The University Consortium of Seinäjoki is home to research groups from five universities that carry out research in our key focus areas.
These focus areas are linked to the business activities, service development and cultural activities relevant to our surrounding communities. The core of our research activities is formed by research groups led by professors and other experienced researchers.
The University Consortium’s research strategy is called Epanet, which describes the network-like focus of our collaborative research efforts. This collaboration involves five universities, the Natural Resources Institute Finland, the Migration Institute of Finland, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, regional development organisations, service providers, and companies from various sectors.
Each year, over a hundred partners participate in funding the professorships of those who lead our research groups. This means that our collaborative network is one of both resources and ideas. Our interaction with our funders includes close collaboration with the University Association of South Ostrobothnia.
The aim of our research is to achieve an ambitiously international level of quality and competitiveness. From a strategic point of view, we strive for multidisciplinarity, new approaches and interesting results.
The higher education units operating in South Ostrobothnia, the University Consortium, the University of Applied Sciences and the University Association collaborate closely together. This collaboration includes expert groups in our focus area as well as regular joint meetings between management groups. Together, the region’s higher education actors have prepared a joint strategy for higher education in South Ostrobothnia.
Research groups in The University Consortium of Seinäjoki
Agrobioeconomy and Sustainable Food Solutions
- Elintarvikekehitys,
professori Anu Hopia,
Turun yliopisto - Kuluttajakäyttäytyminen elintarvikealalla,
professori Harri Luomala,
Vaasan yliopisto - Eläinten terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin taloustiede,
professori Jarkko Niemi,
Luonnonvarakeskus - Yrittäjyys ruokajärjestelmien kestävyysmuutoksessa,
vanhempi tutkija Silvia Gaiani,
Helsingin yliopisto Ruralia-instituutti
Smart Technologies
- Arkkitehtuuri,
professori Ari Hynynen,
Tampereen yliopisto - Digitaalinen valmistus,
Industry Professor Iñigo Flores Ituarte,
Tampereen yliopisto - Logistiset järjestelmät,
professori Petri Helo,
Vaasan yliopisto - Metallirakentaminen,
Tampereen yliopisto - Terveydenhuollon digitalisaatio,
professori Mark van Gils,
Tampereen yliopisto
- Regional History and Cultural Heritage
research director, Sulevi Riukulehto, University of Helsinki - Osaamisperustainen alue- ja kaupunkikehittäminen,
research director Jari Kolehmainen,
Tampereen yliopisto - Kulttuurinen musiikintutkimus,
professori Antti-Ville Kärjä,
Taideyliopiston Sibelius-Akatemia - Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents Kalle Kurppa, Tampere University
- Psychology, Intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum
professor Elina Kontu, Tampere University - Laboratoriolääketiede,
professori Onni Niemelä,
Tampereen yliopisto - Nursing Science,
professor Eija Paavilainen
Tampere University - Keuhkosairaudet,
professori Hannu Kankaanranta,
Tampereen yliopisto - Urologia,
professori Teemu Murtola,
Tampereen yliopisto - Sisätaudit,
professori Pia Jaatinen,
Tampereen yliopisto - Psychiatry,
professor Merja Viikki,
Tampere university - Päihdelääketiede,
professori Mauri Aalto,
Tampereen yliopisto - Migration and Related subjects,
dosentti Markku Mattila,
Migration Institute
Entrepreneurship and growth
- Puurakentamisen liiketoiminta,
professor
Vaasan yliopisto - Yrittäjyys,
professor
Vaasan yliopisto - Yritysten uudistumisen dynamiikka,
vanhempi tutkija Merja Lähdesmäki,
Helsingin yliopisto - Luonnonvarojen kestävä käyttö ja luontoyrittäjyys,
professori Sami Kurki,
Helsingin yliopisto