Strategy 2030 - Wisdom and wellbeing for us all

WISDOM AND WELLBEING FOR US ALL STRATEGY 2030

STRATEGY 203 0

WISDOM AND WELLBEING FOR US ALL

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PHOTOGRAPHS

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

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Openness, trust, quality and integrity The working culture of the JYU community is based on openness, trust, quality and integrity. Our thinking is fresh, and we inspire and encourage each other to test our boundaries. We value and make use of our differences while nurturing interaction and trust. We promote multidisciplinary cooperation and continuously aim to improve quality.

We want to be a provider of wisdom and wellbeing for individuals and society as well as a global leader in the study of learning, wellbeing and basic natural phenomena.

CONTE NTS 5

Foundation of our working culture Openness, trust, quality and integrity

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Answers to the pivotal questions of today and tomorrow

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Competence, wellbeing and education in an increasingly complex and polarised world

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How Finland can become a leader in bio- and circular economy | HANNA-LEENA PESONEN

RECTOR KEIJO HÄMÄLÄINEN

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Dedicated to our goal A dream of wisdom and wellbeing for all

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Towards planetary wellbeing | JANNE S. KOTIAHO

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Wellbeing starts with you – regardless of age

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Educating experts with influence Courage to change the world

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Student Life supports student wellbeing and study skills | MARJA-LEENA LAAKSO

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Capable, creative and healthy university community Strong dialogue as a strength

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In the midst of changes, students’ voices should be heard | TOMAS VARCOK

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JYUnique campus: Where tradition and tomorrow meet One campus, many worlds

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Quality is the result of a goal-oriented working culture | PEPPI TAALAS

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A campus where you feel good | AINO YLIPIESSA

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Putting the researcher first Inspiring and attractive research environment

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A digital trailblazer Inspiring and open-minded agility

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Wisdom and wellbeing for us all Competence for the future since 1863

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A university with societal impact

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Strategy in brief

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What does it mean when research is open?

HENRIK KUNTTU

Popularisation brings science close to people

JUHA HULMI

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Protozoology promotes the wellbeing of people

EMILY KNOTT

TAINA RANTANEN

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RECTOR KE IJO HÄMÄLÄINE N

Competence, wellbeing and education in an increasingly complex and polarised world The world is changing and becoming more complex at an increasing speed. Global challenges, such as climate change, the transforming world of work, migration flows, and economic fluctuations, are difficult questions for all of humanity. Solving them requires broad and multidisciplinary international cooperation. We at the University of Jyväskylä believe that the key is in the promotion of competence and comprehensive wellbeing for people.

Mission

WE ARE A UNIVE RSITY WITH S OCIETAL IMPACT

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JYU WANTS TO BE THE BE ST E MPLOYE R AND PROMOTE R OF WE LLBE ING AMONG FINNISH UNIVE RSITIE S .

Our vision is to be a global leader in the study

and everything we do. The members of the JYU

of learning, wellbeing and basic natural

community take responsibility and are societally

phenomena, reshaping competence to build

influential and active.

a sustainable society.

Our graduates are responsible academic experts Wellbeing in Finnish society is based on the

who change the world. Our education is multidis-

equality and high quality of the school system.

ciplinary and international. It responds to regional,

It has helped Finland to become one of the most

national and global competence requirements

successful countries – which has also been

and the challenges of continuous learning.

rated as the happiest country in the world.

We are active in the international science Finnish-medium teacher education began in

community and participate in influential societal

Jyväskylä, and this pioneering role and the

dialogue. We especially foster the freedom,

tradition of education is still cherished with

renewal and openness of science, and we want

pride at JYU.

to restore the value of research in societal decision-making.

We have created the foundation of the Finnish school system and are now, one school at a time,

The University’s strategy ‘Wisdom and wellbeing

renewing the competence and wellbeing of the

for us all’ was created to answer the challenges

world in Finland and abroad.

of an increasingly complex and polarised world.

The whole university community and our partners

Our identity as members of the community

from different sectors of society have participated

is based on JYU’s legacy as an international

in the strategy work. The new strategy gives us a

university with societal impact. The valuing

direction but it is the members of our community

of diversity, multifaceted skills and a sense of

and our partners, working together, that make

togetherness are at the core of our community

it a reality.

