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.
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.
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.
An important part of the research group consists of doctoral researchers who are enrolled in the University of Vaasa’s doctoral programme. We are continuously looking for talented and motivated individuals interested in Communication Studies, both as doctoral candidates and for project positions. More detailed information about supervision themes can be found at the end of the page in our staff profiles.
Latest updates
Research projects
| Project | Duration | Actors |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptualizing Blockchains | - | Communication studies, Marketing and Communication |
| 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
Nils Ehrenberg
Maria Eronen-Valli
Hanna Hietikko
Cecilia Hjerppe
Marjo Honkaranta
Elisa Kannasto
Doctoral students
- Aino Harinen
- Hanna Hietikko
- Cecilia Hjerppe
- Marjo Honkaranta
- Pia Karasjärvi
- Katriina Karvo
- Sebastian Laitila
- Zekun Ling
- Katja Lösönen
- Jarl Macalka
- Susan Mykrä
- Marjut Männistö
- Krista Penttilä
- Joni Piispanen
Docents
- Anne Kankaanranta
- Marja-Liisa Kuronen
- Anne Laajalahti
- Minna Lammi
- Arto Lanamäki
- Hans Landqvist
- Vilma Luoma-aho
- Riikka Nissi
- Pekka Pälli