SOC’s new professors present their work in video lectures

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Tampere University will host its inaugural lecture series in a virtual format in the spring of 2021. Inaugural lectures will be delivered by 15 newly appointed professors from different fields. The videos are published on the University’s YouTube channel.

“New professors have traditionally been welcomed to the University community in connection to inaugural lectures, but now that Covid-19 restrictions are in place, we are delighted to be able to showcase our new professors in a virtual environment. The brief lectures provide an overview of our new professors’ fields of research and perfectly illustrate the broad range of multidisciplinary research carried out across Tampere University,” says Provost Jarmo Takala.

At the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Elina Kontu and Professor of Practice Elli Aaltonen give lectures. Elina Kontu is a professor of psychology who focuses on autism spectrum disorders and the psychology of developmental disabilities. The main areas of research and development of her research group are sensory interaction, psychosocial rehabilitation, flexible learning solutions, and demanding support.

“An equal and decent life is the fundamental right of all people. A disability should not be an obstacle for anyone to have the same opportunities for a good life regardless of disability,” Kontu says. 

In her post, Professor of Practice Elli Aaltonen brings her extensive experience from the public sector and NGOs in Finland and abroad to Tampere University’s education and research. Aaltonen’s research focuses on social sustainability.  

“My years of working on welfare issues have led me to ask how we can create the kind of well-being that will bring long-term sustainability to clients, employees, and entire society. That is what social sustainability is about,” Aaltonen says. 

An inaugural lecture is a time-honoured academic tradition and a prestigious occasion for newly appointed professors to present their research in lay terms to the scientific community, stakeholders, and the public, and for the University to welcome them to the community.  Traditionally, inaugural lectures are public events that are open to all.

View new professors at all the faculties on tuni.fi/newprofessors

Enquiries:

The contact details of the professors giving lectures can be found via the people search on the University’s website.