In the beginning of 2025, the new Integration Act moved the responsibility of integration from the state to municipalities. Many cities are looking for ways to build inclusive integration services while being faced with the challenge of increasing digitalization. As migration reshapes our cities and digital technologies redefine how we live and govern, the need for meaningful collaboration between researchers and city officials has never been greater. Yet, despite shared goals around inclusion, accessibility, and social cohesion, academics and policymakers often speak different languages and thus miss opportunities to work together.
“Pitch Your Research” aims to build bridges between scholars and city representatives to connect through shared challenges and interests: how can research help cities become more inclusive in the face of digital transformation and growing diversity? How can scholars take into account grass-roots issues from cities and integrate them better into their research? From the use of AI in public services through chatbots to psychological barriers in migrants accessing healthcare, cities are navigating complex issues that demand both evidence and empathy.
We invite 10-minute presentations on topics related to migration, digitalization, and inclusion. Please keep in mind accessible language and the key message of your research. City officials will respond with reflections from practice: What resonates? What’s missing? Where could collaboration begin?
Whether you're studying digital exclusion, migrant integration, or the role of AI in shaping access to services, this session offers a space to connect ideas with action. Let’s build bridges between disciplines, sectors, and people.
The session commentators are representatives from the cities of Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa. The session is moderated by Viivi Eskelinen.
Language of session: Finnish and English.