Tampere University
Tampere University coordinates the University Consortium of Seinäjoki and promotes the collaboration between universities in Seinäjoki by supporting the project preparation process, the development of new services and stakeholder-oriented work.
Tampere University’s research in health sciences in Seinäjoki focuses on the health, health-related behaviours and the well-being of children and young people. Its nursing science research focuses on the study of family-oriented care and guidance. The staff of the Faculty of Management and Business in Seinäjoki researches and develops contents related to regional innovation activities.
The University’s medical research in Seinäjoki focuses on laboratory and substance abuse medicine, adulthood asthma and asthma service system in lung diseases, orthopaedics and traumatology in surgery, endocrinology in internal medicine, and the treatment of depression and alcoholism in psychiatry.
Tampere University has established itself as a provider of basic medical education in South Ostrobothnia, and the University also organises specialisation training as well as education designed to substitute university hospital services in Seinäjoki.
Tampere University’s smart and energy-efficient systems research and development activities focus on health care technology, digital manufacturing, architecture and metal construction. Tampere University arranges transitional master’s degree-level engineering programmes for engineers who have previously attained a BSc in engineering. The fields included in the transitional programme are based on the needs of regional businesses, with the latest programme focusing on digital manufacturing. The University’s activities are characterised by its extensive collaboration with the companies in the region.
The Open University of Tampere University provides university-level adult education and offers degree-oriented study paths in, for example, social work, nursing and administrative sciences. The study path in social work has been available since 2004 and will continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The University’s degree-oriented studies are supported by personal guidance and a diverse selection of studies, where contact and online teaching flexibly form study packages that fit the lives and careers of adult students.
University of Helsinki
The University Consortium of Seinäjoki is home to the University of Helsinki’s Ruralia Institute, which is part of the University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Institute aims is to promote the sustainable development and bioeconomy of rural areas through its multidisciplinary research, innovation activities, and education. The Institute also participates in the implementation of the teaching provided at the University.
The Ruralia Institute has two focus areas: the food chain and natural resources as well as local development. Its focus in both areas is to promote sustainable development, strengthen business activities and value chains, develop innovation networks, and support the effectiveness of public services.
The Institute operates at the national and international level and collaborates extensively with other public actors. Its international collaboration consists primarily of EU-funded research and development projects that involve both the Institute and its European partners. In addition to the University Consortium of Seinäjoki, the Ruralia Institute also operates at the Mikkeli University Consortium.
University of the Arts Helsinki
The Seinäjoki unit of University of the Arts Helsinki engages in education, research and developmental activities. Its operations cover different types of music and also include activities provided by other academies at the University of the Arts Helsinki. Its development activities also extend to events and the creative sector at large.
The University has improved its societal impact and visibility with, for example, the Open Campus project, which places special emphasis on how artistic activities are presented to the public. The University’s summer artists have displayed their talents at numerous events in Seinäjoki. The University’s Kuppila event space serves as a lively venue for the performing arts.
The University has surveyed the collaborative possibilities between the arts and businesses by interviewing local entrepreneurs. The result was a vision for the future that provides an important contribution to the discussion on the opportunities and dimensions of how music and creative endeavours can boost the growth of entrepreneurship.
University of Vaasa
The University of Vaasa’s strongest fields in Seinäjoki include management, marketing and technology. The research in these fields is carried out by four professors and their research groups. These key areas also focus on research-oriented development activities. Recently, the University’s energy-focused project activities have received particular attention.
The Master’s Degree Programme in Growth Companies continues with new student recruitments every three years. The open university’s study paths in management, marketing, international business and commercial law remain increasingly attractive. Degree studies are supported through personal guidance and the development of online study opportunities.
The University of Vaasa’s activities in Seinäjoki are coordinated by the Levon Institute.
University of Turku
The University of Turku’s Professor of Food Development and their research group examine factors affecting the taste and enjoyability of food with the aim of promoting healthy eating habits and the competitiveness of the Finnish food industry. Their research topics range from the chemistry of flavour and food development to the motivations that influence food-related choices. They carry out their work in close collaboration with regional actors, at both the national and international level.
The Brahea Centre’s projects in Seinäjoki focus on national themes related to the development of the food sector and rural areas.