Professor Christina Salmivalli receives Psychology Educator of the Year Award 2026
Professor Christina Salmivalli has been awarded Psykonet’s Psychology Educator of the Year Award 2026. The award is granted in recognition of distinguished contributions to the development of psychology education.
Psykonet, the national network for psychology education in Finland, based its decision on Salmivalli’s significant contributions to advancing psychology education and disseminating psychological methods both in Finland and internationally. Particular recognition was given to her research and educational work related to the KiVa School program.
“Salmivalli’s long-term and consistent contribution combines high-quality research with broad societal impact, specifically through the development of education. She has brought a strong psychological and evidence-based perspective to the study of the phenomenon. Through her research and educational work focused especially on the school environment, Salmivalli has disseminated psychological knowledge and expertise widely, benefiting not only future psychologists but also teachers, educational professionals, and practitioners in related fields,” the award citation states.
The KiVa School program has also gained widespread international adoption and has been developed through a variety of training programs, continuing education initiatives, and trainer networks. The program has received numerous national and international accolades.
Salmivalli’s achievements also include five textbooks and the supervision of numerous doctoral dissertations.
Psykonet is a network of psychology departments at Finnish universities that develops and coordinates psychology education from undergraduate studies to doctoral training, as well as specialist psychologist education.
Every other year, the network awards certificates of recognition to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of psychology education.
Christina Salmivalli also serves as Deputy Director of the Research Centre and Flagship for Inequality, Interventions and a New Welfare State (INVEST).
Psykonet presented its awards at the Psychology 2026 Congress. In addition to Salmivalli, who received the Psychology Educator Award, the Influencer Award was presented to Vera Georgoc, the Young Researcher Award to Ville Harjunen, and the Senior Researcher Award to Jukka Hyönä.