Pandemics as a Challenge for Society (PANDEMICS)

This strategic research programme focuses on the crises caused by pandemics and their wide-ranging social impacts. Anticipation and prevention of pandemic crises, safeguarding the functioning of society, decision-making on measures to be taken and post-crisis reconstruction require comprehensive research-based solutions. As the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shows, the prevention of pandemic threats and securing the carrying capacity of healthcare may require not only medical and public health measures but also extensive societal measures and restrictions. Such measures may require decision-making with insufficient information and making tough choices between potentially incommensurable factors. The consequences are far-reaching, for example in social, health and economic terms, both for individuals and for the wider society. How do we safeguard the Finnish welfare society from pandemics and support the post-crisis recovery? Research in this programme will create research-based solutions and multidisciplinary expertise to solve the societal challenges posed by pandemics, promoting the core tasks, operational security and citizen security of the welfare state.

Projects:

Safeguarding welfare in times of pandemics: towards collaborative governance of syndemics (WELGO)

Consortium PI: Ville-Pekka Sorsa, University of Helsinki
Responsible for interaction activities: Oona Frilander, Demos Research Institute Oy

Consortium Composition: University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, Tampere University, University of Vaasa, Demos Research Institute Oy, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

Just Recovery from Covid-19? Fundamental Rights, Legitimate Governance and Lessons Learnt (JuRe)

Consortium PI: Janne Salminen, University of Turku
Responsible for interaction activities: Henri Vogt, University of Turku

Consortium Composition: University of Turku, University of Helsinki, Tampere University

Resistant Cities: Urban Planning as Means for Pandemic Prevention (RECIPE)

Consortium PI: Helka-Liisa Hentilä, University of Oulu
Responsible for interaction activities: Anna Suorsa, University of Oulu

Consortium Composition: University of Oulu, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Oulu Deaconess Institute, Filha ry

Resilient schools and the education system (EduRESCUE)

Consortium PI: Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, University of Jyväskylä
Responsible for interaction activities: Kaisa Leino, University of Jyväskylä

Consortium Composition: University of Jyväskylä, University of Helsinki, University of Turku