New Strategic Research Council projects at the University of Vaasa
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Two subprojects funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) of the Research Council of Finland will be transferred to the University of Vaasa, along with their research teams. The host organisation will change from VTT to the University of Vaasa as of 15 June 2026. The projects are AIdemoc, part of the DEMOC programme, and CAREFUTURE, part of the SKILLS programme.
At the same time, Mika Nieminen will begin at the University of Vaasa as Programme Director of the SRC-funded research programme Economy and Welfare in an Era of Strategic Competition (WELEC).
Vice-rector for Research Mika Grundström considers the transfer significant.
– The transfer strengthens the University of Vaasa’s research areas in a natural and sustainable way. We see a growing need for research of the kind carried out in SRC projects in societally important areas. It is encouraging to see that our strategy-aligned research environment is recognised by top researchers and partners as a reliable platform for long-term research.
AI for democracy and care work
The multidisciplinary AIdemoc project (AI in Support of Democracy) examines the impact of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, on the future of democracy. The project assesses both opportunities and risks, including disinformation, digital vulnerabilities, and the misuse of AI.
At the University of Vaasa, the subproject develops scenarios on the future of democracy, explores the potential of large language models in public services, and studies ways to strengthen civic participation. The subproject is led by Senior Researcher Nina Wessberg.
The CAREFUTURE project (The Future of Care Work) focuses on the renewal of care work and the responsible use of AI. The research addresses issues such as well-being at work, the attractiveness and retention of the sector, and the development of ethically sustainable solutions.
At the University of Vaasa, the subproject emphasises ethically and socially sustainable AI solutions and their impacts, as well as responsible innovation development. The subproject is led by Senior Researcher Jaana Leikas.
The WELEC programme, coordinated by Nieminen, examines how the economy can be renewed in a changing operating environment in ways that strengthen both competitiveness and well-being. At the University of Vaasa, research related to the programme is also carried out in the Spaceconomy and Transform-AI consortia.