Research collaboration earns SEAMK Hospitality Management students an award trip to Northern Ireland
Hospitality Management students from Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SEAMK) — Suvi Huttunen, Pekko Nordström, Emilia Mastokangas and Ruslan Kuskov — were rewarded for international research collaboration with a study trip to Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
As part of their studies last spring, the students carried out Living Lab research collaboration together with Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Helsinki at the teaching restaurant Prikka. In addition, they presented their practical experiences from research and development work as invited speakers at an international symposium last autumn.
In recognition of the successful collaboration and their high-quality presentation, the students were invited to visit Queen’s University Belfast. The award trip took place from 2 to 5 March 2026, during which the students had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the university’s activities and the local restaurant industry. The programme included, among other things, a visit to Fish City, a restaurant known for its responsible practices and strong focus on local sourcing.
“The award trip is a great example of the strong working-life orientation of SEAMK’s teaching, its international networks, and the students’ expertise and opportunities in research and development activities. The students carried out the research collaboration excellently,” says Principal Lecturer Kaija Nissinen.