Metropolia appointed new Programme Directors to the Future Proof Health and Wellbeing innovation hub
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences has appointed three Research & Development Programme Directors to the Future Proof Health and Wellbeing innovation hub. The Research and Development Programmes strengthen Metropolia’s role as a national and international forerunner and center of excellence in research, development and innovation for future-proof health and wellbeing.
The Equitable and diverse life R&D Programme is led by Hanna Repo Jamal, Master of Health Sciences. In this R&D Programme, the capabilities and resources of society and communities are strengthened across different stages and structures of life. At the core of the programme are equity and diversity, including equal opportunities in working life and education. The programme supports the development of a multicultural society, two-way integration, and the inclusion, wellbeing and employment of immigrants, while also fostering language-aware and multilingual communities.
“I invite those interested in the phenomena of equality and diversity, as well as the actors engaged with them, to join in co-creation with our research and development programme. The more diverse the voices we bring together, the more sustainable the solutions we can create. The phenomena addressed in this RDI programme are broad and multidisciplinary. They shape the resilience and vitality of society. Their impact is visible both in the everyday lives of individuals and communities, as well as in societal structures and global developments,” Repo Jamal explains.
The Wellbeing of children and youth R&D Programme is led by Dr. Salla Sipari. The R&D Programme promotes individual, holistic and planetary wellbeing together with children, young people, families and professionals. It is founded on every child’s and young person’s right to a good life and growth, as well as on strengthening their capacity to act towards the future. The programme addresses global and societal wellbeing challenges and responds to local and regional needs for developing growth environments. The aim of its research and development activities is to build future-oriented sustainable solutions that are rooted in the needs and dreams of children, young people and families, and that are meaningful in their everyday lives.
“In a rapidly changing world, the capacity to face, grow and develop in unexpected situations is more important than ever, and I believe that within the programme this can be achieved through collaboration. In Metropolia’s phenomenon-based RDI activities and international position, for example within the U!REKA alliance, I see an inspiring environment with the potential for transformative change. What particularly fascinates me in researching and developing with children, young people and families is the co-curiosity, the joy of doing things together, creativity, and play as a factor that strengthens wellbeing,” Sipari says.
The Future health and ageing R&D Programme is led by Dr. Olli Matilainen. The R&D Programme develops value-based solutions to promote health and functional capacity, diagnostics, and care pathways. It explores ways to enable healthy and meaningful aging and age-friendliness, seeking modern solutions for smart care and creating wellness-enhancing and memory-friendly environments.
“Population aging and the related health challenges will pose an even greater challenge to the welfare state in the future than they do today. Through applied research and development, Metropolia and this program have excellent opportunities to create innovative solutions that promote the health of older people as well as other age groups,” Matilainen explains.
The roles of the Research & Development Programme Directors are new and support Metropolia’s strategy to create solutions to societal challenges. The R&D Programmes operate in an ecosystem-like manner and, together with their partners, implement dozens of national and international projects each year. Their development partners include companies, research institutes, wellbeing services counties, cities, NGOs, citizens, and students.
Read more about the Future-Proof Health and Wellbeing innovation hub.
More information
Hanna Repo Jamal
Research & Development Programme Director, Equitable and diverse life
+358 50 472 0796
hanna.repojamal [at] metropolia.fi (hanna[dot]repojamal[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Salla Sipari
Research & Development Programme Director, Wellbeing of children and youth
+358 40 335 2027
salla.sipari [at] metropolia.fi (salla[dot]sipari[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Olli Matilainen
Research & Development Programme Director, Future health and ageing
+358 40 756 6223
olli.matilainen [at] metropolia.fi (olli[dot]matilainen[at]metropolia[dot]fi)