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DE DICATE D TO OUR G OAL

A dream of wisdom and wellbeing for us all The name of the strategy, Wisdom and wellbeing for us all, describes our ambition. The human is in the centre of it all.

Our JYU identity is based on the traditions of education

With internationally renowned, high-quality education

and international university community value and inspire

and research, we create competence and comprehensive wellbeing from early childhood education to older age.

We influence the wellbeing of society through the competence and wellbeing of people. The better the wellbeing of an individual, the better the wellbeing of society.

and societal impact. Diversity, multifaceted skills and a sense of togetherness are an essential part of everything we do.

Our most important asset is how we as a multicultural each individual. We want to be a university with a sense of unity across disciplines and units, one that values multidisciplinary cooperation both internally and among our partners.

We are proud of the University of Jyväskylä and wish to foster its special character, the JYU identity.

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JYU STRATEGY 203 0

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES RE SEARCH

E DUCATION – educating experts with influence

– putting the researcher first

WISDOM AND WELLBEING FOR US ALL A DIG ITAL

CAPABLE, CREATIVE AND HEALTHY

trailblazer

JYUNIQUE CAMPUS

university community

– where tradition and tomorrow meet

Continuous improvement of quality

Utilising the potential of a multidisciplinary approach

S H A R E D G OA L S Internationalisation

Strengthening the University’s appeal Societal interaction and impact

The JYU strategy is based on our values OPE NNE S S , TRUST, QUALITY AND INTEG RITY.

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E DUCATION: E DUCATING EXPE RTS WITH INFLUE NCE

Courage to change the world STRATEGIC GOAL

JYU is the leader of teacher education and its research in Finland.

The University of Jyväskylä offers attractive, multidisciplinary studies that respond to global competence needs. Our education utilises the opportunities of changing working environments and networked practices.

JYU’s operating model for continuous learning renews the world of work and the competence of those who operate in it. The education structure offers opportunities for flexible and multidisciplinary learning paths in different phases of life. The skills, cultural resources and expertise of our international students benefit the whole society.

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Our graduates are bold academic experts who develop the world in a responsible way.

The University systematically develops and monitors the quality of teaching. Our staff actively participates in national and international cooperation in education development. We develop teaching in a research-based manner in multidisciplinary and international cooperation.

Our university pedagogy studies flexibly support the development of our teachers’ pedagogical skills and digital and international competence in different phases of their careers.

The JYULearn concept provides teaching in multimodal, pedagogically and digitally appropriate working and learning environments.

The Student Life concept ensures that JYU is the leader in Finland for supporting student wellbeing and studies. We guarantee all students equal opportunities for learning and competence development.

Our operating model helps us recognise the needs of students from different cultural backgrounds in relation to commitment to studies and the University, so that we can develop functional models to support their study paths.

In education, we value teaching and aim for the continuous development of its quality as well as promote the comprehensive wellbeing of students and their opportunities for learning.

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E DUCATION: E DUCATING EXPE RTS WITH INFLUE NCE

Student Life supports students’ wellbeing and study skills STRATEGIC GOAL

The Student Life concept is integrated into the whole formed by teaching, guidance and services, and it reaches all students.

Transitions from one educational level to another are critical phases in the study paths of children and adolescents – one of them being the start of studies at a university.

The transition includes new kinds of challenges in studies, living independently, new social relationships and perhaps moving to a completely new locality.

For many young adults, this new phase in life is

Goodies are ordinary teachers or employees

a fulfilment of a long-standing dream. However,

of Student and Academic Services.

studies show that many students feel lonely and have a range of pressures related to their studies,

When there are more serious problems related

life management and social situations. For many

to coping or the progress of studies, students

students, studies do not progress as desired and

will be directed to specialised support. This may

they may begin to wonder if they have chosen

include reviewing study skills with special educa-

the right line of study in the first place.

tion experts. Experts from the Department of Psychology and the Finnish Student Health

The Student Life concept of the University of

Service, as well as the university chaplain, help

Jyväskylä is a networked operating model. It offers

in challenges with life management and coping.

students appropriate and timely help and support from the first day of their studies to the day they

The Centre for Multilingual Academic Communi-

complete their degree.

cation (Movi) provides instruction and assistance to students who need support in coping with the

The idea is that all JYU employees contribute to

stress and anxiety of interaction and presentation

Student Life in their own ways. In addition to the

situations. Movi also coordinates the popular

early recognition of problems and early interven-

campus dog programme, in which the wellbeing

tion and support, the aim is to strengthen wellbeing

of students is promoted with the empathy and

and the joy of learning.

presence of care and reading dogs.

