Introduction

The Research Collegium was founded (as UTACAS) on 28 November 2002 as an independent unit within the Institute for Advanced Social Research. The aim of the Collegium is:

To serve the University of Tampere

• by engaging in advanced research focused on society
• by enhancing research proficiency and facilities in the University
• by promoting multidisciplinary and international interaction

The Collegium accomplishes its mission by awarding annually fixed-term fellowships for one year to a group of academics and scholars (for the academic year 2010-2011 twelve fellowships were awarded). These fellowships are intended for academics and scholars already integrated into the University of Tampere. Also some fixed-term affiliated scholars work in the premises of the collegium by external funding.

The idea is to build up an interesting group of academics and scholars from a variety of disciplines, so that this inspiring setting will also generate new stimuli, co-operation patterns, and innovative researcher networks. Therefore, it is assumed that the Fellows will work regularly on the premises of the Collegium which locates in the Pinni B building at the main campus area of the University of Tampere.

Research Collegium organizes scientific events, such as lectures and small-scale seminars, where the Fellows and guests both from home and abroad introduce their work to the members of the scholarly community of Collegium. Whenever possible, these occasions are open to the entire academic community.