Programme on the city centre campus (12.00-17.00)

Lunch on the campus at 12.00-14.00 (YO Ravintola restaurant)

Panel discussions

14:00-14:30

Panel discussion: Ukraine in 2025: facing the reality of war and viewing it through the international lens of information warfare (Main Auditorium; in Finnish)

This panel brings together three experts engaged in the study of the war in Ukraine: Associate Professor of Global History Rinna Kullaa, Foreign Correspondent at Yle Hanna Visala, and Docent in Political Science, Senior Research Fellow Niina Meriläinen.

Kullaa will serve as moderator, posing questions about this year’s developments in the war in Ukraine and how these events have been interpreted through real-life encounters in the country. The panellists will also examine the broader context of information warfare surrounding Ukraine as well as international power dynamics in the fourth year of the war. The key themes include the intersections of communication, security, digitalisation, democracy and warfare in Russia’s attack on Ukraine, illustrated through real-life encounters and concrete examples drawn from research.

Meet the panellists (in Finnish)

Panel discussion: AI in communication (A1; in Finnish)

Artificial intelligence is a widely discussed topic across all sectors today. The impact of AI is felt in many ways in the field of communication, where it is being applied to a broad range of tasks. This panel discussion will explore the effects of AI on journalism, the work of communication specialists, and translation. The panellists will reflect on the role of AI in these areas as well as consider both the opportunities and risks associated with AI. They will also address the responsible use of AI in communication and discuss what the future may hold.

The panellists will include Professor Laura Ahva, University Lecturer Tessa Horila and University Instructor Mary Nurminen. The discussion will be moderated by Professor Pekka Isotalus.

Meet the panellists (in Finnish)

15:00-15:30

Panel discussion: How accessible is accessibility? (Main Auditorium; in Finnish)

Accessibility forms the foundation for equal participation and inclusive learning and creates an environment where everyone is seen and heard as they truly are. But what does accessibility mean in practical terms within a university context? How is it reflected in teaching, learning and daily interactions?

The panellists will share success stories and reflect on the challenges that still need to be addressed to ensure accessibility principles are genuinely and effectively implemented. The panellists include University Instructor in Speech Communication Anna Kuitunen from the Tampere University Language Centre, Doctoral Researcher and Lecturer Minna Seppälä from Tampere University of Applied Sciences, and Kiia Saarinen, who is majoring in special education at Tampere University. The discussion will be moderated by University Lecturer Minna Mäkihonko. Join us for a discussion that is relevant to us all!

Meet the panellists (in Finnish)

Panel discussion: Our ageing society (A1; in Finnish)

This panel discussion will explore the future of Finland, where a growing proportion of the population is expected to live longer lives. What are the benefits of increased longevity? And what are the new challenges that we will have to address as a society? The panellists will present solutions that could help position Finland as a benchmark for age-friendly societies.

The panellists include University Lecturer in Social Policy Lina Van Aerschot, Professor of Gerontology Anu Siren and moderator, Senior Research Fellow Jari Pirhonen.

Meet the panellists (in Finnish)

15:40-16:10

Panel discussion: Diverse game culture as a powerful asset (Main Auditorium; in Finnish)

According to the 2024 Finnish Player Barometer – a survey on gaming in Finland conducted by researchers at Tampere University – Finns today are fairly active gamers across all age groups, genders and income levels. As a result, games, gamers and forms of game culture have become increasingly diverse. Despite this, public discourse around gaming often focuses on negative aspects, such as harassment, hate speech and discrimination. Game cultures not only reflect broader societal developments but also actively shape them. This panel discussion explores ways to foster a sustainable game culture and examine how diversity within gaming can become a powerful societal asset.

The panellists include Communications Manager, MA Vilppu Järvinen, Doctoral Researcher Taina Myöhänen and Researcher Essi Taino. The discussion will be moderated by Professor of Game Culture Studies Olli Sotamaa.

Meet the panellists (in Finnish)

Panel discussion: AI in teaching and learning (A1)

Artificial intelligence has challenged teaching and learning. Will robots replace teachers? Will AI change the role of the teacher? How chatbots work in teaching and learning? What is the role of emotions in the use of chatbots? This and many other questions are relevant when artificial intelligence is introduced at different levels of education.

Welcome to the panel discussion about AI in teaching and learning. The panel consists of University Lecturer Reijo Kupiainen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow Elvis Ortega-Ochoa and Postdoctoral Researcher Antti Koskinen. The discussion will be moderated by Reijo Kupiainen.

This panel discussion will be in English.

Meet the panellists

16:10-16:40

Panel discussion: Economy and hope: pathways to a sustainable society (Main Auditorium; in Finnish)

This panel discussion brings together specialists to reflect on the role of economy as a driver of societal change. They will discuss the importance of integrating hope and future-oriented thinking into economic discourse. How can economy support the development of a sustainable, fair and equitable society? The panellists will highlight local, national and global perspectives to shed light on the complexities of our current era. The event will encourage open dialogue and the exchange of new ideas on the economic transformations that are needed to build a sustainable future.

The panellists include doctoral researcher on post-growth sustainability transformation Riina Bhatia, Senior Auditor at the National Audit Office of Finland Olli Karsio and Associate Professor in Gender Studies Hanna Ylöstalo. The discussion will be moderated by Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor of Social Policy Liisa Häikiö.

Read more about the panellists (in Finnish)

Alumni stories

13:00-16:20

Welcome to hear our alumni share their stories

Join us in Auditorium D11, next to the Alakuppila café, where our alumni will share their diverse career journeys. Discover where their paths have taken them and what they have learned along the way.

Meet the alumni who share their stories

13:00-13:20

Anna-Kaisa Ikonen, Minister of Local and Regional Government

13:30-13:50

Mikael Uusi-Mäkelä, Director of Digitalisation, Laurea University of Applied Sciences

14:00-14:20

Leena Kostiainen, comprehensive school rector, City of Tampere

15:00-15:20

Pasi Toivanen, journalist, Professor of Practice at Tampere University

15:30-15:50

Ritva Koukku-Ronde, Ambassador

Science Now presentations

12:30-17:00

Discover the latest research highlights from Tampere University!

Welcome to catch up on the latest research developments at Tampere University. The presentations will take place at Café & Aula Toivo (second floor of the Main Building).

12:30-12:45

Mari Saha: Occupational well-being among professionals in early childhood education and care: research findings and future directions (in Finnish)

12:45-13:00

Mattia Thibault: Exploring borders: from speculative to interreal translations

13:00-13:15

Marja Jalava: Perspectives on the history of farmed animals (in Finnish)

13:15-13:30

Hanna-Ilona Härmävaara: Be an opportunity for your colleague to learn Finnish! (in Finnish)

15:00-15:15

Riku Laakkonen: The object, the senior citizen and their co-agency as artistic research (in Finnish)

15:15-15:30

Tuula Juvonen: Can LGBTQ history be uncovered through photographs? (in Finnish)

15:30-15:45

Subas Neupane: Work demands and health in later life

15:45-16:00

Anne Ketola: Unclear contract language undermines accountability in procurement chains (in Finnish)

16:00-16:15

Katja Kuusisto: Lack of substance abuse services for young people (in Finnish)

16:15-16:30

Kaarina Nikunen: The datafication of everyday life (in Finnish)