Transforming Communities
This research programme develops the social sustainability, renewal capacity, and inclusion of communities in rapidly changing operating environments. At the heart of the research are diverse communities – from work communities to organizations, from volunteer activities to digital communities, from youth agency to elderly empowerment, promoting equality in society.
This research programme’s scientific approach combines participatory action research (PAR), critical pedagogy, and transformative evaluation methods with empirical community research. We produce both methodological and theoretical contributions to research on community renewal, participation, and social sustainability.
The programme’s specific expertise covers youth work, equality promotion, and human rights and fundamental rights-based approaches to community development. The programme recognizes the power of culture and arts in communities’ capacity for change and also works with vulnerable groups – including young people at risk of marginalization, the unemployed, the lonely, and those facing mental health challenges.
Projects & R&D
Research, development and innovation (RDI) is a core element of the programme. Through projects, the programme explores and develops experiential approaches, participation and wellbeing in collaboration with partners.
Järjestin 2026
Active University
AI for Authentic Inclusion
Equal well-being
Innovation through Gamification Solutions
Developing and nationally establishing the model of digital hospital youth work
The Center of Expertise for Equality in Youth Work
The Need for Interpreting Services for Adults with Cochlear Implants (2025-2026)
Accessible AI – A Support to Change in Third Sector Organizations
Revealing the Hidden Resources
Publications
Selected Publications on Transforming Communities.
- Sinisalo-Juha. E. (2024). Global education – Can it be found in everyday youth work? University of Helsinki: Global Education Research in Finland (GERIF).
- Silva, A., Rui Branco, R., Keuru, K. & Röksä, J. (Eds.). (2023). Podcasts – Ideas for Youth Work.
- Seal, M. (Edit.). (2020). Teaching Youth Work in Higher Education — Tensions, Connections, Continuities and Contradictions. University of Tartu.
- Kuczynska, O., Goncalves, S & Guerri, L. (Eds.). (2019). Developing Youth Work Innovation eHandbook. Humak University of Applied Sciences Publications, 56.
- Ord, J., Carletti, M., Cooper, S., Dansac, C., Morciano, D., Siurala, L. & Taru, M. (Eds.). (2018). The Impact of Youth Work in Europe: A Study of Five European Countries. Humak University of Applied Sciences Publications, 56.
- Helve, H., Côté, J.E., Svynarenko, A., Sinisalo-Juha, E., Mizokami, S., Roberts S.E. & Nakama R. (2017). Identity Horizons Among Finnish Postsecondary Students: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of Identity, 17:3, 191–206.
- Höylä, S. (2012). Youth Work in Finland. Series E. HUMAK Publications 4.
- Sinisalo-Juha, E. & Timonen, P. (2012). Definition and Theory of Web-based Youth Work. Series E, HUMAK publications 7.
- Hernelahti, J. & Pitkänen, S. (2023). The Inspiration and Ideas for Digital Cultural Youth Work. Humak University of Applied Sciences Publications, 168.
- Krappe, J., Parkkinen, T. & Tonteri, A. (Edes.) (2012). Moving in! : art-based approaches to work with the youth : MIMO project 2010-2013. Tuku University of Applied Sciences, Reports 127.
- Sinisalo-Juha, E. (2021). From Euroscepticism to Euro-Curiosity Stories told by the most vulnerable about the significance of the EU in their lives. Research report. Europe for Citizens -programme. Tampere: Valo-Valmennusyhdistys.
- Röksä, J. (13.3.2019). Transformative Evaluation Process of The Youth Work in Practice. Humak University of Applied Sciences. [Animation]
- Turja, H.-K. (2019). Pocket vocabulary. Retail sector. Humak University of Applied Sciences, Publications, 77.
- Turja, H.-K. (2019). Pocket vocabulary. Cleaning industry. Humak University of Applied Sciences, Publications, 78.
Contact
The principal researchers of the Transforming Communities research program.
Eeva Sinisalo-Juha
Principal Researcher Helsinki campus