Jatta Herranen appointed Professor of Practice in Vocational Education

Jatta Herranen will assume her new role on 1 October 2026. She will serve as Principal Researcher at TAMK. Herranen is an education specialist with expertise in the day-to-day management of vocational education, combined with experience gained in both a university of applied sciences and a university in Finland. She currently serves as Director of Processes and Education at Riveria, the North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium.

“In my current position, I have had the opportunity to lead operational changes within a large and successful vocational education provider, working with highly skilled professionals and contributing to the development of vocational education both within and beyond our region. I am delighted to join the researchers, specialists and professionals at Tampere University and TAMK to help shape the future of vocational education, one that is increasingly informed by research evidence and guided by research-based development,” says Herranen.

Tampere University and TAMK are building an ecosystem for research and development in vocational education, with the new Professor of Practice position playing a key role in this initiative. The position was established through donated funds, including a substantial €500,000 donation from Tampere Adult Education Foundation, which operates Tampere Adult Education Centre (TAKK). 

“Jatta’s appointment provides strong support for TAMK’s goal of achieving even closer integration between education, applied research and the development of working life. The future of education is best built on a foundation of research evidence and close collaboration between education providers and employers. Jatta’s extensive practical experience and research-oriented approach will be invaluable in advancing this work,” says Professor Mika Hannula, President of TAMK.

“We are delighted to welcome Jatta Herranen to strengthen research and development in vocational education across Tampere Universities. Her appointment marks an important step in strengthening the joint research and development ecosystem for vocational education at Tampere University and TAMK and in expanding the impact of our research in this field,” says Tiina Silander, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Culture (EDU) at Tampere University. 

More information:

Hanna Ilola, Dean, Pedagogical Innovations and Culture
tel. +358 400 263 675, hanna.ilola [at] tuni.fi

Tiina Silander, Dean, Faculty of Education and Culture
tel. +358 50 597 2811, tiina.silander [at] tuni.fi