An important tool of the Student Life model is the

The foundation of the Student Life operating model

Goodie (Hyvis) network.

is in research data, which has revealed that everyone has a need to be part of a group, develop and

Each department has named persons the students

express oneself as well as feel participation and

can contact when they have questions and worries

acceptance. This makes Student Life a central part

related to their studies or other areas of student life.

of JYU’s strategy of wisdom and wellbeing for us all.

Marja-Leena Laakso is a professor of early childhood education.

In 2017–2022, Laakso is the vice rector responsible for education and its development at JYU. As a professor, her research themes have included early language development, supporting children’s socio-emotional development, promoting children’s participation and hearing their voices, the wellbeing of children and families in a 24-hour economy, parent-child interaction as well as parenting interventions.

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E DUCAT ION: E DUCATING EXPE RTS WI T H INFLUE NCE

In the midst of changes, students’ voices should be heard.

I am in my second year of studies in the English-medium Master’s Degree Programme in Information Systems.

My discipline focuses on the human and aims to create IT solutions that serve people’s needs as well as possible.

At the university, I especially value that I am given responsibility over the implementation and progress of my studies. If I need support and guidance, I can contact a part-time teacher or even an internationally renowned professor anytime. And what is the best, students are treated as equals and in a relaxed manner.

The University of Jyväskylä has successfully created a physical environment that inspires students and supports studying. The other aspects of social life are also lively, including the subject associations and the student union.

Tomas Varcok is a student in the English-medium Master’s Degree Programme in Information Systems.

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STRATEGIC GOAL

JYU has a strong reputation as a university that values teaching and ensures

Our quality promise – teaching and teachers are respected and quality is kept high – is defined in the strategy. This means that a degree certificate from the University of Jyväskylä is a quality promise. We ensure that our graduates are individually strong and convincing experts.

Quality is the result of a goal-oriented operating culture

a high-quality education.

Peppi Taalas, adjunct professor in applied linguistics, is the director of the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (Movi).

For us, quality is a working

The quality promise

culture that is formed by

underlines the importance

how we work, treat others

of your own actions. It may

and highlight an individ-

be difficult to detect learning, but

uals’ opportunities and

understanding its value generates useful

wellbeing. We not only

momentum. Competence comes from trust

communicate goals but

in your skills and judgement. Meaningful and

also help achieve them.

goal-oriented work is also a resource that

We set the framework

increases wellbeing.

for education and ensure that there is room for experiments, inspiration and curiosity.

The quality promise is also a societal commitment.

Our research is trusted and valued. We make the

We create the future here and now by making the

circle of development concrete. This way we can

world a better and more sustainable place. Educa-

ensure that completed research projects are put

tion is a success factor for Finland, and the quality

into practice so that they benefit society and

promise applies to both education and research.

build a foundation for new research.

E DUCATION: E DUCATING EXPE RTS WITH INFLUE NCE

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RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST

An inspiring and attractive research environment STRATEGIC GOAL

We offer researchers the best possible conditions for state-of-the-art research.

JYU’s excellence in research rests on a strong ethical basis, extensive methodological expertise, the ability to utilise networks, and significant scientific and societal impact.

JYU offers researchers an inspiring environment so that they can develop in their field to a high international level. A clear and transparent research career model attracts domestic and international talent to our community. The internal funding and development instruments encourage high-quality research that has significant impact. High-quality research services and research infrastructure support the implementation of national and international research projects and new innovative initiatives in multidisciplinary research.

Close cooperation between the University and the City of Jyväskylä increases international experts’ interest in Central Finland. JYU’s supporting and encouraging working culture offers equal opportunities to work as members of the community.

The Interdisciplinary Visiting Scholars programme supports the development of research quality, cooperation between disciplines and the international networking of researchers.

Our central values in science are fostering creativity, academic freedom and the renewal of science. Together, these create a foundation for our trailblazing spirit and multifaceted impact.

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RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST

What does open science really mean?

An open culture has always been crucial for the development of science, but especially digitalisation has exponentially increased the number of people interested in science. The starting point for openness in science is that research results are available for all and publication activity is not unreasonably expensive – as is currently the case.

