Recipients of the Alfred Kordelin Prize: Vilma Jää, Jaan Praks and Mari Leppänen

The Alfred Kordelin Foundation awards the prize to pioneers in culture and knowledge once a year. The recipients are leaders in their fields who strengthen expertise, diversity of voices and international engagement in Finnish society through their work. The 2026 prizes go to folk musician Vilma Jää, Professor of Space Technology Jaan Praks and bishop and non-fiction writer Mari Leppänen.

“Our prize recipients come from different fields, but what they share is courage and the ability to show us new kinds of perspectives,” says Mikko Kosonen, Chair of the foundation’s Board of Directors.

“We present them with the Alfred Kordelin Prize in recognition of their work, which is already having a wide-reaching impact on society. The purpose of the prize is to encourage the recipients to continue their ground-breaking work.”

An exceptional international breakthrough – folk musician Vilma Jää

Singer, composer and violinist Vilma Jää (b. 1995) is awarded the prize for her artistic work that has attracted attention across the globe. She weaves together Finno-Ugric sung poems, folklore and folk music with electronic sounds and pop music in an exceptionally imaginative and bold way.

Vilma Jää graduated with a master’s degree in music from Uniarts Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy in 2021 and has rapidly emerged as one of the most intriguing creators on the Finnish music scene. Jää approaches folklore as a living, ever-evolving form of expression which, in her hands, takes on new forms and reaches new audiences, whilst forging surprising connections with contemporary art. Her debut album Kosto (2023) and the follow-up Loitsui ja taikoi (2026) demonstrate how a deep understanding of tradition can give rise to ambitious art that speaks to today’s audiences.

In her distinctive voice and bold way, Vilma Jää has brought Finnish folklore to the attention of the wider world. This was obvious particularly in her international breakthrough role in Kaija Saariaho’s opera Innocence. Jää’s vocal technique and her unique style, drawing on the tradition of herding calls, have made an indelible impression on audiences and critics alike in Finland, France, the UK, the Netherlands and at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

At the end of September 2026, Jää will once again break new ground with the international release of the game ‘Control Resonant’ by the Finnish company Remedy Entertainment. Vilma Jää’s singing, featured in the game’s trailer, sparked global interest in the spring of 2026.

A pioneer and innovator in space technology – Professor Jaan Praks

Associate Professor of the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering at Aalto University, Jaan Praks (b. 1971) is awarded the prize for his exceptional and impressive career as a pioneer and innovator in Finnish space technology, a researcher of satellite technology and a long-term advocate for responsible management of space activities.

Praks conducts research into nanosatellite technology, missions and radar remote sensing. He is also working on solutions that would make it possible to monitor changes to the Earth, while supporting evidence-based decision-making and reducing the environmental impact of satellites, such as the demand for materials and energy.

Praks has made space technology a tangible part of Finland’s future expertise. The student project he led resulted in the launch of Finland’s first satellite, Aalto-1, and set in motion a process of development that has led to satellite technology becoming not only a field of high-calibre research in Finland but also a new area of business. Companies, expertise and collaborative networks have sprung up around his research group, strengthening the sector’s growth. Alongside his other activities, Praks teaches and mentors the experts of the future – in his accessible learning environments, young researchers are able to participate in the development of space technology whilst still studying.

Through his work, Praks has deepened our understanding of the significance of space technology in building a sustainable future. His work demonstrates in concrete terms how research can simultaneously generate new knowledge, enhance expertise and create new industries.

A social commentator and champion of culture – Bishop Mari Leppänen

The bishop of the Archdiocese of Turku, non-fiction writer and columnist Mari Leppänen (b. 1978) is awarded the Alfred Kordelin Prize for her work as a staunch advocate of equality, human rights and justice. Leppänen’s work highlights what is at the core of a modern, open society: the ability to engage in honest dialogue while showing respect to human dignity within a pluralistic society.

Leppänen’s thinking brings together ecclesiastical, ethical and social perspectives in a way that creates space for listening, understanding and a shared future for the common good. She is known as an active columnist and public commentator who has addressed issues such as the youth mental health crisis, domestic violence, the rights of transgender people and the status of same-sex couples within the Church.

As a non-fiction writer, Leppänen has explored issues relating to community, humanity and the exercise of power in a way that resonates widely. In her works, she reflects on themes such as trust, courage and silence, weaving personal and social perspectives together in a distinctive way. Her writing style is characterised by calmness, thoughtfulness and an accessible approach.

Leppänen’s own personal history lends depth to her message, and her ability to speak about difficult issues with an open mind, fearlessly and with respect for others makes her an exceptionally noteworthy and empathetic contributor to the public debate in these turbulent times. Leppänen also has an exceptional ability to reinvent her role and act as a strong public voice from her position as a bishop. 

The nomination process resembles that of the Nobel Prize

The process for awarding the Alfred Kordelin Prize resembles that of the Nobel Prize: nominees may be put forward by 150 organisations, ranging from Finnish universities to embassies and art and cultural organisations. This year, readers of the weekly current-affairs magazine Suomen Kuvalehti also had the opportunity to nominate candidates.

Nominations are reviewed by a committee, which this year comprised Gita Kadambi, General Director of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet; Atte Jääskeläinen, President of Sitra; Mikko Kosonen, Chair of the Kordelin Foundation’s Board of Directors; Professor Kirsi Tirri; journalist Laura Saarikoski and Professor Jukka Seppälä.

The Alfred Kordelin Foundation has been awarding prizes for over a hundred years, and the first prize in its history went to composer Jean Sibelius in 1923. Subsequent recipients have included, amongst others, the dance artist, choreographer and Artistic Director Tero Saarinen, composer Outi Tarkiainen, Academy Research Fellow Timo Miettinen and Professor Olli Vapalahti.

For the attention of editorial teams (not for publication)

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 24 September from 6 pm to 8 pm at Kunsthalle Helsinki (Nervanderinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki). We warmly welcome members of the media to the event. As well as the awards ceremony, the programme includes a panel discussion with the award recipients. The programme ends at 7:15 pm.