Strategic choices 

The University of Lapland has regional and national impact and is also internationally significant in its areas of expertise. Our research profile is based on our strategic choices that include global Arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism as well as services and reachability. 

Along with these strategic choices, we have chosen core areas for our research that allow us to strengthen well-being even more, create stable operational conditions in the Arctic region and ensure that actors and communities act sustainably. Additionally, we want to deepen the societal impact of our research with the core areas. 

Strategic foci of our research 

We have defined strong core areas for our research: 

  • Arctic change and adaptation 
  • design and services 
  • sustainable naturecultures 

We will create three multi- and cross-disciplinary research groups that are focused on these areas. Researchers from all four of our faculties – Education, Law, Social Sciences and Art and Design – as well as from the Arctic Centre will participate in the research conducted within these research groups. 

In addition to these research groups, our university has two research groups that support the chosen core research areas: Participation (media competence and digitality) and Law & Technology. We are also developing research on comprehensive Arctic safety to support our strong core research areas. 

Impactful research

The impact of our research is built on both academic excellence and our ability to generate value for society.

Read more about our research impact
Two people chat and sit next to big windows with laptops on their laps. People can be seen talking together in the background.

Impactful research

The impact of our research is built on both academic excellence and our ability to generate value for society.

Read more about our research impact
Last updated: 26.8.2025