However, the culture is changing, altering the cost structure of science publishing. The tendency is that only publishing is paid for and everyone should have an opportunity to access the content for free.

AT ITS BE ST, OPE NNE S S E NCOURAG E S CITIZE N S CIE NCE .

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JYU’s career development model is transparent and based on clearly defined recruitment practices and career path opportunities.

The model aims at the rapid sharing of scientific data – not only with other researchers but also with the public, whose taxes enable the majority of research.

This also makes the development of science equal, because open access means more visibility for individual researchers – everywhere and regardless of financial resources.

Henrik Kunttu is a professor of physical chemistry at the University of Jyväskylä. In 2017–2022, Kunttu is the vice rector leading the research and innovation activity at the University of Jyväskylä.

At its best, openness encourages citizen science. As citizens participate in research, for example, by collecting material on different topics, companies and decision-makers get up-todate information. For example, the development of artificial

intelligence applications will speed up when information is freed from behind payment walls.

The level of openness at JYU is also indicated by how researchers are encouraged to embrace it, how accessible the processes are and how important it is strategically. At the University of Jyväskylä, openness is part of our strong academic culture.

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RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST

Popularisation brings science close to people Science produces knowledge that is as reliable and influential as possible. It is one of the most important inventions of humanity. Comprehension of the scientific method and, above all, understanding the results of science belongs to everybody.

Juha Hulmi is Finland’s most popular exercise and nutrition blogger, known as “the muscle doctor�.

When we understand and adopt information

when research results are explained

that is based on scientific research, any of us

clearly and in common language.

can use it to promote personal health and comprehensive wellbeing.

Researchers and science must have the courage to come close enough to

I would see that making science more down

people so that unreliable information

to earth gives the researcher a voice and brings

does not get too much of a foothold.

more visibility to valuable studies and their

Even though the purpose of science is

overall evidence.

not to entertain, popularisation may create some entertainment value and

Academic snobbery alienates the public from

bring more visibility to important

reliable research results because of how it is

research results.

oriented to researchers and the difficulty of terms. In addition to long-term research, the

When people are interested in science and

most important tasks of science are to increase

its achievements, they can approach science

understanding and learning. This becomes real

more easily and grasp its significance.

RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST 21

Protozoology promotes the wellbeing of people My research in evolution and population genetics examines various organisms and populations. As is typical of basic research, most of my research looks at life forms and biotic communities that have not been studied before.

First, we aim to clarify the meaning of biotic communities as parts of their ecosystem. Now we are already able to study the effects of climate change on the functioning of these microscopic organisms and biotic communities.

It is difficult to forecast how research results will affect the wellbeing of humans. However, by studying a parasite of a tiny sea worm I can apply that knowledge to the parasites typical for humans, for example, malaria-causing plasmodium and toxoplasma, which may occasionally be transmitted from cats to humans.

Genetic engineering has advanced my field in a groundbreaking way, offering new technologies and tools to explore the function of genes. Genetic engineering has had, and will continue to have, a significant role for the wellbeing of people. I have a positive view of genetic engineering, with the presumption that researchers are tied to ethical guidelines.

To promote the wellbeing of humanity, I hope for closer cooperation between different disciplines and governments and proactive communication about research in a way that is easy to understand. The role of us teachers is significant, and this is what I want to promote in my work: I encourage

Emily Knott is an acting professor of

students to impact society actively

evolutionary genetics and a senior lecturer in evolutionary genetics at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science.

and communicate about science in a way that is easy to understand.

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DEVELO RE SEARCH – putting the researcher first

WIS WE A DIG ITAL trailblazer

Continuous improvement of quality

Greater than the sum of its parts

Internationalisation

The JYU

OPE NNE S S , T

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JYU STRATEGY 203 0

OPMENT PROGRAMMES E DUCATION – educating experts with influence

SDOM AND ELLBEING FOR US ALL CAPABLE, CREATIVE AND HEALTHY JYUNIQUE CAMPUS

university community

– where tradition and tomorrow meet

Utilising the potential of a multidisciplinary approach

S H A R E D G OA L S Strengthening the University’s appeal Societal interaction and impact

strategy is based on our values

TRUST, QUALITY AND INTEG RITY.

