Human functioning
The project promotes equality by producing publicly available information on the accessibility of sports facilities and adapted physical activity in Satakunta.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: 18.8.2025 – 31.5.2027
Project manager: Kati Karinharju, kati.karinharju@samk.fi
Visit the project website for more information (in Finnish)
The Falla 2 project is a continuation of the Falla project, which developed a physical activity measurement and feedback system for children and young people with functional disability. The Falla2 project investigates the usability of consumer devices for measuring physical activity among young people with functional difficulties and a feedback system for promoting physical activity. Jamk University of Applied Sciences is responsible for implementing the project. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences is the second partner in the project. Other key partners in the project are the Finnish Paralympic Committee, Vocational College Spesia, Live Vocational College, Valteri, and City of Pori. The project is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: 1.6.2025 – 31.5.2026
Project manager: Kati Karinharju, kati.karinharju@samk.fi
Visit the project website for more information (in Finnish)
In the Liikkuva Campus 2.0 project, a physical-activity-friendly operational culture is strengthened and embedded by building on the previous project, promoting the well-being of the higher education community and the smooth progress of studies through active breaks, community-building activities, and measures that support the integration of international students. All materials are also produced in English, the needs of international students are taken into account, the work of the multidisciplinary coordination team is established, and a physical-activity-friendly atmosphere and culture are made visible on campus and through multichannel communication.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: 1.8.2025 – 31.7.2026
Project Manager: Erika Santala, erika.santala@samk.fi
The aim of the project is to promote equality and inclusion by producing up-to-date information on wheelchair handling and mobility skills and learning in Europe. The project targets students, teachers, and researchers at higher education institutions in Europe, professionals working in the field, and people who use wheelchairs in their daily lives.
Funding: Co-funded by the European Union
Duration: 1.12.2024-30.11.2026
Project manager: Kati Karinharju, kati.karinharju@samk.fi
Visit the project website for more information (in Finnish)
Nutrition
The RAVI project includes a randomized, controlled trial (RCT) exploring the effectiveness of nutritional guidance on work ability, work productivity, sickness absence, work well-being, health-related quality of life and nutrition. The RAVI trial aims to study the current state of work ability (performance), work well-being, work productivity, sickness absence, health-related quality of life, nutrient intake and food habits among working-aged (≥ 18 years) employees at Satakunta region and investigate the effectiveness of a 12-month nutritional guidance on work ability (performance), work well-being, work productivity, sickness absence and health-related quality of life, nutrient intake and food habits. Additionally, the RAVI trial measures and analyses the sleep, activity, recovery, and work vitality of the study volunteers from the intervention group (IG). The trial is described and registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
Based on the knowledge gained from the trial and previous success story Eat@Work project, the aim is to continue enhancing the well-being and work ability with nutrition guidance and improving work-time nutrition of the Finnish workforce.
Funding: European Regional Development Fund, The Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 programme
Duration: 1.3.2023–28.2.2026
Project Manager: Susanna Kunvik, susanna.kunvik@samk.fi
The aim of this Mind Nutrition -study is to study whether improving nutrition can (cost-effectively) prevent depression symptoms, depression-related sick leave and improve work ability. The second aim is to identify associations and interactions between nutrition and mental health, quality of life, and work ability in the Finnish working aged population.
This study combines a randomized controlled intervention study (RCT) and data-based study. The RCT study examines the effectiveness of a six-month nutritional counseling on depression-related sick leave and work ability among practical and registered nurses (n=100) working in the mental health field (Satakunta Welfare Region).
This study will provide nationally and internationally important research evidence on how nutrition guidance can prevent depression and depression-related sick leave, and how it can improve work ability. The study will also give nationally valuable data on the associations and interactions between nutrition and mental health, quality of life, and work ability of the Finnish working aged population.
Funding: SAMK
Duration: 1.4.2024 – 31.3.2026
Project Manager: Susanna Kunvik, susanna.kunvik@samk.fi
Mental health
The target group of the project is 16-29-year-olds with mental health and/or neuropsychiatric problems. The target group will be engaged in a processual way in the design and content production of both the escape room game and the material and training package for professionals working with them.
The project will result in the production of an escape room game designed and implemented with the target group, and a package of materials opening the possibilities of gamification for professionals. Both of these materials diversify the tools as part of social and mental health rehabilitation.
