Finnish researchers are collaborating with international colleagues to help us understand how we learn
Over the past decades Finland has invested heavily in research and development in the field of biotechnology and life sciences. Close collaboration between companies, universities and research institutes have provided a fruitful development environment for the Finnish life science industry.
There are currently more than 15 life science-related universities and institutions in Finland, feeding innovation into more than 150 companies operating in the Finnish life science sector. In the area of Greater Helsinki alone there are altogether over 300 active life science companies.
One great example of collaboration between Finnish researchers and international colleagues is Cicero Learning; a network for distinguished researchers and research groups on learning coordinated by the University of Helsinki. The network builds co-operation with research groups and units around the world.
“We have researchers from behavioural sciences, brain sciences and technology, among others,” explains Jari Multisilta, the Director of Cicero Learning at the University of Helsinki. “It is important to bring researchers from different areas to solve problems on education. I think that researchers coming from different research backgrounds can solve the challenges we face with our education today.”
One of the research focuses of the group is Brain, Learning and Education. Sometimes called educational neuroscience or neuroeducation, this field seeks to understand the biological, neural, philosophical, psychological and social processes of learning. The University of Helsinki’s Teija Kujala is responsible for coordinating the research in this area.
She says: “Brain research carried out in Cicero Learning aims at determining neural mechanisms of learning and impaired neural processes which cause learning deficits, such as dyslexia and autism spectrum. “Our studies have shed light on neural plasticity associated with language processing, for example, the effects of bilingualism on speech processing. Recently we acquired novel data on rapid automatic learning, suggesting that our brain constantly forms representations on novel spoken words. Thus, these studies have revealed both long-term learning effects as well as rapid learning mechanisms in the brain.”
Kujala says the dyslexia research undertaken by the group have shown a wide-spread auditory-phonetic discrimination deficit as well as impairments in audiovisual integration.
“We have shown that it is possible to improve the functioning of these neural processes with computer-based audiovisual intervention,” she continues. “Our results showed that these neural changes are accompanied by improved reading-related skills. Even a short training period, altogether three hours, improved these skills in preschool children.”
Helsinki is hosting a major neurotechnology investing summit “The 2nd European Neurotech Investing & Partnering Conference” on 4-5 September 2013. Conference will include keynotes on the state of the European neurotech industry, cutting edge company presentations, leading investor analysis, outstanding translational research project, and panel discussions on a comprehensive selection of topics. The conference is organized by NIO, Neurotechnology Industry Organization. www.neurotechindustry.org
Article about Cicero learning: www.helsinkibusinesshub.fi/article/cicero-learning/
Helsinki Business Hub is the investment promotion agency for Greater Helsinki. We identify business opportunities for international companies and help them thrive in the heart of business in Finland, Russia and the Baltics. www.helsinkibusinesshub.fi
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