Building belonging in Espoo – Aalto LASER Talks

The City of Espoo and Aalto University maintain a close, long-term research collaboration focused on developing services for international residents and immigrants. But how should these services be developed – and why through research? What do researchers contribute to the practical work of the city, and conversely, what does research gain when it is rooted in local life and decision-making? Espoo has outlined a strategic goal to be the best City for integration in Finland and a leader in supporting internationalization. This goal cannot be achieved alone, it takes two to tango; this requires partnership, knowledge, trials, and above all, a joint will. How can the impact of research be made visible – to researchers, decision-makers, and the public? This edition of LASERtalks is ideated and organized by researchers themselves. It showcases the results of the research collaboration between Espoo and Aalto and explores the possible forms of impact this collaboration might have in the future. Welcome to Marsio for an intriguing Aalto LASERtalks event with these panelists: Ivone Arazo Silva, Urban Planner & Architect, City of Espoo Betsy Korhonen, Project Manager, Editor, Aalto University Astrid Puumala-Thévenet, Development manager for immigration, City of Espoo  Uttishta Varanasi, Doctoral researcher, Department of Computer Science, Aalto University Moderator: Annukka Svanda, Doctoral researcher, Department of Design, Aalto University