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Research team

DiLing – Diversity and Multilingualism – research team

The DiLing research team conducts multidisciplinary research to promote cooperation among people from different backgrounds. We develop innovative and inclusive solutions that support integration, language learning and diversity in various societal and professional contexts.

Our mission

We develop flexible, adaptable and inclusive operating models that take into account multilingualism and diversity in working life, education and integration. Our work is guided by human-centeredness, inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, and we approach language diversity as a resource rather than a challenge.

The DiLing research team works in close collaboration with all of Laurea’s research programmes:

In addition, the Living Lab i4L for integration and language learning is strongly involved in the research team’s activities.

Research themes

  • Developing participatory research and co-creation methodologies
  • Exploring effective models for supporting multilingual learners and international professionals
  • Investigating strategies for inclusive work environments and professional language learning
  • Developing frameworks for equitabel and culturally sensitive leadership and organisational practices.

Publications

Peer-reviewed publications

Lydén, H., Rivera-Macias, B. & Leminen, A. (in press) Spanning the boundaries of language through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. In: Pääkkönen, T. & Miettinen, S. (eds) Boundary Spanning Design for Better Organisation: Integrating Design, Organisation and Artificial Intelligence. Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar Publishing

Tahvanainen, L., Lydén, H., Nummila, P., Jylkäs, T., Miettinen, S. (2024). Designing Innovations for Occupational Well-Being in Healthcare. In: Pfannstiel, M.A., Kueh, C., Palozzi, G. (eds) Service Design, Creativity, and Innovation in Healthcare. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65766-5_21

Lydén, H., Suoheimo, M., Leminen, A.,and Miettinen, S.(2023) Immigrant Integration through Codesign – A Journey Map of integration into working life, in De Sainz Molestina, D., Galluzzo, L., Rizzo, F., Spallazzo, D. (eds.), IASDR 2023: Life-Changing Design, 9-13 October, Milan, Italy. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2023.294

Leminen, M., & Leminen, A. (2023). How do we get the brain to tell us about language computations and representations? Designing and implementing experiments. In M. Grimaldi, E. Brattico & Y. Shtyrov. (eds). Language Electrified: Principles, Methods, and Future Perspectives of Investigation, Neuromethods, vol. 202. Springer Science+Business Media.

Leminen, A., Partanen, E., & Shtyrov, Y. (2023). Electrophysiology of word learning. In M. Grimaldi, E. Brattico & Y. Shtyrov. (eds). Language Electrified: Principles, Methods, and Future Perspectives of Investigation, Neuromethods, vol. 202. Springer Science+Business Media.

Kimppa, L., Leminen, A., Festman, J., Sirri, L. (2022). Editorial: Neurobehavioral changes in language learning. Frontiers in Communication, 7:1003686. doi: 10.3389/fcomm.2022.1003686

Blumgrund, I., Lydén, H., & Leminen, A. (2022). Migri’s theology in the light of asylum decisions. Diakonia Research, (2). https://doi.org/10.37448/dt.112493

Professional publications

Rivera-Macias, B. (2024). Bridging international students’ Finnish language skills and their professional development. The case of Laurea’s nursing students. Laurea Journal. https://journal.laurea.fi/bridging-international-students-finnish-language-skills-and-their-professional-development-the-case-of-laureas-nursing-students/#5cec7e4e

Särkkä, H. & Rivera-Macias, B (2025) Getting into a new language by playing. eSignals PRO, http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe202501205450

Rivera-Macias, Berenice (2025) Enhancing Workplace Language Learning: Insights from the MAKU Project. Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2025031016833

Lydén, H., Einovaara, S., Mäkelä, M. & Rivera-Macias, B. (2024). Co-designing new understanding and language skills – resulting in teaching videos for everyday workplace language. Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024062056225

Leminen, A. (2024). Fostering language development in multilingual children. Laurea Journal: https://journal.laurea.fi/tunteet-vieraan-kielen-etaopiskelussa/#6a56157b

Nummila, P., Lydén, H. & Rivera-Macias, B. (2024). Psychological safety in the work community as support for integration. Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024062056228

Pylväläinen, M., Stenbacka, A. & Lydén, H. (2023) Coaching leadership as an enhancer of workplace well-being in healthcare. Suomen anestesiasairaanhoitajat ry. Spirium.

Rivera-Macias, B., Lydén, H., Heikinmatti, S. & Leminen, A. (2023). Facilitating Flow in Foreign Language Learning. Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024062056141

Leminen, A., Rivera-Macias, B., Lydén, H. & Heikinmatti, S. (2023) Flow in Foreign Language Learning. Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024062056140

Lydén, H. (2022). Who understands project communication? Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2022102863690

Lydén, H. & Niemelä, P. (2022­). Employment is a way to gain participation in society. Laurea Journal. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20241212101581

Podcasts


Nummila, P., Ritmala, M. & Väliaho, P. (2024). Strengthening Resources podcast. https://soundcloud.com/laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu/sets/voimavarojen-vahvistamisen

Lydén, H. & Salin, O. et al. (2022). Well-Being in Healthcare project podcasts, episodes 1-20. https://soundcloud.com/laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu/sets/hyvinvoiva-terveydenhuolto

Interested in collaboration?

  • Alina Leminen

    Manager, Research and Development

    alina.leminen@laurea.fi

    +358 50 435 0970

Projects