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RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST

How Finland can become a leader in bio- and circular economy The bioeconomy is based on renewable, bio-based natural resources and reduces dependency on fossil resources. Because of its substantial renewable natural resources, a high level of competence in the field and long industrial history, Finland can become a trailblazer in this area.

The use of renewable materials and use of

of resources. Circular economy business

energy alone do not solve great environmental

and the digitalisation that supports it

problems such as global warming or the

change familiar habits but new materials,

impoverishment of biodiversity. Renewable

the transition to a sharing economy and

natural resources must be used efficiently

new services such as remote doctors

while saving them at the same time.

create value to consumers.

To curb climate change, carbon sinks are

The forest sector, and the wood-based

essential. In Finland, this is a problem

replacement of fossil-based materials,

especially in the forest sector. At the same

such as textiles, give Finland significant

time, there is a need to increase wood-based

opportunities to become a leading country

products and energy and increase the use

in clean solutions. Finland has demon-

of forests as carbon sinks.

strated that it wants to commit boldly to environmental matters. The current

The circular economy is needed to support

climate in society supports the growth

bioeconomy in this challenge. In the future,

of environment-related markets.

successful business will be based on wise use

STRATEGIC GOAL

Our Interdisciplinary Visiting Scholars programme supports the development of research quality, cooperation between disciplines and the international networking of researchers.

Hanna-Leena Pesonen is a professor of corporate environmental management and the dean of the Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics. Her fields of research are sustainable business, corporate responsibility strategies, environmental life cycle management and the bioeconomy.

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Janne S. Kotiaho is a professor of ecology at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, the director of the JYU.WISDOM research community and the chair of the Finnish national IPBES panel, i.e. the Nature Panel. His fields of research include ecology and the measurement, evaluation and forecasting of habitats.

RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST

Towards planetary wellbeing Planetary wellbeing refers to the equal wellbeing of humanity and non-human nature. Non-human nature and its functioning are vital for humanity, because it provides our nourishment and most of our resources. Humans dominate the competition for resources between species, but, at the same time, we are destroying non-human nature at an unprecedented rate.

This activity already threatens our wellbeing.

We gather regularly for lunch colloquiums and

Words and language affect our thinking, and we

planetary wellbeing breakfasts and have environ-

cannot afford to just talk about promoting human

mental debates. People from all faculties participate

wellbeing anymore. The time of gazing at your

in the activity of the Wisdom community, which

navel is over – we must think bigger than before.

guarantees multidisciplinary perspectives.

The School of Resource Wisdom is an open commu-

In addition to non-biased interdisciplinary research

nity for the students and staff of JYU and partly

and education that does not get hung up on traditions,

for external participants. It contemplates solutions

we boldly focus on societal interaction. The Wisdom

for planetary wellbeing, sustainability, the circular

community is a proactive advocate of knowledge,

economy, and wise and reasonable use of resources

creating a better world by increasing the understanding

in general.

of the academic community and society as a whole.

RE SEARCH: PUTTING THE RE SEARCHE R FIRST

Wellbeing starts with you – regardless of age People aim to achieve wellbeing based on their goals, abilities and prospects.

Humans are naturally motivated to personally decide on their life, use their skills and act socially, also in older age.

Wellbeing increases when you can act according to your goals in matters that are important to you. As your physical functioning gets weaker when getting older, you may give up or change your goals, which may lead to passivation. In such a situation, people can be helped to see their situation in a new way, adopt new goals and develop ways to promote activity.

The image of old age is often based on outdated generalisations. According to research results, the functional ability of older people has improved and old age starts later than it used to.

Most people between the age of 65 and 70 are relatively healthy and have an active supporting role in their families. In addition, most people older than this lead an active adult life that includes developing themselves and activities based on their interests. The need for treatment becomes more common only in the last years or months of life.

Activity and wellbeing can and must be fostered until the end of life, even though its forms may change.

Taina Rantanen is a professor of gerontology and public health at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences.

The European Research Council has awarded Professor Rantanen a distinguished ERC Advanced Grant funding of more than two million euros. The recipients of the funding are especially merited senior researchers.

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CAPABLE , CREATIVE AND HEALTHY UNIVE RSITY COMMUNITY

Strong dialogue is a strength STRATEGIC GOAL

Finland’s best university employer and study community

The University of Jyväskylä is an appealing academic community – a place of work and study that attracts the best talent from Finland and abroad.

