Turku 2011 Research Projects
In 2011, the city of Turku is the European Capital of Culture. The city’s rich research tradition is one of its irrefutable strengths. The University of Turku has participated in building and supporting the European Capital of Culture project in many ways since the project began.
Throughout the year, research connected to art and art connected to research are present everywhere in Turku. The Turku 2011 Research Projects of the University of Turku concern topics such as creative economy, well-being, urban culture, and evaluating the effects of the European Capital of Culture year on Turku.
Turku is the first city to announce an open call for research projects to be included into its year as a European Capital of Culture. Every higher education institution in Turku is involved in collaboration which includes nearly all of their fields, including Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Medicine and Economics.
The staff of the University of Turku is involved in the Capital of Culture year in various ways. Several people from the University were members of the 2011 team and steering committee already in 2004, when the European Capital of Culture application and planning process took place. These groups were lead by Keijo Virtanen, Rector of the University of Turku, who currently is the Chairman of the Turku 2011 Foundation Delegation. Several people from the University belong to both the Delegation and the Turku 2011 Foundation Board.'
Aside from the Turku 2011 Research Projects, the researchers of the University of Turku both realize numerous collaborative projects and participate in them as specialists.
On this website, the Turku 2011 Research Projects and Programmes are described in closer detail.