participated or made events possible.Homaira Qadare has done significant volunteer work for immigrants and refugees in Tampere, especially Afghan women and families with children. Qadare has been an active advocate for equality and rights, generating a broad social debate. Homaira Qadare was also honoured as Finnish Refugee Aid’s Refugee of the Year 2025.

Gerontology professor and non-fiction writer Marja Jylhä was honoured for her life’s work as a pioneer in Finnish research on ageing. She has made a significant contribution to the reform of ageing thinking and has written extensively in both scientific and general literature, actively highlighting the perspective of older people.Professor Arto Haveri was recognised for his long-term work for the University of Tampere and for the development of municipal policy. He has been a key contributor to the research on local and regional government management and to the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Tampere Prize is the city’s highest honour and can be awarded to a person who has contributed to the development of Tampere, the well-being of Tampere residents or the attractiveness of the city through his or her life’s work or activities. The prize is awarded annually on Tampere Day and was first awarded in 1959.Since 2016, the prize has been awarded to the glass artwork “Tammerkoski kuohu”, designed by artist Markku Salo, which combines a Tampere rock and sparkling glass, symbolising the city’s tradition and renewal. In addition to the Tampere Prize, the city awards first class gold medals of merit and special prizes to people of distinction in various fields.