Impactful Humak
Small in size, big at heart.
At Humak, impactfulness is created in the interface of high-quality education, innovative RDI activities and fruitful cooperation. This allows us to respond to the changing needs of society, and we produce skills which will be needed in the future as well.
We train experts specialised in humane skills. At the same time, we are an active project participant and partner in our own fields. Together with our students, alumni and partners, we are building a humane world that takes into account the needs of individuals and communities.
Quality
Humak is a higher education institution audited by FINEEC. Our quality work ensures that our education and impact meet national and European criteria.
Education
Humak is a national university of applied sciences specializing in community development, cultural production, and linguistic accessibility.
Research and Development
Humak is developing solutions to create a more humane society. Our research programmes apply an experimental, cross-sector and innovative way of working.
With people, building a sustainable tomorrow
Sustainable Humak
We promote responsibility in all our activities. We are committed to sustainable development, environmental responsibility and ethical decision-making. Our responsibility is reflected in sustainable practices and efficient use of resources. We encourage responsible choices, actions and working together. We take responsibility for the outcomes of our own work.
- The professions of community educator, cultural producer and interpreter work for the benefit of people and communities, strengthening inclusion and agency.
- All our UAS students must complete a course on sustainable development, where we also explore social and cultural sustainability challenges.
- We also include students in our research and development activities, where we create solutions to strengthen the society’s capacity to change, transforming communities and cultural vitality.
- We defend the rights of minorities, democracy and the activity of civil society. During the Impact Week, we encourage students to influence society.
- Our research programmes respond to challenges related to the crisis resistance of society and communities, the ability to renew and changes in working life.
- In our research programmes, we work to identify the importance of culture, art and experiences in strengthening well-being and regional vitality.
- We operate actively in Finnish and European partnership networks.
- We ensure that our expertise meet the needs of our respective fields. We develop and renew our education bravely and in a working life-oriented manner.
- We have built a communal institute of higher education, which has been recognised in the 2024 Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) quality assessment for having, among other things, an encouraging and inclusive culture.
- We support the welfare of students by providing guidance and accounting for the individual needs of students. We actively cooperate with the student union, HUMAKO.
- We pay attention to the accessibility of work and learning environments, digital services and communication.
- We respect diversity and value everyone’s opinion.
- We monitor and report our carbon footprint on our journey towards a carbon neutral institution of higher education by 2030.
- We pay attention to the recyclability, long lifetime and serviceability of our items and devices. Our acquisitions are guided by the principles of sustainability, moderation and responsibility.
- We prefer public transport and avoid unnecessary flights. In rental premises, we pay attention to energy efficiency, sustainability and accessibility.
- In our R&D activities, we develop participatory solutions to meet the sustainability challenges of society and nature.
Our RDI activities are structured under three research programmes
Research programmes leave an impressive handprint in society. They apply an experimental, cross-sector and innovative way of working. Research provides a framework for action – producing relevant and impactful information that can be used for training, development and decision-making. Partnerships with the public and third sectors and companies are at the heart of our activities.
Resilient Societies
The research programme enhances community resilience by identifying culture as its foundation and disruptions as catalysts for metamorphosis.
Transforming Communities
The research program develops societal participation, communities’ social sustainability, and youth agency through a human rights-based approach.
Thriving Through Experiences
The research program fosters immersive and engaging experiences across culture, tourism, the arts, events, and education—strengthening vitality, participation, and accessibility.