Higher Education Research and Development
The research group focuses on multidisciplinary research of higher education institutions. At Turku University of Applied Sciences, it supports the work of researchers, administrative personnel and others interested in higher education institutions and in developing higher education.
The research group maintains relations with the national and international research community and has representation in the board of the Consortium of Higher Education Researchers in Finland, Cherif. The consortium is a member of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies (TSV).
Active networker
In the nationwide UAS field, the research group actively participates in organizing the annual theme days of research in vocational education and education at universities of applied sciences and in the activities of the Finnish Society for Practice Based Inquiry (PraBa).
In addition, the group publishes articles and takes part in the editorial work of the Journal of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, UAS Journal. This e-publication includes a peer-reviewed article section where Turku UAS' staff is encouraged to publish their own articles. At regular intervals, a member of the research group acts as the editor-in-chief.
The research group also takes part in the activities of the international CARPE network.
Research topics
The research topics of the group include, for instance, the following:
- utilization of action research in the UAS field
- the research that supports campus planning
- strategies of higher education institutions
- UASs in the ubiquitous information society
- UAS Journal e-publication activities serving as a network project between higher education institutions
- education policy related to UASs’ working-life connections
- development of e-learning.
The research group performs in international and national conferences and publishes research papers and articles.
Research group members
Mervi Friman, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
Satu Hakanurmi, University of Turku
Tapio Huttula, the Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA
Esa Högblom, the Regional Council of Southwest Finland
Matti Kajaste, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture
Otto Kanervo, the Regional Council of Southwest Finland
Juha Lindfors, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Lotta Linko, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
Martti Majuri, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
Esa Rahiala, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences
Pentti Rauhala, emeritus, Laurea University of Applied Sciences
