MetaHealthVerse and MetaHealthVerseTech Kick-Off event: Transformative virtual training for social and healthcare professionals

MetaHealthVerse and MetaHealthVerseTech are two complementary RDI projects developing future-oriented virtual learning solutions for social and healthcare professionals in Northern Finland, with focus on remote areas. Join us to explore how AI, XR, and innovative pedagogical approaches can strengthen competence development and improve the accessibility of healthcare education.

Event information

Time

Mon 18.05.2026 12:00 - 16:00

Venue location

Tellus Backstage, University of Oulu (Linnanmaa)

Location

Linnanmaa

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MetaHealthVerse and MetaHealthVerseTech projects aim to create scalable, innovative, and resource-efficient virtual learning solutions that improve accessibility to education, respond to the growing competence needs in the sector and establish sustainable structures for continuous learning across the Northern Finland region.

We warmly invite representatives from public and private social and healthcare organisations, research institutions, companies, and ecosystem partners to join the kick-off event to explore and discuss the future of healthcare education in Finland.

Date: 18.5.2026

Time: 12.00–16.00

Location: Backstage, Tellus, University of Oulu (Linnanmaa) / Hybrid

Programme:

12.00-12.45 Building the MetaHealthVerse: AI, XR and Competence Development in Healthcare

Keynote speakers: Kristina Mikkonen, PhD, Professor of Nursing Science, University of Oulu; Annukka Tuomikoski, PhD, Senior Nursing Specialist in Competence and Education, Pohde; Minna Vanhanen, PhD, Senior Lecturer, OAMK; Juha-Matti Taikina-Aho, B.Eng., Project Manager (Tech), Lapin AMK (FrostBit)

12.45-13.45 Projects work packages: In the spotlight are AI-driven competence analysis development, the virtual academy and pedagogical model, as well as the VR environments under development

13.45-14.00 Coffee and Networking

14.00-16.00 Shaping the MetaHealthVerse Together: Co-Creation Workshops

The event will be held in Finnish and English.

Register by 11 May: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/4DF9B9AFC9782DBB

Warmly welcome!

About the projects:

MetaHealthVerse

Implemented by: University of Oulu, Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia, and Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Focus areas:

  • Mapping competence and training needs
  • Development of a virtual learning academy and pedagogical model
  • Piloting the virtual academy concept

MetaHealthVerseTech

Implemented by: Lapland University of Applied Sciences and University of Oulu

Focus areas:

  • AI-based analytics solutions
  • XR-based immersive learning environments
  • Long-term integration of solutions into healthcare ecosystems

The projects are co-funded by the European Union (JTF / ERDF), with funding granted by the ELY Centre and the Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia.

More information:

Jana Tölli, Project manager, jana.tolli@oulu.fi
MHV&T project website: MetaHealthVerse & Tech | University of Oulu
Follow us: MetaHealthVerse & Tech: About | LinkedIn


Created 2.4.2026 | Updated 2.4.2026