Diaconia University of Applied Sciences

Diaconia University of Applied Sciences (Diak) is a multidisciplinary university of applied sciences in Finland, specialising in social work, health care, diaconia and interpreting. Our mission is to reduce inequality, strengthen inclusion and promote social sustainability through education, research, development and innovation (RDI).

Diak is an experienced and innovative RDI partner, implementing approximately 70 externally funded projects annually in collaboration with national and international partners. Our research and development activities focus on two main areas: Social Innovations and Impactful Welfare Services, and Diaconia and Diversity.

Our expertise includes:

• Health and wellbeing promotion, with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved populations.

• Social innovations and the development of inclusive, accessible and person-centred health and social care services.

• Diversity, equality and social inclusion, including the social determinants of health and wellbeing.

• Participatory and community-based approaches, co-creation and cross-sectoral collaboration.

• Implementation, evaluation and assessment of the effectiveness and societal impact of innovative services and practices.

• Professional competence development and translating research-based knowledge into practical solutions.

Diak combines applied research with close connections to health and social care professionals, service providers, communities and civil society organisations. We contribute to multidisciplinary research and innovation partnerships by bringing expertise in social sustainability, user involvement, service development and the implementation of research results in real-world settings.

Through our RDI activities, we aim to develop evidence-informed, transferable and sustainable solutions that improve wellbeing, strengthen social inclusion and reduce inequalities across society