TURNS, which has been an informal network of urban researchers since the beginning of 2019, is now the new research platform of the Tampere University. The purpose of the platform is to promote interdisciplinary, innovative, and critical research in the field of urban sustainability.
– The position of TURNS as a research platform enables long-term work that supports top-level research and societal impact. The aim is to launch new research openings and engage in internationally effective research cooperations, says Professor Panu Lehtovuori, Head of the platform.
– The diversity of research topics and methods is the natural starting point and strength of the platform. At the same time, it creates a challenge for all of us to identify and clarify the topics and approaches where the Tampere research community has the most to offer. I hope that the activities of TURNS will be scientifically brave and innovative. As an example, our focus is on medium-sized and small cities instead of traditional metropolitan research, Lehtovuori continues.
The activities will include, among others, research seminars, stakeholder meetings, and international conferences, as well as improving networking opportunities for researchers in the forms of researcher mobility and seed funding that encourages multidisciplinarity.
The activities of TURNS are coordinated by Project Manager, researcher Riina Lundman.
– The aim is to develop the platform in accordance with the wishes of the research community and stakeholders. We also aim to popularize urban research and thereby increase its societal impact, Lundman says.
As a research platform, TURNS strengthens the themes identified in the Tampere University’s strategy: sustainable urban development and well-being. Cooperation will be done with Sustainable Transformation of Urban Environments (STUE) profiling area, the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) degree programme, and the new Digital and Sustainability Transitions in Society (DigiSus) research platform that is starting at the same time.
In the long run, TURNS aims to be the leading research accelerator for urban sustainability in the Nordic countries. The activities of TURNS are intended for members of the entire research community at Tampere University, whose work is related to urban sustainability.
At this point, you can follow the news on the platform’s website and by joining the TURNS mailing list.
The TURNS kickoff event will be held on 5.3.2024 at G Livelab in Tampere. Welcome!