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The European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) awarded Markku Markkula from Aalto University the Leonardo da Vinci Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution of international significance to engineering education, during the SEFI Annual Conference 2016 in Tampere, Finland. He is the thirtieth laureate of the distinction, which is the highest award in European engineering education.

SEFI President, Professor Martin Vigil (right) handed the Medal to Markku Markkula. Photo: Sami Lamminen / TT-Kamerat

Markku Markkula works as Advisor to the Presidents at Aalto University focusing on the EU strategy issues. He is also the President of the European Committee of the Regions.

'Markku Markkula has put his mark on and influenced engineering education and inspired many educators for more than two decades', said Professor Martin E. Vigild, President of SEFI, when announcing the decision. 'Thanks to his leadership and his visionary thinking engineering education in Europe continues to develop.'

Following in the footsteps of Jacques Delors, who was the first person to be awarded the Leonardo da Vinci medal in 1983, Markku Markkula stressed the importance of European dimension in achieving significant social changes, the value of an entrepreneurial mindset and the need to continue learning beyond formal education.
'We should all be open and eager to react to the challenges around us. This requires seeing which opportunity doors or windows are open and then being ready to take immediate action', Markkula said.

More information:
Markku Markkula, +358 50 464 2455, markku.markkula@aalto.fi