Funding: Euroopan sosiaalirahasto plus (ESR+)
Duration: 1.4.2024 – 31.10.2026
Project Manager: Reetta-Kaisa Kuusiluoma, reetta-kaisa.kuusiluoma@samk.fi
The main goal of the project is to create a preventive gambling and substance abuse plan for Satakunta, ensuring that young people in the region have equal opportunities to make safe and healthy decisions in their lives. The project promotes speaking up substance use among professionals working with youth. In SAMK’s subproject, new methods of preventive substance abuse education are developed, such as a virtual escape room game for 8th graders and vocational education students. After the project, the game will be available for use by various local stakeholders.
Funding: Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), coordinated by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Duration: April 1, 2025 – September 30, 2027
Project Manager: Eveliina Tervaniemi, eveliina.tervaniemi@pori.fi
Project Manager of SAMK’s subproject: Johanna Huhtala, johanna.k.huhtala@samk.fi
The HyvoData project develops more effective use of data in the Wellbeing services county of Satakunta. It aims to reduce the wellbeing gap among older people through data analytics, improve wound care consultation through collaboration between experts and AI, launch the Satakunta mental health program, and build an ambitious, unique environment for utilising health and social care data.
Funding: Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto (EAKR)
Kesto: 1.9.2025 – 31.12.2027
Projektipäällikkö: Taina Jyräkoski, taina.jyrakoski@samk.fi
The JUHO project strengthens the wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunities of people with drug dependence. The project develops non-discriminatory service culture and makes wellbeing services more inclusive, accessible, and responsive to clients’ needs, while enhancing professionals’ skills and understanding. The project brings together people with drug dependence and experts to find solutions and create new practices.
Funding: Euroopan sosiaalirahasto plus (ESR+)
Duration: 1.9.2025 – 31.5.2028
Project Manager: Johanna Huhtala, johanna.k.huhtala@samk.fi
Education
The objectives of the project are:
- To develop and pilot the FeelWork Training Model for the betterment of competences and well-being of the staff implementing remote evaluation and guidance,
- To enhance the management of physical and psychosocial risks of the work of the staff implementing remote evaluation and guidance, and
- To disseminate good practices in support of well-being at work of the staff implementing remote evaluation and guidance at national level in Finland by producing an open and accessible training model.
Funding: Euroopan sosiaalirahasto plus (ESR+)
Duration: 1.9.2023 – 30.6.2026
Project Manager: Anu Elo, anu.elo@samk.fi
he main objective of the Finnish-Zambia (FinZamCH) collaboration is to develop a Paediatrics & child health nursing (PCHN) course and promote nursing education between Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) in Finland and Cavendish University in Zambia (CUZ).
The program emphasises the roles played by nurses in reducing death among under-fives.
A result of the project for both universities will be a well-planned and piloted course on PCHN course which can be integrated into HEls bachelor's degree programs in the field of PCHN. Through the education of professionals, partner HEls indirectly contribute to the long-term improvement of child mortality in Zambia.
Rahoittaja: Finnish National Agency for Education
Kesto: 1.8.2024 – 31.12.2026
Projektipäällikkö: Amos Mulu, amos.mulu@samk.fi
The GEROS project is a joint project of six universities of applied sciences. Its aim is to promote the development of Elderly Care degree content, collaboration on curricula, and national profiling. The following universities of applied sciences are participating in the project: South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Karelia University of Applied Sciences, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. The project is coordinated by Karelia University of Applied Sciences.
The objectives of the project are:
- To define the core competencies of the Elderly Care degree to enable curriculum collaboration and cross-institutional learning among universities of applied sciences.
- To produce study modules for the Elderly Care program on the Opin.fi platform, which is a national service providing open courses from higher education institutions.
- To create smaller learning materials related to themes in the Elderly Care program.
- To promote co-design for producing specialized complementary study modules across universities of applied sciences.
The results will include the definition of core competencies in Elderly Care program and pedagogical, methodological, and content-based recommendations that support achieving these competencies. These recommendations can be utilized for collaboration between universities of applied sciences and for strengthening flexible study paths and pathway structures. The specialized advanced study modules will enhance the profiles of the universities of applied sciences offering the of Elderly Care program.
