The DocSoc360° aims to discover new types of solutions for implementing doctoral education in university cooperation.

In the pilot, change is sought for the following aspects:

• Research culture: The pilot fosters a research culture of close collaboration and research as part of a research team. The dissertations are part of the research projects at the universities, and existing research designs and materials are used as resources. There will be close cooperation with business life actors.
• Theoretical change: Social services research is examined as a theme that demands a cross-disciplinary approach in a research environment that supports multidisciplinarity.
• Methodological change: The pilot commits to sharing expertise related to research methodology and research methods with doctoral researchers to promote the understanding and application of different methods.
• Pedagogical change: The doctoral degree and doctoral dissertation are completed in a structured programme and in close cooperation with supervisors and other doctoral researchers.
• Temporal change: A clear, structured programme and regular thematic group meetings and courses support the completion of the degree
• Procedural change: The time required for the completion of doctoral dissertations will be shortened by intensifying supervision and reforming the curriculum for doctoral degrees.

• University of Helsinki
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland (coordinating university)
• University of Oulu
• Tampere University
• University of Vaasa

• Helena Blomberg-Kroll, professor, University of Helsinki, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Maija Jäppinen, assistant professor, University of Helsinki, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Johanna Lammintakanen, professor, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
• Timo Toikko, professor, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
• Teppo Kröger, professor, University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care (CoE AgeCare)
• Heli Valokivi, professor, University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Merja Laitinen, professor, University of Lapland, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Sanna Hautala, professor, University of Lapland, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Tapio Nykänen, associate professor, University of Oulu, Faculty of Humanities, Giellagas Institut
• Katja Kuusisto, professor, Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Suvi Raitakari, associate professor, Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences
• Harri Jalonen, professor, University of Vaasa, School of Management
• Anna-Aurora Kork, associate professor, University of Vaasa, School of Management