Finnish Universities Network for Rehabilitation (FiRe)

Laurea University of Applied Sciences operates across six campuses in the Uusimaa region. Rehabilitation studies are included not only in the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Counsellor degree programmes, but also in all Laurea’s social and health care degree programmes, which comprise Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Social Services, and Social Services in the Criminal Sanctions Field. Multidisciplinary collaboration also takes place with degree programmes in Business Administration, Safety and Risk Management, and Information Technology. Laurea’s Master’s level offerings include several programmes suitable for leadership and development in rehabilitation.

The focus areas of Laurea’s research and development activities are safety, social and health care, and service business. The “Sustainable and Diverse Social and Health Care” research programme is responsible for development and research related to health, wellbeing, and functional capacity. Current themes include the promotion of health, functional ability, and wellbeing, physical activity, and service development.

Learning at Laurea is based on the Learning by Developing (LbD) model. The starting point is always a genuine development task connected to working life or to Laurea’s research, development, and innovation projects (RDI). Rehabilitation-related phenomena are not examined solely from a theoretical perspective—students actively seek solutions to real-life challenges arising from professional practice during their studies. One example is the new LaureaLiike learning and innovation environment focused on rehabilitation.

The National Defence University is a military science institution under the Finnish Defence Forces, with the primary mission of producing highly educated personnel for the Defence Forces and the Border Guard.

The university comprises departments of Military Strategy, Military Technology, and Leadership and Military Pedagogy. Within the discipline of physical performance, research focuses on topics such as the physical strain experienced by soldiers in various military conditions and the optimization of physical training to enhance operational performance. This research is grounded in the fields of sports and medical sciences, which also support studies related to rehabilitation. The National Defence University also participates in the EP2 Finland programme.

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences offers a wide range of Bachelor-level degree programmes, including Assistive Technology Specialist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Osteopath, and Occupational Therapist. Multidisciplinary learning and development environments include the HyMy Village, Movement Laboratory, and Simulation Hospital located on the Myllypuro campus. The multidisciplinary nature of rehabilitation is realized through various projects and study modules, with the Minno studies serving as a key example of collaboration with working life. The Master’s degree programmes (YAMK) strengthen diverse competencies in rehabilitation development, expertise, and leadership.

Metropolia hosts the Future-Proof Health and Wellbeing Innovation Hub, which co-creates solutions for meaningful and good living in collaboration with development partners. Its research and development programmes focus on reimagining humanity and diversity, co-developing wellbeing for children and youth, future health, and aging.

Oulu University of Applied Sciences – Expertise in Wellbeing and Rehabilitation from Northern Finland

Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) is a leading educator and developer in the field of wellbeing in Northern Finland. We train professionals for roles in rehabilitation and social services. Degree programmes are offered in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Social Services. There are a total of seven Master’s degree programmes (YAMK), including the Rehabilitation Expert programme, which focuses specifically on the development of rehabilitation and strengthening expertise in the field.

At Oamk, we actively participate in RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) activities. We operate regionally, nationally, and as part of multidisciplinary networks, developing new operational models, services, and collaboration structures. Research and development projects related to rehabilitation explore, for example, the organization of rehabilitation services within wellbeing services counties, services supporting work ability and employment, and the development of various employment pathways. In the MetaHealth investment and development project, we are building and advancing a comprehensive digital development and testing environment. This enables companies to safely and reliably test new products and services as part of the health and wellbeing innovation ecosystem.

Additionally, the Oamk SimLab innovation and simulation center provides modern and pedagogically robust environments for use in the wellbeing sector. We are actively engaged in international collaboration, and through the MultiTeleRehab project, we are developing technological expertise in cooperation with a Chinese university to promote the wellbeing of older adults. Oamk is also a member of the COHEHRE network, which supports inter-university collaboration, student exchange, and pedagogical development in wellbeing, rehabilitation, and social services education.

At the University of Oulu, research is conducted across five multidisciplinary focus areas. One of these is Lifelong Health, which generates new knowledge about the factors influencing health throughout the lifespan.

Rehabilitation-related research at the University of Oulu is diverse, encompassing both healthcare interventions and implementation studies. Within the Faculty of Medicine, the GeroNursing Centre investigates, among other topics, nursing practices that promote rehabilitation among older adults and the provision of rehabilitation services. The GeroNursing Centre also offers a wide range of study opportunities related to rehabilitative nursing.

This text will be updated at a later time.

Savonia is one of the most multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences in Finland, with over 8,000 students and more than 600 staff members. In the field of rehabilitation, Savonia offers a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy, which can be studied through full-time, blended, or online learning formats. In addition, Savonia provides a Master’s degree (YAMK) in the Development of Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Services. The education is closely aligned with working life, flexibly combining theoretical instruction with practical experience, and also strengthens expertise in social rehabilitation.

Learning at Savonia takes place in diverse environments, including classrooms designed for hands-on physiotherapy training and the XR Center equipped with wellbeing technology tools. The Wellness Center, a clinic affiliated with the institution, offers a wide range of wellbeing-promoting services delivered by students to both private individuals and businesses. The Simulation Center serves as another learning environment, providing an authentic and safe space for practical training.

The Master’s programme in Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Services Development (YAMK) is conducted in close interaction with working life, offering students the opportunity to develop their skills to meet professional demands and challenges.