Funding: OKM
Duration: 1.1.2025– 31.12.2027
Project Manager: Kirsi Siira, kirsi.siira@samk.fi
The Project will develope new types of education solutions and complementary approaches to existing activities, with the aim 1) strenghtening the accessibility of social work education in an acute and proactive manner, 2) supporting flexible career paths in the social sector, and (3) promoting the accessibility of social workers in Satakunta and South Ostrobothnia, taking into account the spesific circumstances and needs of both region.
The project will be implemented as key actions flexible study path from Bachelor of Social Services Degree (University of Applied Sciences) to a Master’s Degree in Social Work produced jointly by University Consortium of Pori and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. SAMK's role in its own project is to contribute to piloting, creating, developing, implementing and evaluating a smooth transition learning pathway in cooperation with the university.
Funding: ESR+
Duration: 12/2024-12/2027
Project Manager: SAMK: Satu Vaininen
The project addresses the changes in the social and healthcare sector and the education system through collaboration between universities and universities of applied sciences in the field of health. The JOUSI project (2025–2026), funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, is a consortium of five higher education institutions focused on curriculum and teaching collaboration.
The project's objectives are to 1) develop curriculum and teaching collaboration, 2) promote profiling among higher education institutions, and 3) increase the joint digital and high-quality course offerings of the institutions. The outcome will be a student-centred and competence-based structural model that ensures cumulative career paths and a well-managed transition between higher education institutions
Read more on the project page.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: 1.1.2025-30.6.2026
Project Manager: SAMK: Mari Pakkonen
Archive
DigiSimu - Digital simulation to support evidence-based learning
The key objectives of the project were the development and modelling of a case-based digital platform based on game-based simulation pedagogy. The platform enabled learning about care decision-making through collaboration between different professional groups. In addition, the project aimed to create a guidance model based on simulation pedagogy for practical learning between educational organisations, student nurses (social and health teachers), and student tutors in the social and health care sector. The project resulted in a case-based gamified digital platform and a tutorial model for hands-on learning.
Funding: Euroopan sosiaalirahasto plus (ESR+)
Duration: 1.4.2024 – 31.12.2025
Project Manager: Anni Riikonen, anni.riikonen@samk.fi
Mov-e - Intercultural Communication in Physiotherapy
Our project aimed to create a free, accessible opportunity for the self-development of physiotherapists, students of physiotherapy, and other people who worked with individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. The main objective of the project was the preparation of a 15-case scenario online open-access course, which combined teaching specific techniques and methods for the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions with learning to communicate with the patient.
Visit the project website for more information
Funding: Erasmus+
Duration: 1.11.2022 – 31.10.2025
Project Manager: Johanna Vähä-Jaakkola, johanna.vaha-jaakkola@samk.fi
Coordinator: Panstwowa Wyzsza Szkola Zawodowa w Tarnowie
In cooperation with: Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu, Knowledge Innovation Centre (Malta) Ltd, Miskolci Egyetem, Vistahermosa Grupo HLA Sl, Istanbul Aydin Universitesi Vakfi ja Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. Bronislawa Czecha w Krakowie.
Master of Technology in Rehabilitation (MaTeRe)
The main objective of the Master of Technology in Rehabilitation project was to create a motivated and well-organized network to design a new and innovative integrated curriculum at the master level, enhancing the use of technology in holistic rehabilitation and care in cooperation with Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), FI; Technische Hochschule Rosenheim, DE; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, ES; and School of Nursing, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, TW. As the project progressed, the plan for a joint Master's Degree Programme in Technology in Rehabilitation grew from an initiative to a full curriculum draft, and the collaboration continued toward an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) application process.
Funding: Erasmus+ (Erasmus Mundus Design Measures EMDM)
Duration: 1.10.2024-31.12.2025
Project Manager: Anu Elo, anu.elo@samk.fi
Technology in Rehabilitation (TecRe)
The main objective of the TecRe project was to develop a study module on technology in rehabilitation in cooperation with Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) and Bogomolets National Medical University (NMU). The anticipated results of the project were that the students and teachers learned to use technology in promoting functioning and rehabilitation, and developed new, client-/patient-centred solutions and services.
