Safety expert Sari Tappura appointed Professor of Practice to build a new master’s degree programme in safety technology

As a Professor of Practice, Sari Tappura (DSc, Tech) strengthens the faculty with her extensive research, teaching and regulatory expertise in the field of safety and security. Her 2017 dissertation examined safety management in the field of industrial engineering and management. She has also worked for 16 years as a researcher and teacher of safety management and engineering at Tampere University. For the past three years, she has worked in technical safety as a senior inspector at the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes). There, her work has included cyber security supervision, utilisation of permit and supervision data in enhancing safety in companies, and accident investigation. In addition, she holds docentships in the field of safety at Tampere University and the University of Oulu.

“The Professorship of Practice offers me a chance to participate in the development of the new degree programme while also strengthening safety expertise in Finland,” says the recently appointed Tappura. “I have also missed teaching and guiding students, which I have found highly meaningful throughout my work career.”  

Extensive expertise and professional networks

The Master’s Degree Programme in Technology for Safety and Risk Management aims at combining strong technological expertise with broad-based safety thinking. As a Professor of Practice, Tappura brings extensive safety expertise to JYU. 

“Sari Tappura is a recognised expert in the field of safety with extensive professional networks,” states Pekka Koskinen, Vice Dean responsible for education at the JYU Faculty of Mathematics and Science. “Her background at Tukes provides excellent support for the programme to combine technology and safety. At the same time, the degree programme is closely aligned with the needs of working life.” 

Building safety expertise for the future

As a Professor of Practice, Tappura wants to develop education in close cooperation with working life. She aims to make the new Master’s Degree Programme in Technology for Safety and Risk Management a well-known and attractive option for students interested in safety and responsibility.

“Future experts must be able to look at safety as a whole, understand the interaction between people and technology, and identify as well as manage the risks associated with complex systems,” Tappura says.

She finds that today’s working life also places increasing emphasis on customer-orientation, problem solving skills, and the ability to apply expert knowledge to practical solutions.

“In addition to technological expertise, we need to understand what organisations and customers really need,” Tappura emphasises. “It is important that students can practise this already during their studies.”

Developing safety together

According to Tappura, collaboration between research and the world of work can be strengthened by more effectively turning research-based knowledge into practical operating models, methods and solutions. At the same time, the needs of working life can serve as the basis for new research questions.

“I believe the best results are achieved when education, research and working life are developed through close dialogue,” says Tappura. “I invite our partners to join us in developing the Master’s Degree Programme in Technology for Safety and Risk Management into a programme that responds to real working life needs.” 

Curiosity and continuous learning as keys to success

To students, Tappura emphasises the importance of curiosity, broad-based safety expertise and practical work experience.

“Working life and technology are changing rapidly,” Tappura explains. “You don’t need to know everything in advance, but the desire to learn new things and the ability to adapt to change are invaluable skills in the future workplace.” 

Tappura is looking forward to meeting students and collaborating with researchers and partners from the world of work.

“I want to hear what makes students interested in safety and what inspired them to apply for this particular degree programme,” says Tappura. “Together, we can draw on education and research to build something new and impactful.”