The University promotes competence, creativity and wellbeing and is a platform for new knowledge and education, changing the world in constant interaction with society.

The JYU identity stems from our legacy as an interna-

The University is known for its supportive and motiva-

tional university with societal impact. We are proud of

ting community spirit, in which both staff and students

this tradition and want to nurture it. Our uniqueness is

can achieve their goals and develop as top experts in

recognised and widely respected in Finland and inter-

their fields. Leadership at JYU is based on openness,

nationally. Our identity is central to our appeal. It leaves

trust, equality, collaboration, recognising the potential

a positive impression also on visitors and stakeholders.

of individuals, and caring.

Diversity, multifaceted skills and a sense of togetherness are an essential part of everything we do. We are a

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multicultural and international working community

Through cooperation across disciplines and close interac-

that values and inspires individuals. Our university has

tion with society, JYU is an innovative working community

a diverse range of forums for goal-oriented interaction

capable of breakthroughs in science and education and an

both internally and with stakeholders. This promotes

attractive partner in both the public and the private sector.

unity across disciplines and units, as well as the valuing of a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation between the University’s stakeholders and partners.

WE NURTURE EQUALITY, UNITY AND A STRONG IDE NTITY.

Our multidisciplinary university offers an inspiring and

Leadership at JYU is based on openness, trust, equality, collaboration, recognising the potential of individuals, and caring.

Our leadership is valued, fair and ethically sustainable.

innovative space for new knowledge and education

At JYU, good leadership aims at productive activities,

with social impact. Through science-based expertise,

initiative, enthusiasm and innovativeness, without

JYU responds to the challenges of a changing world.

compromising people’s wellbeing.

Our encouraging and equal community is known for its open and interactive culture. It supports individual

Leadership is seen as goal-oriented interaction that the

development, the wellbeing of staff and students, and

entire community has a hand in developing through com-

sustainable careers. Creativity, participation and the

munity development groups and the forums for partici-

valuing of individual competence and community spirit

pation at the University. Leadership supports individuals’

create an appealing environment for work and study that

progress towards their own career and study goals.

attracts employees and students from all over the world.

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JYUNIQUE CAMPUS: WHE RE TRADITION AND TOMORROW ME ET

One campus, many worlds STRATEGIC GOAL

A campus for new knowledge and diverse activities

The campus of the University of Jyväskylä combines world-class architecture with a rich cultural history to offer an attractive environment for a thriving and dynamic academic community.

On our future campus, there will be other operators alongside the JYU community. This offers an inspiring, innovative and interactive space for encounters between our university, the surrounding society and the business world. The campus thrives throughout the day and is closely integrated with the changing city structure through new residential and service solutions.

Located in the heart of a student-friendly city, our beautiful and sustainable campus is a cornerstone of the University’s appeal in the competition for the best students and researchers.

Our campus is a place for high-quality research, education and continuous learning. It promotes the close cooperation of a multidisciplinary university community as well as interaction and networking across boundaries. Versatile and flexible facility solutions support the joint use of facilities and encourage new ways of working. Digitalisation is a natural part of everyday life on campus.

THE CAMPUS E NHANCE S INTE RACTION, COOPE RATION AND NETWORKING BETWE E N DIS CIPLINE S .

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STRATEGIC GOAL

Responsible and sustainable campus.

On our future campus, responsibility for financial, social, ecological and cultural history issues and sustainability are an integral part of campus development.

Our park-like campus is open for all, barrier-free and easy to reach. Different languages, cultures and nationalities create an international atmosphere.

Our active campus at the heart of the sports capital of Finland creates the best possible conditions for a healthy and stimulating everyday life.

JYU uses its resources wisely and the campus supports creative solutions to global challenges. The university

The natural beauty of the lake environment, combined

retains its identity as a genuine university campus

with Alvar Aalto’s unique architecture, makes the

and continues the story it started in 1863 for future

JYU campus an internationally known attraction.

generations.

JYU AND ITS CAMPUS WILL BE CARBON NEUTRAL BY 203 0.

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Aino Ylipiessa, who is studying to become a class teacher, is the chair of the subject association Pedago.

