Speakers

Eye on TAMK keynote speaker Mikko Hautakangas (Tampere University Research Centre for Communication Sciences) has been developing the concept of conciliatory journalism since 2016. Through a variety of experiments and diverse collaborations, Hautakangas has studied the dynamics of social polarization and media culture. How does the public discussion suffer from antagonisms? In what ways do the media structures and routines fuel polarization? What kind of tools and solutions for dealing with social tensions can be found from the world of conflict mediation?

In his talk, Hautakangas approaches these questions by presenting the practical work that has been done to develop conciliatory journalism. In addition to his role as researcher, Hautakangas is active in the Finnish field of conflict mediation. When talking about social polarization, he makes use of this approach and experience. Therefore his talk reaches beyond the realm of communication studies towards a wider understanding about social sustainability and peace.

Hautakangas invites his audience to think about listening as courage to confront both others and the self. “– My experiences with mediation have strengthened my faith in other people and our ability to deal with the conflicts that are an inevitable part of living in a diverse and open society”, he says.

Kirsi Purhonen and Mira Roine (Silta Association) will talk about the ‘Mielihyvin duunissa’ project, which enhances the skills of employers, educational institutions, and occupational health services in supporting the mental health and work ability of young employees through various methods. For young adults at the beginning of their careers or transitioning into the workforce, the project offers low-threshold support to strengthen mental health and work-life skills. Young people have participated equally in the development work of the project.

https://mielihyvinduunissa.fi/

Hannastiina Ruismäki (The Students’ Union of Tampere University of Applied Sciences) will present the ‘Metsäresepti’ project, which translates as ‘Improving Young People’s Well-being with Forest Prescription’. The aims of the project is to promote student well-being, enhance student satisfaction, progress in studies, and establish a lasting connection with nature. The project aims to integrate nature into the daily lives of young people. The purpose is for young people to find nature supporting their well-being.

https://projects.tuni.fi/metsaresepti/in-english/

Leila Kakko and Eeva Heikkilä will familiarise us with the Silver Entrepreneurs project, which is a 30-month initiative aimed at adult education and entrepreneurship-building for individuals in the silver-age demographic (60+). Its core purpose is to empower and equip these individuals with the essential skills and confidence necessary for the development of their entrepreneurial projects, enabling them to maintain social and economic engagement.

https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/entrepreneurship-simulation-program-silver-economy-central-baltic