As a result of the project, both universities obtained a well-planned and piloted study module on rehabilitation technology, which could be integrated into or included in their Master’s degree programs in the fields of rehabilitation, nursing, or welfare technology.
Rahoittaja: Opetushallitus
Kesto: 1.8.2023 – 31.12.2025
Projektipäällikkö: Anu Elo, anu.elo@samk.fi
GNurseSim - Improving Geriatric Patient Satisfaction: Development of a High-Fidelity E-learning Simulation Course to Develop Intercultural Skills in Geriatric Patient Care
The main objectives of the project were:
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to create a methodological framework that constituted a model for creating social-constructivist blended and distance courses for nursing students learning to care for the elderly, with an emphasis on intercultural aspects, drawing on the expertise and experience of the partners;
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to create blended and distance learning courses based on the model, with content developed in simulation laboratories, and to implement them at partner universities in the partner languages;
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to pilot the courses, prepare case studies documenting the implementation of the courses, and develop a set of guidelines and recommendations that were used to enhance the courses;
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to prepare a set of guidelines and recommendations that aided the implementation of the model in other areas of nursing education.
Funding: Erasmus+
Duration: 1.5.2021 – 30.4.2023
Project Manager: Sari Teeri, sari.teeri@samk.fi
Coordinator: Panstwowa Wyzsza Szkola Zawodowa w Tarnowie
In cooperation with: Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu, Universidad de Alicante, Knowledge Innovation Centre (Malta) Ltd, Malta College of Arts Science and Technology, Centria ammattikorkeakoulu ja Middlesex University Higher Education Corporation.
Guidance - Digital tools and Method development
The overall objectives in the project were:
- Promote social inclusion and equality in career guidance throughout the education system
- Promote that more young people and students complete their education and increase their opportunities to get a job
- Promote more young people and students make well-thought-out study choices
- Increased perceived health and hope for the future among young people and students
Funding: Erasmus+
Duration: 1.4.2021 – 31.3.2023
Project Manager: Anne Kärki, anne.karki@samk.fi
Coordinator: Region Örebro Iän
In cooperation with: Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu, Local Government of Kekava Municipality, Valmieras Attīstības aģentūra, Stebo vzw, Municipio De Lousada, Utbildningskontoret, Norrköpings Kommun ja Competence Sverige ekonomisk förening.
Innovative Rehabilitation Education - Introduction of new master degree programs in Ukraine (REHAB)
Project REHAB was aimed at developing capacity and implementing an innovative master’s program in physical therapy in Ukraine.
Specific project objectives were:
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to create, by 2019, a comprehensive Physical Therapy Master’s study program;
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to form, by 2020, a core academic and professional staff of at least 40 qualified physical therapy faculty members for teaching physical therapy;
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to establish educational infrastructure for learning physical therapy at the university;
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to pilot, by 2020, physical therapy master’s programs based on new content and innovative teaching approaches and to graduate up to 200 masters in physical therapy.
Funding: Erasmus+
Duration: 15.10.2017 – 30.11.2022
Project Manager: Anne Kärki, anne.karki@samk.fi
Coordinator: Latvijas Sporta Pedagogijas Akademijas
In cooperation with: National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine, Testing Board, LDUFK, Ternopil State Medical University, Sumy State University, Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego Jozefa Pilsudskiego w Warszawie, Lietuvos Sporto Universitetas, Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Safarika v Kosiciach, Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu ja European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity.
Silver Strategies: Joint Strategies for Companies in Silver Economy: Attracting and Retaining Silver Age Employees
The main objective of Silver Strategies was to improve labour market opportunities for people of preretirement and retirement age (silver age, 55+). The goal was to develop joint antidiscrimination strategies for CB companies and sets of measures to be implemented by companies.
The main outputs were:
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Joint strategies for workplaces to recruit and retain silver age employees;
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Sets of antidiscrimination measures at 36 companies in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland;
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A joint training program for company managers, HR managers, coaches, and consultants on anti-discrimination strategies and measures, including joint training events and expertise-sharing mobilities;
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The outputs were presented in an online Handbook.
Silver Strategies was the first attempt to propose regional and company-level antidiscrimination measures supporting employment opportunities for seniors.
Read more on the project website.
