The former Unit for Science, Technology and Innovation Studies comprised of two previously separate research groups: Science Studies Unit (est. 1990) at the Research Institute for Social Sciences and the Research Group for Innovation Systems and Organisational Learning (est. 1996) at the Work Research Centre. The integration of the two groups to form TaSTI in 2002 was based on long co-operation and rapprochement of research themes.
In 2011, TaSTI was established as a Research Centre at University of Tampere’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities. The research groups TCuPS, INGA and Knowledge about the Economy were merged to TaSTI, bringing new approaches of politics of knowledge, epistemic governance and technology in everyday life. Later on, also KNOWBOD and WORKBOD projects joined TaSTI, which strengthened aspects of technology, everyday life and the body.
Since 2024, the research in TaSTI has been organized into four areas: Bioscience, health and care; Environment, sustainability and circular economy; Science, higher education and innovation; and Technology, power and democracy. Within these areas, the centre hosts a number of research projects, including DIG1t0, GenDis, IMAGES, ITE, and PRONE.
Currently around 35 researchers are affiliated with TaSTI activities. We hold TaSTI research seminars and symposia, oraganise writing retreats, and provide undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in science and technology studies and innovation studies. Our researchers provide societal impact through engaging in discussions and collaborations with NGOs, public authorities, private companies, artists and the media.