People are the core of a flourishing programme
A sense of community involves feeling included and engaging in activities together. Operations therefore can be developed within teams, institutions, and colleagues to foster this. For many Aalto students, their training programmes or majors are natural places to cultivate a sense of belonging. Developing a sense of community requires collective effort and a long-term approach.
In universities, programs or majors often serve as natural communities for students, faculty, and staff. Recognizing and fulfilling basic human needs for community and a sense of belonging significantly impacts wellbeing and quality of life. Feeling part of a community fosters security and meaningfulness, contributing to self-awareness and self-esteem. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
You can learn more about the importance of people and community by reading Oasis blog: The Overlooked Human Element in University Core Functions.
Aalto University has identified enhancing the sense of community as a key development goal based on the 2023 wellbeing at work survey. In spring 2024, OASIS of Radical Wellbeing conducted an investigation to identify cornerstones of a flourishing programme.
Emphasizing sense of belonging, trust and and inclusion are a key to making a programme flourish.
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UniSport services at Aalto University facilities in autumn 2026
UniSport services for students and staff
Björn Ottersten appointed to Aalto University Foundation Board
Hanna Sievinen continuing on board for second three-year term
Inside the narcissistic brain: fMRI research sheds light on the narcissist’s struggle with empathy
Interested in the relationship between empathy and grandiose narcissism, neuroscience researchers from Aalto University used functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate how narcissistic traits influence brain activation in a situation mirroring everyday life. The findings showed that narcissistic brains were less in sync with one another during moments where people usually experience a sense of shared embarrassment.