Funding: Interreg Central Baltic
Duration: 1.3.2023–31.8.2025
Project Manager: Riitta Kärkkäinen, riitta.karkkainen@samk.fi
GNurseSim - Improving Geriatric Patient Satisfaction: Development of a High-Fidelity E-learning Simulation Course to Develop Intercultural Skills in Geriatric Patient Care
The main objectives of the project were:
-
to create a methodological framework that constituted a model for creating social-constructivist blended and distance courses for nursing students learning to care for the elderly, with an emphasis on intercultural aspects, drawing on the expertise and experience of the partners;
-
to create blended and distance learning courses based on the model, with content developed in simulation laboratories, and to implement them at partner universities in the partner languages;
-
to pilot the courses, prepare case studies documenting the implementation of the courses, and develop a set of guidelines and recommendations that were used to enhance the courses;
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to prepare a set of guidelines and recommendations that aided the implementation of the model in other areas of nursing education.
Funding: Erasmus+
Duration: 1.5.2021 – 30.4.2023
Project Manager: Sari Teeri, sari.teeri@samk.fi
Coordinator: Panstwowa Wyzsza Szkola Zawodowa w Tarnowie
In cooperation with: Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu, Universidad de Alicante, Knowledge Innovation Centre (Malta) Ltd, Malta College of Arts Science and Technology, Centria ammattikorkeakoulu ja Middlesex University Higher Education Corporation.
Active campus - Active daily life for students and staff
The Active Campus project aimed to build a physical activity-friendly culture and increase physical activity at SAMK and, indirectly, at other higher education institutions in the region. Culture change referred to the attitudes, activities, and management of students and staff.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: 1.8.2024 – 30.6.2025
Project Manager: Erika Santala, erika.santala@samk.fi
Assuring Quality Health Care Traineeships for Medical and Professionals Allied to Medicine through embedding and exploiting tools across Higher Education (HEALINT4ALL)
HEALINT4ALL provides Medical Education and Professionals Allied to Medicine an audit system to facilitate quality assurance of EU clinical learning environments.
Objectives:
- To map and innovatively adapt newly established Audit Protocol and Support tools to suit the Higher Education needs for wider application to medicine and professionals allied to medicine.
- To develop a digital interactive interactive audit tool, which can be used in situ via ipads etc, supported by access to a central database, which can be easily managed by a provider and suit multi-professions.
- To develop a virtual interactive learning and teaching resource for auditor preparation and update, which can be cascaded and incorporated into self directed and blended learning.
- To add further languages of the European Union and incorporate partners integration of the tools in all languages to facilitate wide use across multi-professions.
- To execute an ongoing programme of intensive dissemination and impact evaluation in order to establish the HEALINT Tools and subsequent IWA as the gold standard audit tool for the assessment of clinical placements supporting international mobility by all healthcare.
Duration: 1.9.2020 – 31.8.2023
Project Manager: Viveka Höijer-Brear, viveka.hoijer-brear@samk.fi
Welcome to work!
The main objective of the project was to increase the number of recruitments (internships + employment relationships) by small entrepreneurs in the Satakunta region in the social and health sector, targeting non-native Finnish-speaking students and professionals. An important measure was to increase language and cultural awareness in order to make it easier for professionals with a foreign background to find employment in the future. The aim was to make Satakunta a more attractive region for social and healthcare professionals.
The result was multicultural workplaces that welcomed international students for work placements during their studies and later employed them. The project aimed to find new solutions and ways of working, to internationalise, and to disseminate good practices.
Funding: Euroopan sosiaalirahasto plus (ESR+)
Duration: 1.4.2023 – 30.6.2025
Project Manager: Sari Lintukorpi, sari.lintukorpi@samk.fi
Integration of international students to work life
The integration of international students into work life was a joint additional strategy funding project by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The project addressed the needs outlined in the regional program, themes, and guidelines for both Satakunta and South Ostrobothnia, focusing on ensuring the availability of skilled labour and the integration of international students into the regions. Through this project, SAMK prepared for the increasing number of international students by clarifying its own international operations and processes.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025
Project Manager: Anne Kuparinen, anne.kuparinen@samk.fi
Ideas for cooperation? Contact:
Henna Kyhä
Research Manager,
Head of Research Center for Human Functioning
SAMK
+358 44 710 3134
