SuomiAreena’s Big Space Day: Space – Finland’s next success story?, taking place on Friday 26 June, will bring together space technology experts, companies and young talents on the Raatihuoneenpuisto stage in the Old Town Hall Park. The event is organized by Pori Space Lab, a collaboration between SAMK, the University of Turku and the City of Pori.
The day’s programme includes a keynote speech from the European Space Agency (ESA), expert panel discussions, and a live stratospheric satellite flight conducted as a student project. The themes will range from the impact of space technology on everyday life to business opportunities in the sector and to Finland’s potential to become a success story in the space industry.
Representing SAMK amongst the speakers at the Space Day will be Vice President Heikki Haaparanta and Senior Lecturer Kimmo Viitala. The event is part of a broader vision to establish a permanent operating environment for space technology, science education, and practical engineering expertise in Pori.
Read more (in Finnish)
On Wednesday, the Satakunta-lava will highlight why Satakunta has the best location in Finland – now and in the future. Geopolitical changes have strengthened the region’s role as Finland’s security coast and gateway to the West. The discussion will offer concrete examples of what is currently being done in Satakunta, how the region’s location is being utilised, and what goals are being set for the years ahead. One of the speakers is Minna Keinänen-Toivola, Senior Researcher at SAMK.
Read more (in Finnish)
SAMK also at Kansalaistori with daily changing themes
SAMK will also be present at SuomiAreena’s Kansalaistori with a different theme each day. SAMK can be found at tent spot 6.
On the Built Environment theme day, Tuesday 23 June, visitors can explore the opportunities offered by SAMK’s engineering and blended learning programmes, as well as research supporting the green transition, security of supply and carbon neutrality goals. The booth will showcase, for example, the work of the RETAKE project on recycling construction materials and sustainable building, and offer discussions on future competence needs, career opportunities and business collaboration with companies.
During the Wellbeing and Functioning theme day on Wednesday 24 June, visitors can learn about the current research conducted by SAMK’s newest research centre on wellbeing at work, mental health, nutrition and work-based immigration. At the booth you can take part in nutrition counselling sessions, quizzes, and try tasks from an escape room game developed together with young people. Throughout the day, the visitors can also engage in discussions on coping at work, mental health and the challenges of the future world of work.
On the Nursing theme day, Thursday 25 June, visitors can explore the different study options available in SAMK’s nursing degree programme, as well as the diverse career paths within the field. At the booth, you can try out practical nursing tasks, get familiar with the equipment and take part in hands-on activities on themes such as first aid and the teddy bear hospital. The day highlights the vital role of nurses in society, the future workforce needs of the sector, and the opportunities offered by international and flexible education.
During the Technology and Robotics theme day, Friday 26 June, visitors can experience future technologies developed by SAMK’s RoboAI Research Centre through practical demonstrations. At the booth, you can, among other things, see a humanoid robot in action and try out a virtual trip to the sandy beach of Yyteri. During the day, you’ll also have the chance to discuss the impact of robotics, artificial intelligence and technology on everyday life, work and well-being, as well as learn about SAMK’s research and development activities.
View the SuomiAreena map (in Finnish)
—
The VesiVara project at SuomiAreena with its own booth
The VesiVara project will also be present at the SuomiAreena’s Citizen Square on Tuesday 23–24 June, at spot 23. The project will have its own tent spot, where visitors can, among other things, sample drinking water from the Satakunta region, calculate their personal water footprint and take part in a bacteria-themed prize draw.
The VesiVara project involves SAMK’s Wander Research Centre, the Pyhäjärvi Institute and Prizztech.
