New Kaupunkivaikutus Research Collaboration Tackles Urban Challenges in Helsinki Metropolitan Area

New Kaupunkivaikutus Research Collaboration Tackles Urban Challenges in Helsinki Metropolitan Area

(IN BRIEF) The Kaupunkivaikutus project, a research collaboration between the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, the University of Helsinki, and Aalto University, aims to tackle critical urban issues such as climate adaptation, education equity, and transportation efficiency. With a focus on measurable outcomes and real-time data, the project will drive informed decision-making and contribute to the development of more sustainable, resilient, and efficient cities in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 21-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking research collaboration known as the Kaupunkivaikutus (‘Urban Effect’) project has been launched in 2024, bringing together the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, alongside researchers from the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. The initiative focuses on producing research that directly responds to the strategic needs of these cities, addressing critical urban issues such as climate adaptation, education equity, transportation, and the resilience of urban infrastructures.

With a total funding of approximately €400,000, the project will support four research initiatives over a maximum of two years. The selection process emphasized the use of new datasets and measurable observations to ensure that the research delivers actionable, high-quality insights.

Key Research Areas:

1. Urban Nature and Climate Adaptation
   The CoolGreen project, led by Professor Leena Järvi (University of Helsinki) and Associate Professor Ranja Hautamäki (Aalto University), explores the climate impacts of urban densification and the cooling potential of green spaces. The project aims to model the effects of urban nature on the heat island effect and assess how urban greening can mitigate temperature rises in densely built environments. The results will provide crucial data for land use and climate strategies, with the potential for wider application in rapidly growing urban areas.
2. Impact of Weighted-Curriculum Education and Needs-Based Funding
   Doctoral Researcher Rasmus Mellanen’s research investigates how needs-based funding affects student outcomes in Finland’s comprehensive schools, with a particular focus on how weighted-curriculum education impacts inequality. The findings will provide cities with vital information to guide decisions about resource allocation and the organization of specialized education programs.
3. Impact of Rail Traffic on Mobility and Business
   Aalto University’s Assistant Professor Oskari Harjunen and Doctoral Researcher Touko Väänänen are leading a project that examines the effects of new rail connections in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area on individual mobility and business operations. The research will provide valuable insights into how rail projects like the western underground line and the Jokeri Light Rail impact car ownership, travel behavior, congestion, and business activity in the region.
4. Resilience of Urban Transport Networks to Road Disruptions
   Professors Pablo Warnes and Prottoy Akbar (Aalto University) are conducting research on how road disruptions, such as extreme weather or accidents, affect urban transport systems. By analyzing real-time data on traffic flow, weather conditions, and travel times, the project aims to develop new methods to enhance the flexibility and resilience of urban transport networks, particularly in light of challenges such as population growth and climate change.

The Kaupunkivaikutus project will contribute to urban development by enhancing knowledge and providing actionable data for decision-makers. The results will support the cities’ efforts to adapt to climate change, improve educational outcomes, optimize transportation, and build more resilient urban infrastructures.

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SOURCE: University of Helsinki