Research group
Our multidisciplinary research group works at the University of Eastern Finland and the Tampere University. The group includes researchers from environmental sciences, microbiology, urban and landscape planning, architecture, medicine, and environmental psychology.
We have 36 partners from different sectors of society, such as environmental companies, cities, housing service providers for special groups, foundations promoting well-being and environmental diversity, and those operating in the field of administration, such as ministries. These stakeholders enable the implementation of interventions and increase common understanding of the means and ways in which biodiversity can be added to urban areas. Partners play an important role in bringing new understanding and research-based practices to the attention of urban and environmental planning and construction, education, health sector, decision-makers, and residents.
Team
Past members
Master of Science Graduates:
- Ella Holopainen, University of Helsinki, 2024, Biodiversity interventions and their effects on human well being
- Anna Luukkonen, University of Helsinki, 2025, Effects of different meadow establishment methods and soil carbon content on surface soil bacterial communities
- Nina-Susanne Lång, University of Helsinki, 2025, Impact of urban development on bacterial communities: a case study of old and modern playgrounds
- Sofia Rönnqvist, Åbo Akademi, 2026, National Survey of Playground Biodiversity : Plant and Microbial Diversity across Urban and Rural Kindergartens
Ph.D. Graduates:
- Mika Saarenpää, University of Helsinki, 2024, Boosting beneficial microbial exposure of urbanites through nature-based recreation and biodiverse elements
- Juulia Manninen, University of Helsinki, 2026, Environmental microbiota and pollution in urban environments : implications for health-relevant exposure
