Minna Kivipelto

Professor of Practice

Unit

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department / Division

Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy

Room number

OPK 206

minna.m.kivipelto@jyu.fi

Mobile

+358505246610

Postal address

Keskussairaalantie 2

Fields of science

520 Other social sciences

Biography

I have dedicated my career to research and development in the fields of social services in wellbeing services in counties, social assistance among adult social work clients, and the effectiveness of social work interventions. Holding a Ph.D. in Social Work from Tampere University, I have earned the esteemed title of adjunct professor (docent) at both the University of Turku and the University of Eastern Finland.

Currently, I hold a part-time position of Chief Researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). From 1995 to 2010 I served as a Senior Lecturer and Research Manager at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences.

My commitment extends beyond my academic and research roles, as I actively participate in various professional memberships and steering groups. In my research work, I am committed to promoting the perspective of the most vulnerable members of society to improve the development of social work and services.

Research interests

My research aims to contribute valuable insights and evidence to enhance the effectiveness of social work and wellbeing services for individuals and communities. I am also interested in exploring the role of social work within the context of Wellbeing Services Counties (WSC). This involves investigating the strategies, policies, and practices that promote the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

Specifically, my research seeks to identify the factors contributing to vulnerability and develop strategies to address these challenges through collaboration with WSCs, universities, and social work professionals. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of researching the significance of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and customer information systems in this context.

I prefer to employ critical realist approaches when studying social work practices. In my research, I utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive perspective.