New research group promotes sexual and reproductive health nationally and internationally

The newest research group of Turku University of Applied Sciences is the Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group SEARCH, which has just started its operations. Its aim is to carry out high-quality education, research and development work in the field.

- We want to increase understanding and develop different approaches to sexual and reproductive health issues that are significant socially and globally, says Senior Lecturer, PhD Tiina Murto, who is in charge of the recent research team.

The SEARCH research group focuses on challenges such as falling birth rates and promoting sexual health, regardless of gender and age. The group also aims to ensure the availability of services, especially for those in a vulnerable position.

- Our aim is to increase well-being and equality and to support the realisation of human rights in different cultures. Sexual rights are a key part of human rights. One important topic is, for example, the right to safe and high-quality family planning, pregnancy and childbirth, and the postpartum period.

The research group brings diversity to the university of applied sciences research and strengthens the role of the university as a promoter of sexual and reproductive health and, more broadly, public health. The group combines expertise in health care, social services and education sciences, among others.

Currently, the Search research group is coordinating ICEX – Innovative and Culturally Sensitive Educational Package for Migrants' Sexual Health Education project, which aims to strengthen the knowledge and competence of immigrants and professionals working with them in the field of sexual health. The project will develop an accessible and culturally sensitive digital education package to promote the sexual health of immigrants.

- We operate extensively in national and international networks. We are also happy to cooperate with potential new partners, such as various research groups," says Research Manager Tiina Murto. Photo by Aleksi Rajamäki

The research group collaborates with the University of Turku, Southwest Finland Welfare Area, Turku First and Shelter Home and Linnasmäki College, among others. International partners are the University of West Attica (Greece), KMOP Education and innovation hub (Greece), ESEL Nursing School of Lisbon (Portugal), APF Family Planning Association (Portugal), Estonian Refugee Council (Estonia), Karolinska Insitutet (Sweden), Högskomman University of Lisbon (Portugal), University of Sperm (Portugal)