JYUNIQUE CAMPUS: WHE RE TRADITION AND TOMORROW ME ET

A campus where you feel good I wanted to study at the University of Jyväskylä because I had heard so much good about the Department of Teacher Education. Our education is respected internationally and the approach here is fresh.

For the wellbeing of students, it is essential

Teaching is interactive and it also includes

that they are taken into account comprehen-

contact teaching in addition to lectures.

sively. In addition to high-quality teaching,

Studying is much nicer when you don’t

we have great sports opportunities, function-

need to work alone.

al health care and a comfortable campus.

I feel happy every time I walk on the campus.

In the subject association, we cooperate

Teachers are genuinely interested in how we

The students are heard and we are able

are doing. They pay attention that we have

to influence matters that concern our

everything in order. Each department has

education. One way to improve students’

a named student support person, a Goodie,

wellbeing further would be to invest in

with whom you can discuss about almost

study psychologist services.

closely with the staff of the department.

anything confidentially.

At JYU, students are cared and looked after.

In Jyväskylä, it is great that most students

The university is genuinely interested in our

come from somewhere else. The university

wellbeing and the student perspective.

ensures that the start of studies goes well and everyone feels safe. Here it is easy to find your place in the university community.

STRATEGIC GOAL

A campus of wellbeing.

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A DIG ITAL TRAILBLAZE R

Inspiring and openminded agility STRATEGIC GOAL

Smart digital environments create quality, flexibility and interaction.

At JYU, digitalisation is an inspiring and open resource for the people and the organisation. It makes us a trailblazer and provides potential for continuous development work.

We develop and explore a wide range of digital solutions that help us secure our position as an internationally renowned university in our key strength areas of education and research. Digitalisation enhances learning, teaching and research, facilitating our everyday work and creating versatile and innovative interconnections at our people-centred university.

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Our learning and service environment is digitally supported, multimodal and user-oriented. JYU has a high-quality and flexible digital research environment, which promotes open science as well as interaction, networking, cooperation and innovation activity with domestic and international partners. Digitalisation also promotes the university’s societal interaction, making research data available for use by different parties in society.

JYU is a trailblazer in applying artificial intelligence in our core activities and administration. A growing share of our scientific research and degrees is based on the use of intelligent, interactive digital platforms.

DIG ITALISATION BRING S E FFICIE NCY AND FLOW TO DAILY LIFE AND E NABLE S INNOVATIVE E NCOUNTE RS IN THE COMMUNITY.

36

WISD OM AND WE LLBE ING FOR US ALL

Competence for the future since 1863 The vision of the University of Jyväskylä is

Cygnaeus’ plan was realised in 1863, when a teacher

to be a global leader in the fields of learning

seminary was established in Jyväskylä, on the current

and teaching.

university campus. Based on the town’s central location, the first Finnish-medium secondary schools for boys and girls were also established in Jyväskylä. The foundation

JYU has great opportunities to achieve this. The University

of the world-famous school system was created at our

has a strong tradition of promoting culture and education.

university, and we are very proud of it!

Around the mid-1800s, Uno Cygnaeus was enthusiastic to educate the people and created a programme for

Nowadays, EduCluster Finland, a subsidiary of the Univer-

organising primary school education in Finland. He spoke

sity of Jyväskylä, exports Finnish education expertise all

for a school system that would provide general education

over the world. High-class education expertise promotes

and practical subjects, aiming at the mental and physical

the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

development and wellbeing of individuals.

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THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD -FAMOUS FINNISH S CHOOL SYSTE M WAS CREATE D AT OUR UNIVE RSITY. The Open University of the University of Jyväskylä is

‘learning, teaching and interaction’. The faculty studies

the largest in Finland. It produces about 25% of the open

the effects of physical exercise on health and produces

university education in Finland. The studies offer a way

research data to promote physical activity from early

to raise the public’s educational level, which creates

childhood to old age.

wellbeing for people and the whole society.

The strategy focuses on creating competence and wellJYU is internationally renowned in educational sciences,

being for individuals. The wellbeing of each member of

which are its traditional strong area, and hosts the only

the community is important, as is ensuring that everyone

faculty of sport and health sciences in Finland.

has opportunities to grow and develop. With the help of high-quality scientific research and education, we

The University of Jyväskylä has six strategic core fields: • Learning, teaching and interaction • Physical activity, health and wellbeing • Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking • Sustainable business and economy • Language, culture and society • Information technology and the human in the knowledge society.

