Team

The NeuroPRISM Research operates as a consortium that brings together several higher education institutions and works in close collaboration with companies, public organizations, and third-sector actors. This collaboration includes both research cooperation and practical work aimed at developing inclusive, neuro-friendly higher education environments and workplaces. Contact people: William Degbey is the lead researcher and is responsible for the team’s research projects. Heini Pensar is the contact person for the practical work on creating neuro-friendly higher education environments and workplaces.

The NeuroPRISM Corsortium

Novia University of Applied Sciences
Social work
Sr. Lecturer Lina Nybjörk and Project Researcher Ann Backman

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences
Education and pedagogy
Senior Researcher Eila Burns

University of Helsinki
Social work
Prof. Helena Blomberg

University of Jyväskylä
Education and Special Pedagogy, Human Computer Interaction
Senior Researcher Marja Kankaanranta

University of Vaasa
Human Resource Management
Assoc. Prof. William Degbey, University Lecturer Heini Pensar
Project Reseacher Maria Raatikainen, University Teacher Elina Hirvonen
Public Law
Sr Lecturer Laura Perttola, Researcher Maija-Sofia Ulmanen
Neurocognitive science, Human-Computer interaction (AI, XR)
Prof. Rebekah Rousi, Sr Lecturer Minna-Maarit Jaskari, Researcher Laura Havinen, Researcher Julio Serrano, Tauno Kekäle

Åbo Akademi University
Education and pedagogy, and Experience Lab
Prof. Johan Korhonen, Researcher Ghita Bodman

Our project seeks expert advice and collaboration with internationally distinguished scholars. Our project advisory board includes: 

Prof. Arnold Bakker
Erasmus University Rotterdam (playful study design, playful job crafting)

Prof. Emily Rosado-Solomon
Babson Collage (navigating mental illness)

Sr. Lecturer Enni Paul
Stockholm University (special pedagogy)

Prof. Baniyelme Zoogah
McMaster University (human development and flourishing)
Prof. Benjamin Laker from Henley Business School (leadership, social identity)

Prof. Waymond Rodgers
University of Texas, El Paso (artificial intelligence, ethics, cyber security).

 

Our group includes students who are working on their master’s theses and conducting data collection:

Jenni Mikkonen, University of Vaasa (Employers’ point of view)
Melissa Sutinen, University of Vaasa (Neurodiversity in Game Industry)
Totti Tykkälä, University of Vaasa (Neurodivergent leaders)
Minna Wilska, University of Vaasa / Tampere University of Applied Sciences (Employees being led by neurodivergent leaders)

Partnerships and networks

Our Partners

The activities of NeuroPRISM are supported by Library Tritonia and the Language Centre Linginno, who provide tailored support in language studies and thesis writing. We also collaborate with student organization VYY and Vaasa Start-up Factory in organizing events for students and organizations.

We collaborate closely with civil society organisations and third-sector actors:

As well as specialist organisations

Our Network

NeuroPRISM is connected to research projects at the University of Vaasa, including the VME Interaction Design Environment and the Nature Reach, which focuses on making nature more accessible for all.

NeuroPRISM is part of RIMDS (Researching Intuitive Decision-Making for More Sustainability), a multi-national research project led by Prof. Markus Launer from Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.

We collaborate with the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia and the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). Our partners also include several organisations operating in practice-based and employment contexts. One of them is Unicus that belongs to the Auticon group that is the world’s largest autistic-majority consultancy provider.

Interested in collaboration?

Participate in our research

Collaboration

Do you share an interest in neurodiversity research, and wish to join our research consortium please contact:

🤝Lead Researcher William Degbey

If you are interested in taking part in our events or services, or would like to collaborate with us, please contact:

🤝 Research Initiative Lead Heini Pensar 

Training & Coaching

Training and Education

University lecturer and lived experience expert Heini Pensar delivers lectures and training sessions in Finnish, Swedish, and English, and provides training for members of organisations and institutions.

For bookings related to neurodiversity training, please contact Vaasa Executive Education.

Coaching

We have three certified solution-focused neuropsychiatric coaches, Maija-Sofia Ulmanen (FI/ENG), Lina Nybjörk (SE/ENG) and Heini Pensar (FI/SE/ENG). Minna-Maarit Jaskari is a certified LEGO Serious Play® facilitator. These coaching competencies are applied in teaching and in supervision and support of students.

Funding

Neurofriendly Activity

Our practical work is connected to higher education programmes funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. In 2025, the work was linked to the Make a Break project, a joint initiative of the University of Vaasa and VAMK (Vaasa University of Applied Sciences). In 2026, the work continues through the Liikkuva Opiskelu project, delivered by the University of Vaasa. NeuroPRISM promotes breaks and physical activity to support student wellbeing through our neuro-friendly events, sensory break room and coaching.

    

Institutional Knowledge Transfer

Collaboration and institutional benchmarking have been enabled through the OpenInnoTrain project, funded by the Horizon 2020. As part of this work, collaboration has taken place with RMIT University, where institutional knowledge transfer focused on identifying good neuro-friendly practices. These practices were adapted to fit the Finnish higher education context. The collaboration with RMIT University continues through ongoing knowledge exchange and teaching-related activities.