Riikka Kanervo
Senior Lecturer
riikka.kanervo@laurea.fi
+358 50 357 8551
Unit
About me
I am a Senior Lecturer and RDI Specialist at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. My expertise focuses on the social service system and legislation, as well as on strengthening participation and agency. Alongside my teaching duties, I have coordinated and implemented development projects funded by Erasmus+ and the European Social Fund (ESF).
I am currently pursuing doctoral research at Tampere University on romance scams as a gendered form of cybercrime, with a particular interest in the experiences of victims/survivors and their close ones. My work is guided by a strong commitment to social justice and to the protection of human dignity and human rights.
My aim is to contribute to a more sustainable and humane society.
Education
- Doctoral Researcher, Social Policy, Tampere University (2025– )
- Instructor in Encounter Art, Laurea University of Applied Sciences (2023–2024)
- Pedagogical Qualification in Adult Education, University of Helsinki (2015)
- Master of Social Sciences (Social Policy; minor in Social Work), University of Helsinki (2011)
- Bachelor of Social Services (UAS), Laurea University of Applied Sciences (2003)
Projects
- GATE – GreenComp Assessment for Transformative Education (Erasmus+, 2025–2027)
- Youth Empowerment through Co-creativity Activity Development (YEA) (Erasmus+, 2023–2025)
- RIKSU – Gender-Sensitive Rehabilitation Supporting Desistance from Crime (ESF, 2020–2023)
- Learning Pathways for Success (ESF, 2021–2023)
- Tools for Inclusive Education (ToFIE) (Erasmus+, 2020–2022)
Publications (selected)
- Romanssihuijaus – rakkauden varjolla tehty kyberrikos (2025)
- Social Service Professionals as Early Adopters in an Increasingly Digital World (2025)
- Bridges of Belonging: Exploring Youth Empowerment, Inclusion, and Identity (toim., 2025)
- RIKSU – Rikoksista irtaantumista tukeva sukupuolisensitiivinen kuntoutus (toim., 2023)
- Rupiaa rohkiasti tekemähän” – digirohkeuden ja -osallisuuden vahvistaminen digiohjauksella (toim., 2023)
- Laajempi julkaisuluettelo 👉 ORCID
Networks
- Fulbright Finland Foundation, Expert Reviewer (2026– )
- Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Research Group Member (2026– )
- Network of Universities of Applied Sciences in Social Services, Chair of the Child and Family Services Network (2021–2024)
- Nicehearts Association, Steering Group Member (2019– )