Work Research Centre joins global network advancing research on work and employment
Launched in Manchester, UK, on 21 January 2025, Work-Net International was introduced during the two-day Fairness at Work conference.
This new network is dedicated to advancing research on work and employment across the world. It aims to connect research centres and institutes and provide a platform for collaboration and mutual support. Currently, the network comprises 31 members from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Work-Net International emphasises the pivotal role of work and employment in economic and social development. According to the founding members, major shifts in these domains require innovative, interdisciplinary research.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) aims to utilise the network’s expertise to advance debates and seek new policy solutions.
WRC’s Director, Professor Anne Mäkikangas finds the membership in Work-Net International to be highly significant.
“Our membership in this global network is testament to the high quality and long history of our research on work and employment, the impact of which is felt not only in Finland but also internationally. This membership will provide us with excellent opportunities for international collaboration and networking as well as the advancement of our research and the dissemination of knowledge.”
Liisa Häikiö, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (SOC) at Tampere University, believes that membership in Work-Net International will not only benefit researchers at SOC but also those across Tampere University and other universities.
“Interdisciplinary research with a focus on social sciences is one of the strong research areas at Tampere University. WRC’s membership in the newly launched network will further enhance its international role in cultivating and maintaining collaboration opportunities,” Häikiö says.
Work-Net International will support early-career researchers and foster international research collaborations. In addition, the network aims to promote policy dialogues and provide research-based knowledge to support informed policy actions.
The founding members believe in the potential of interdisciplinary research to drive significant positive changes, as exemplified by all the participating research centres.
Read more about Work-Net International
