Meet The Partners: Petra Suonnansalo, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), University of Oulu

Meet the Partner: Petra Suonnansalo

🔹 Institution: Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), University of Oulu

🔹 Country: Finland

🔹 Role in Tech2Heal NPA Project: Health Promotion & Digital Counselling Research Partner

About Petra Suonnansalo & the Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology

Petra Suonnansalo is a Project Researcher at the University of Oulu, Finland, working within the Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST). Her research expertise focuses on health promotion, lifestyle counselling, digital counselling, competence, and digital healthcare.

She holds a Bachelor of Health Care in Physiotherapy from Oulu University of Applied Sciences and a Master of Science in Health Sciences from the University of Oulu. Petra is currently a PhD candidate in Nursing Science at the University of Oulu, contributing to research that bridges clinical practice, health sciences, and digital health development.

The Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) is the most multidisciplinary research unit at the University of Oulu. With eleven principal investigators, HST combines expertise across clinical sciences, medical physics, medical engineering, medical informatics, biomarkers and connected health, and health sciences, creating strong potential for socially influential research and education at the intersection of health and technology.

About Finland (Oulu Region)

Finland, an EU member since 1995, is internationally recognised as an innovation leader. The city of Oulu, located in northern Finland, has a long-standing reputation in wireless technology, with established 5G infrastructure and ongoing research into 6G.

Oulu also hosts OuluHealth, a collaborative ecosystem that fosters cooperation across health and social care sectors. The region combines vibrant urban life with close access to nature, offering a distinctive environment for research, innovation, and well-being.

How HST Contributes to the Tech2Heal NPA Project

Within Tech2Heal, the Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology contributes by:

• Using qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the causes of absenteeism and early retirement linked to physical and mental health
• Examining evidence on the impact of digital interventions in promoting work-related well-being
• Supporting occupational healthcare clients in rural areas through evidence-based digital health research
• Strengthening understanding of how digital counselling and health promotion tools can support workforce well-being

Why This Partnership Matters

Through Petra Suonnansalo’s research expertise and HST’s multidisciplinary approach, this partnership strengthens Tech2Heal’s ability to evaluate and apply digital health interventions that support occupational well-being. Their contribution helps ensure that health promotion and digital counselling solutions are informed by research and aligned with the needs of working populations in rural and remote regions.

Learn More About the University of Oulu

https://www.oulu.fi/