The research centre Taru extends the concept of communications

Taru was created when the three research centres housed in the Communication Sciences unit – the Tampere Research Centre for Journalism, Media and Communication (COMET), the Tampere Research Center for Information and Media (TRIM) and the Centre for Practice as Research in Theatre T7 – were combined in January 2024. Taru merges some of Tampere University’s existing strong research fields into a new, multidisciplinary research centre.

– The research conducted at Taru transcends conventional disciplinary boundaries, bringing together experts specialising in information, game and media studies, journalism, visual studies, and performing arts,” says Jarmo Viteli, Director of Taru.

– The idea to consolidate all communication research under one roof dates back to 2022, when Tampere University underwent the international Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Previously, the Communication Sciences unit was split into three research centres, but we collaborated closely to prepare for the RAE. In the process, we realised that our collaboration was not only gratifying but also highly productive. In fact, we received an excellent rating for our research,” Viteli says.

Taru consists of 11 research groups and nearly a hundred researchers. The Associate Directors are Associate Professor (tenure track) Laura Ahva, head of the Journalism Studies Group, and Professor Esa Kirkkopelto, who leads the Boundaries of Performing research group.

With everything in a state of flux, including the support structures for research, Laura Ahva believes that this was the perfect moment to reconsider the organisation of research within the Communication Sciences unit.

– Now is the time to embrace something new. While we are still in the early stages with Taru, we are eager to listen to what people want and need. One tangible form of support we can provide to each other is collaboration and support for preparing for important funding calls,” says Ahva.

Esa Kirkkopelto joined Tampere University in the autumn of 2023, assuming the role as professor overseeing artistic research in the Communication Sciences unit. He has previous experience in building research communities from the Theatre Academy in Helsinki, Finland, and Lund University in Sweden. At Tampere University, research on the performing arts has primarily been conducted under the umbrella of the Centre for Practice as Research in Theatre T7. Kirkkopelto recognises a growing demand for research in this area.

– With the establishment of Taru, we extend the concept of communication and collectively study society as a sustaining force. Researchers thrive within a community! They need a shared vision and collective energy. The integration of artistic research infuses new vitality into multidisciplinary collaboration,” asserts Kirkkopelto.

Laura Ahva and Jarmo Viteli echo this sentiment.

– A sense of community and presence! The strength of a community lies in its individual members.”