The current geopolitical situation and operational environment have created significant challenges and uncertainties, bringing security issues to the forefront.
"The Societal Security Hub is the University of Helsinki's response to the ongoing discussion and research needs on security," says
You can find information about the upcoming events and opportunities to participate at the end of this news article.
New initiatives and diverse perspectives on security
The aim of the Societal Security Hub is to challenge existing models and assumptions regarding security and to make new contributions to the discussion.
Questions of military and national security are currently very topical, but building sustainable societal security is a much broader question that needs to be supported by long-term and multidimensional research.
"Societal security is about the sustainability, safety, and resilience of a good life. Ensuring well-being, health, democracy and biodiversity amidst major upheavals requires significant interdisciplinary knowledge," explains Professor
Sustainable societal security is built on successful social policies and good inter-group relations. Its key capital is trust in institutions, in other people, in one's own ability to influence and in the future.
An important part of societal security research is the critical examination of debates and practices of security.
"It is also crucial to analyze how different phenomena are understood as security issues and what impact security actions have on society," says Leena Malkki.
Master's programme trains new experts
The current status of the world also means that there is a need for social science experts have a deep and broad understanding of security.
As part of the hub, a new Master's programme on societal security will be launched at the Faculty of Social Sciences in the autumn of 2027. It will provide future experts and researchers with comprehensive analytical tools to examine the interaction between conceptions of security and societal changes.
Three study tracks will be offered, where students will delve into the historical, economic, social, and democratic dimensions of societal security. The plan is to offer multidisciplinary teaching, organised together with the faculties of the University of Helsinki and other partners, that will thematically support the study tracks from various perspectives such as ecological sustainability, justice and food security.
"Our society needs diverse experts and thinkers to address future security challenges. The University of Helsinki offers an interdisciplinary and internationally appealing learning environment," adds Professor and vice-dean
The opening seminar of the Societal Security Hub will take place at the Think Corner on 6 May, featuring Professor Mark Rhinard from Stockholm University as the keynote speaker. The event is open to all and will also be streamed.