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The JYU.Well community warmly welcomes the new chairpersons for 2025! Let's get to know these three researchers in more detail by asking them how wellbeing research is part of their work and what they value in the JYU.Well community and its activities.

How does wellbeing relate to your research and work?

Merja Rantakokko (SportsHealth): Wellbeing is at the core of my research. In my research I have focused on older people's ability to function and to move outdoors, and I have specifically studied the living environment of older people. This is an interesting area of research as it reflects a person's involvement in a wide range of activities outside the home, influenced by both the characteristics of the individual and the environment in which the activities take place. The extent of life is an important determinant of wellbeing. When people have the opportunity to move and participate in activities that are meaningful to them, this maintains a positive mood and increases quality of life.

Anna Rönkä (EduPsy). It is important to transfer the research knowledge gathered in our university, for example to the practical use in the Central Finland Wellbeing Services County.

Esa Ala-Ruona (HYTK). I am very interested in how different therapies can share their knowledge base, which can then be used in a wide range of ways. This kind of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaboration is something I am already familiar with from my clinical work, but also from working in multidisciplinary centres of excellence. This broad understanding of the potential of therapies helps us to transfer this knowledge to the general wellbeing promotion side. Part of this also involves developing training in the therapeutic areas and promoting the implementation of research knowledge, i.e. putting it into practice.

What does the JYU.Well community mean to you?

Merja: For me, JYU.Well means a network through which I can find partners and get new ideas and thoughts for research.
Anna: The multidisciplinary network strengthens and expands my understanding of family related wellbeing.
Esa: The JYU.Well community allows me to share experiences and ideas with a very diverse and multi-dimensional group of people. The JYU.Well community is constructive and inclusive. I like the fact that people think about opportunities rather than obstacles and move things forward in a good spirit. This activity has huge potential for us!

Why join the JYU.Well community?

Merja: Although national and international networks are very important, it's good to remember that sometimes the best expertise can be found in your own organisation, for example as close as in a neighbouring faculty.
Anna: Working in the JYU.Well community opens up new perspectives and strengthens the impact of science by bringing research results into practice.
Esa: The best thing about the JYU.Well community is its people and the rich dialogue. This community offers excellent opportunities to contribute to the development and maintenance of well-being through research, education and social impact. There are good links with actors in the field of social and health services and this community has a broad impact.