Savonia actively engages in rehabilitation-related research, development, and innovation activities. Wellbeing is one of Savonia’s emerging research areas, where the institution promotes holistic health and wellbeing by leveraging health and wellbeing technologies. At the same time, Savonia supports regional business development by offering expert services for product and service innovation. Through its activities, Savonia also contributes to the creation of new wellbeing technology innovations in collaboration with other regional stakeholders.

Savonia is an active participant in numerous multidisciplinary national and international networks focused on rehabilitation-related phenomena. Its operations are built on strong collaboration with other universities of applied sciences, universities, and companies.

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) provides rehabilitation expertise through degree programmes in Physiotherapy, Nursing, Social Services, and Elderly Care (Geronomy). SeAMK Wellbeing Labs is a development and learning environment for the social and health care sectors, consisting of wellbeing technology, simulations, and student-led services. It offers companies, municipalities, joint municipal authorities, organizations, and local residents a platform to develop, test, and pilot various user-centered technologies, practices, and process models, and to support their implementation.

Rehabilitation expertise is strengthened through collaboration across various academic and professional fields. For example, SeAMK works with Kuortane Sports Institute and Haaga-Helia in the Sports Instructor degree programme. SeAMK is actively involved in RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) activities, exploring the role of emerging technologies in supporting rehabilitation. The Tech2Match project focuses particularly on the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic pain. In the NOTRE project (Novel Methods Improving Production Innovation Potential with examples of senior care-related solutions), SeAMK collaborates with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association to support group activities for older adults.

As part of the European HEROES university alliance, SeAMK joins forces with eight other practice-oriented higher education institutions to focus on smart and digital innovation aimed at strengthening regional resilience. SeAMK is also a member of the international ENPHE network, which enables collaboration in rehabilitation-related initiatives across global academic and professional networks. 

In the field of rehabilitation research, Tampere University’s strengths lie in its multidisciplinary approach across health, technology, society, and social work. The university’s research aims include promoting health and wellbeing across all age groups, developing resource-efficient and safe living and working environments, and ensuring socially responsible digitalization and transformation of working life.

Tampere University hosts over 100 active research groups and centers, such as the MARGI research group in social work and the multidisciplinary research center for childhood, youth, and family, Perla. Additionally, the Gerontology Research Center GEREC operates as part of the Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care (CoE AgeCare). The MARGI group focuses on institutional practices and interaction at the margins of welfare services.

Rehabilitation-related education is offered through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology as well as the Faculty of Social Sciences, including degree programmes in health sciences, psychology, speech-language pathology, and social work.

At the University of Turku, rehabilitation research is primarily conducted within the Faculties of Medicine and Social Sciences. Additionally, the Faculty of Humanities explores the connections between culture, language, and history with wellbeing and health. Research topics related to rehabilitation include assessment and rehabilitation methods for neurological disorders, social work research, and digital rehabilitation.

Students at the University of Turku can pursue degrees such as Bachelor and Master of Health Sciences, as well as Licentiate of Medicine. The university also hosts the Sote Academy and the AI Academy. The Sote Academy offers interdisciplinary education open to all faculties, with a particular focus on social and healthcare, education, and pedagogy. The AI Academy, in turn, provides multidisciplinary education and research related to artificial intelligence.

Learn more about the Sote Academy: https://sites.utu.fi/sote/ Learn more about the AI Academy: https://sites.utu.fi/tekoalyakatemia/

Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS) is a vibrant community of 13,000 professionals. We train top-level practical experts to serve the economic and cultural life of Southwest Finland. We are a lifelong partner for working life!

At Turku UAS, students can pursue rehabilitation studies through degree programmes in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Social Services. The physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes focus on developing expertise particularly in the areas of mobility, functional capacity, and rehabilitation for children and youth. Our studies are delivered in flexible formats, with a strong emphasis on practical learning and collaboration with working life. Our learning environments include the Liilab – Laboratory for Physical Activity and Functional Capacity, and Kunnonkoti Smart, which features the SimuRehab simulation unit.

Master School is designed for professionals with work experience and a passion for development, offering a pathway to a Master’s degree. Our Master’s programmes for rehabilitation professionals include Expert in Occupational Therapy and Integration of Rehabilitation and Physical Activity.

At Turku UAS, national and international research and development activities across disciplines are organized into research groups. These groups play a key role in making results visible to the academic community and project partners. We have two research groups focused on rehabilitation:

• Liito – Active and Capable Children and Youth, which promotes systemic development and research to enhance the mobility and functional capacity of children, youth, students, and their families.
• New Ways of Promoting Performance, which develops and studies workplace wellbeing and leadership, with a focus on new ways of working, leadership, work ability, and the role of nature in promoting wellbeing at work.

At the University of Vaasa, research is primarily conducted in the fields of business studies, technology, and administrative and communication sciences. Rehabilitation-related research projects include nature-based methods as part of youth services, prevention of juvenile delinquency and social exclusion, prisoner rehabilitation, and the promotion of digital skills and employment. Research in social and health care administration is closely linked to rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on creating value for the client.

Current collaboration partners include, among others, Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland) and the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia. At the University of Vaasa, students can pursue studies in social and health care administration (Master of Administrative Sciences).