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Minna Aittasalo

Senior Researcher

Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Vantaa, Finland

Participant

I am a health scientist promoting physical activity and active transport through systems approach to support cities in meeting their climate targets.

My organisation

Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Research Organisation / University

Vantaa, Finland

Laurea University of Applied Sciences functions as an active and multidisciplinary research organization, focusing particularly on applied research, development, and innovation (RDI). Laurea’s research activities aim to address societal challenges in close collaboration with users, businesses, and other stakeholders. Key characteristics of Laurea as a research organization: \- Applied research: Laurea produces practical knowledge and solutions that support regional well-being, safety, and sustainable development. \- Multidisciplinary research programs: These include Coherent Security_,_ Sustainable Social and Health Care_, and_ Service Business and Circular Economy\*. \- Cross-cutting themes: Research emphasizes digitalization, pedagogy, entrepreneurship, and ethical and anticipatory competence. \- Living Lab approach: Laurea utilizes user-driven innovation environments where developers and end-users work together. \- Openness and responsibility: RDI activities are based on open publishing and a responsible research culture. Laurea currently runs around 100 externally funded RDI projects and is actively involved in international networks.
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About me

Minna Aittasalo holds a doctoral degree in health sciences and a title of docent in physical activity promotion. She is currently working as a Senior Researcher in Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

Minna Aittasalo has extensive experience in effectiveness-implementation hybrid designs promoting physical activity and active transport in natural environments such as schools, health care and worksites. In recent years she has also been involved in mapping, benchmarking and designing physical activity and active transport plans, services and ecosystems. Producing supportive material in various formats for implementation, education and communications purposes has always been an essential part of Minna Aittasalo's work. Her expertise thus covers theories, models and frameworks related to intervention design, implementation and effectivenss evaluation, dissemination, scale-up, co-creation, systems thinking and promotional messaging.