Sirkka Lauri

Sirkka Lauri (née Ihalainen, 1939–2023) served as Professor of Nursing Science at the University of Turku from 1988 to 2002. A pioneer in nursing science, the University of Kuopio appointed her as the discipline’s first professor in Finland in 1986. The Department of Nursing Science was established in the University of Turku’s Faculty of Medicine under Lauri’s leadership, and she served as the head of the department until her retirement. During her term of office, Finnish universities also began co-organising national doctoral education in nursing science. Lauri’s own research focused on decision-making processes in nursing. She was the author of several textbooks in her field, including Hoitotieteen perusteet (“Basics of Nursing Science”), co-authored with Leena Elomaa in 1995.

In her portrait in the University’s art collection, Lauri is depicted in a blue suit, her hands raised to her chest. A gold wedding ring sparkles on her ring finger, her left hand resting on the right hand. The portrait was completed in 1999 by painter and sculptor Vuokko Kimari-Ermala (1921–2005). Kimari-Ermala studied at the Central School of Applied Arts and the School of the Fine Arts Academy of Finland in 1942–1946 and worked as an art teacher at Haapamäen yhteiskoulu high school in the late 1950s. She painted hundreds of portraits during her career and made her life’s work in Turku after settling down in the city in 1969.

Emma Vuolaslempi 2024