The University of Eastern Finland has several different research environments on the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses, which can be used for testing, simulation and usability studies. The laboratories promote scientific understanding and develop innovations in collaboration with various stakeholders, thus supporting research and development in a broader context.
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Multiscale biomechanics research infrastructure specializes in investigating biomechanical properties across all levels, from cellular to whole-body analysis. Equipped with cutting-edge mechanical and tribological testing tools, alongside expert knowledge, we offer comprehensive analysis of tissues and biomaterials. Our HUMEA Lab is dedicated to human motion capture and force measurement. Our proficiency in computational musculoskeletal and tissue biomechanical modeling enables us to uncover the complexities of biomechanics, providing valuable insights into the function of both human and animal bodies and their tissues across diverse scales.
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We offer usability studies based on eye tracking. Quick and accurate monitoring and recording of eye movements provide detailed information about a person’s behaviour, such as where the user focuses their eyes, when and for how long. This provides information about the user’s interests, state of mind, concentration, distractions, emotions, etc.
Eye tracking measurements can be used in the instruction on operating vehicles, machinery and equipment, as well as in improving the usability of different machines, environments and products. Eye tracking can also be used in studies related to consumer shopping behaviour and teaching technology, such as assessments of teaching environments and monitoring pupils’ interaction in classrooms and digital environments.
Learn more: Eye-tracking and usability studies
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In the Gut and Health laboratory located on the 4th floor of the Mediteknia building on the Kuopio campus, we investigate the gut-mediated health effects of foods using in vitro intestinal models. This platform provides a safe and mechanistic way to assess how novel food products influence gut function, either before clinical studies or combined with them.
Our research platform consists of several complementary digestion and intestinal models that allow us to study how foods, bioactive compounds and ingredients behave during different stages of digestion, and how they affect gut health.
With our gut models, we can examine
· digestibility, absorption and bioavailability
· effects on gut microbiota composition
· effects on microbial metabolism (e.g., SCFAs)
· effects on intestinal cell function and intestinal barrier integrity
· fermentability of foods and raw materials.
We use the internationally standardized INFOGEST digestion model, a colon model, and a comprehensive dynamic gastrointestinal model that continuously simulates digestive processes from the stomach to the large intestine. The gut models are supported by versatile and continuously evolving analytical methods, including measurements of protein and nutrient digestibility; analyses of microbiota composition, metabolic products and viability; assessments of effects on intestinal epithelial cells; and quantification of key metabolic end products.
Our service package includes digestion simulation with the selected model, tailored analyses, expert support, and reporting of results. Each project is tailored to the client’s research questions and specific needs.
Learn more: Food and Health - UEF Connect
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It is essential that food tastes good! At the Unit of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, we develop sensory evaluation and consumer research methods to assess the quality and acceptability of food products.
Sensory evaluation may include assessments of appearance, texture/mouthfeel, taste and smell, as well as mapping the preferences of different consumer groups. These tests can be used in early‑stage product development, in evaluating the effects of recipe or processing changes, and in determining consumer acceptability.
Our facilities on the 4th floor of the Canthia building on the Kuopio campus include a group‑work area, four dedicated sensory evaluation booths, and a sample preparation room. A teaching and research kitchen is located directly adjacent to these facilities, enabling the preparation and storage of food products. We use the EyeQuestion software in our studies.
Learn more: Food and Health - UEF Connect
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Sm4rt LOC (Learning Observation Classroom) is a globally unique classroom for learning observation. The learning environment is located on the Joensuu campus in the Educa building.
The facility is intended for research and teaching, in which special escape game pedagogy interventions are carried out. Approximately 20–25 people can work in the space at a time.
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UEF SenseLab is a multi-purpose research facility located on the Joensuu campus in the Educa building, which can be flexibly adapted to different experimental research needs and enables multi-sensory research settings in particular.
SenseLab consists of a lounge, research space and control room, and it enables research on consumer behaviour and a multi-sensory customer experience both in the real world and using virtual (VR) and extended (XR) reality.
Depending on the needs of the research setting, the space can be transformed into a restaurant, shop or nature site using technology. The equipment used at SenseLab allows participants to measure their behaviour and reactions using video and objective behavioural indicators.
Learn more: SenseLab
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Located in the Canthia building of the Kuopio campus, UEF SmartSleep is an RDI environment that meets national and international quality and safety requirements and is suitable for measuring sleep, alertness and physiological signals in standardised conditions.
SmartSleep consists of several sleeping rooms, a test laboratory and a living space for the subjects. The sleep rooms and living spaces are sound-insulated floating spaces, allowing for measurements to be made regardless of external sound and light stimuli and the time of the day, depending on the research setting. This enables daytime measurements, single-night sleep studies and multi-day measurement series.
Learn more: UEF SmartSleep
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