
Communication Studies

About the research group
Communication Studies research group views communication as a human activity that enables interaction, keeps communities together, and creates a shared understanding. Communication is understood as a dynamic social phenomenon through which knowledge, emotions, and meanings are conveyed and constructed. We understand communication both as an organized and planned activity and as spontaneous activity typical of human beings. Changes in technology, environment, and culture form a relevant context for our research. The mission of Communication Studies is to provide reasoned views and solutions to social, cultural and economic issues from the perspective of communication. The values that guide our research are curiosity, independence, responsibility, and critical thinking. In the work of our research group, our teaching focus areas—Digital media, Organizational communication, and Interaction design—are closely interconnected. We are open to collaboration with companies, communities, and various research organisations. The contact persons for the Communication Studies research group are Professors Merja Koskela (for the period 1.8.2024–31.7.2027 Anne Laajalahti) and Tanja Sihvonen. The roots of the Communication Studies research group lie in Applied linguistics, Terminological research, and Technical communication.
The research group focuses particularly on the following themes:
- change of digital media environment
- artificial intelligence and algorithms
- users, agency, and technology
- financial discourses and meanings
- strategic orientation, sustainability, and ethics.
Latest updates
Research projects
Project | Duration | Actors |
---|---|---|
Talking Machines – Electronic voice and the interpretation of emotions and self-understanding in human–machine communication 1960–2020 | - | Communication studies |
Publications
Research group leaders
Research group members
Markku Ihonen
Anne Kankaanranta

Katriina Karvo
Andreas Kelletat
Marja-Liisa Kuronen
Tuula Laakkonen
Doctoral students
- Cecilia Hjerppe
- Aino Harinen
- Hanna Hietikko
- Marjo Honkaranta
- Annikki Hyppönen
- Suvi Isohella
- Pia Karasjärvi
- Mona Khattab
- Katja Lösönen
- Jarl Macalka
- Susan Mykrä
- Marjut Männistö
- Annu Perälä
- Joni Piispanen
- Anna Tikkala
- Zekun Ling
- Katriina Karvo