TAMK and Tampere University initiate collaboration in doctoral education
A 2024 report published by the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities (Unifi), titled The future direction of doctoral education in Finland. Recommendations for developing doctoral education, highlighted the need to increase the number of doctoral graduates, develop doctoral education and promote employment among doctoral graduates in Finland. The Parliamentary RDI Working Group and the current Government Programme have responded to these needs by significantly increasing funding for RDI activities and the expansion of doctoral education.
Agreement strengthens collaboration between TAMK and Tampere University and enhances impact
By supporting TAMK staff in completing doctoral degrees, they will be better equipped to join research projects and participate in increasingly competitive funding calls. This collaboration will ultimately strengthen research activity and enhance its impact across the Tampere region.
“At TAMK, we consider professional development and career progression into more demanding roles to be key elements of our HR policy. Since a doctoral degree is virtually essential for pursuing a research career, we are committed to supporting our staff in reaching this milestone,” says Mika Hannula, President of Tampere University of Applied Sciences.
Tampere University and TAMK maintain partly distinct goals and profiles within the RDI domain. However, the rapidly evolving operating environment and new funding opportunities call for closer RDI collaboration that leverages the strengths of both institutions. The joint doctoral education initiative will strengthen research expertise at both institutions, advance their RDI activities and support efforts to acquire funding from diverse sources.
“Promoting the growth of RDI activities across Finland and the Tampere region requires substantial effort from both Tampere University and TAMK. Our collaboration in doctoral education will help to increase the pool of skilled professionals and also ensure access to qualified staff for our joint RDI initiatives,” says Keijo Hämäläinen, President of Tampere University.
Doctoral Track aligned with TAMK’s strategic goals
The Doctoral Track Programme is part of TAMK’s strategic goal to strengthen its RDI activities. TAMK will select participants for the programme from among its staff members who have been admitted to study for a doctoral degree at Tampere University. The programme includes support measures that are designed to help the selected participants complete their doctoral degree within four years.
“The participants will be assigned a co-supervisor for their doctoral dissertation from among TAMK staff. Many of our experienced staff members who hold a doctoral degree already serve as dissertation supervisors at different universities. Our own Doctoral Track will further support this valuable opportunity for professional development,” says Mika Hannula.
Staff selected for the Doctoral Track will be allowed to allocate part of their working hours to doctoral research and studies, either within RDI projects or other duties. TAMK will provide them with guidance, mentoring and technical support, and will also participate in appointing a supervisor for their dissertation projects.
Tampere University follows its own regulations when admitting students to doctoral programmes and appointing dissertation supervisors. Depending on faculty-specific guidelines, a follow-up group may also be established, including representatives from both Tampere University and TAMK as well as external members. The University will be responsible for delivering doctoral education and supervision, organising the pre-examination of dissertations and awarding the doctoral degree.
Enquiries:
Mika Hannula
President and CEO, Tampere University of Applied Sciences
tel. +358 29 453 1838, mika.hannula [at] tuni.fi
Keijo Hämäläinen
President, Tampere University
tel. +358 29 453 2107, keijo.hamalainen [at] tuni.fi