The purpose of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is to promote the wellbeing of citizens. The faculty’s operations are strongly connected to JYU’s strategic core areas of ‘physical activity, health and wellbeing’ and

promote the comprehensive wellbeing and competence of individuals in society.

JYU’s research and education in psychology, humanities and the natural sciences are also at an internationally distinguished level.

The purpose of the Student Life activity, developed at the University of Jyväskylä, is to help students to progress in their studies and develop the conditions and quality of studying. The development work is based on research, including support for research projects and master’s theses that relate to the topic.

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A UNIVE RSITY WITH S OCIETAL IMPACT Of all universities in the world, the University of Jyväskylä is among the top three percent and represents the best of the world in several of its disciplines.

14,000 STUDENTS

2,400 EMPLOYEES

UNIVE RSITY, MANY WORLDS

OVER 100

6

5

€205 MILLION

NATIONALITIES

FACULTIES

INDEPENDENT INSTITUTES

BUDGET

COR E F I E L D S

Learning, teaching and interaction

Physical activity, health and wellbeing

Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking

Language, culture and society

Sustainable business and economy

Information technology and the human in the knowledge society

JYU is Finland’s first and largest teacher education provider, with the Finnish Institute for Educational Research as a special national responsibility.

JYU’s Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is the only one of its kind in Finland Accelerator Laboratory: one of the most important research infrastructures in Europe The multifaceted Language Campus and the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (Movi) Finland’s largest Open University The only Open Science Centre in Finland Effective research and education in the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius and Snowpolis in Vuokatti EduCluster Finland: a pioneer in international education export Finland’s first campus dogs support wellbeing in the community EduFutura Jyväskylä: renewal of learning and effective cooperation for the best of the student

3,110

publications, of which 1,900 are open

12

profiling areas funded by the Academy of Finland

6

national special responsibilities

4

Centres of Excellence in Research appointed by the Academy of Finland

3

Academy professors

2

FiDiPro Professors

11

ERC researchers Numbers in 2019

WISDOM AND WELLBEING FOR US ALL

M I S S ION

WE ARE A UNIVE RSITY WITH S OCIETAL IMPACT

V I S ION We are one of the world’s leading research universities in the study of learning, wellbeing and basic natural phenomena, reshaping competence to build a sustainable society.

MAIN STRATEGIC GOALS

RE SEARCH – putting the researcher first

• Motivating and attractive research careers • Researchers’ competence and the quality of research develop continuously • High-quality research services and research infrastructure

MAIN STRATEGIC GOALS

E DUCATION – educating experts with influence

• Competence promise: Responsible academic experts in a culturally diverse world • Development promise: We offer education that meets global competence requirements • Student Life promise: JYU is the leader in Finland for supporting student wellbeing and studies • Quality promise: Teaching and teachers are respected and quality is kept high

MAIN STRATEGIC GOALS

A DIG ITAL trailblazer

• Digitally supported, multimodal and user-oriented learning and service environment • JYU has a high-quality and flexible digital research environment • Intelligent digital environments promote high-quality user experience, efficiency and agility in operations

MAIN STRATEGIC GOALS

JYUNIQUE CAMPUS

• A campus for new knowledge and diverse activities • A campus for the whole city

– where tradition and tomorrow meet

• A campus of wellbeing

CA PA BL E , C R E AT I V E A N D H E A LT H Y

MAIN STRATEGIC GOALS

University community

• A responsible and sustainable campus

• Working for JYU: Unity, equality and the JYU identity • Developing JYU: Nurture individuals and a community with a passion for knowledge and creativity • Leading JYU: Leadership that creates inspiration and innovations

TOWARDS A FUTURE OF WISDOM AND WE LLBE ING Our strategy work continues.

To achieve the desired change, the strategic goals of the development programmes will be concretised as development targets with defined responsible persons and units as well as a schedule for implementation. We continuously monitor the implementation of the strategy with specified indicators and ensure the suitability of goals by continuously observing changes and trends in the operating environment.

This work requires persistence, and we can achieve these changes only by pursuing them together.

The university promotes competence, creativity and wellbeing and is a platform for new knowledge and education, changing the world in constant interaction with society.

JYU.FI/EN/UNIVERSITY/STRATEGY

JYU. Since 1863.