The Natureach project group

NATUREACH - Project group

Page reviewed:  31/03/2026

Our multiprofessional team included experts in VR technology, interdisciplinary research, social and health care, as well as nature- and media entrepreneurs. The team also included care staff working with the different client groups.

INTERREG AURORA PROJECT:

NATUREACH - Nature reachable for all

2023-01-01 – 2025-12-31

Partners and project members

FINLAND

  • University of Vaasa (lead partner) 
    • Project manager: Martta Niemi (prev. Ylilauri) 
    • Catharina von Koskull, Vaiva Stanisauskaite, Jyri Nieminen, Joni-Roy Piispanen, Joonas Kangas, Miia-Maria Kuusisto
  • Wellbeing Services County of South Ostrobothnia, Eskoo Care and Support Unit
    • Johanna Mäki-Rautila, Ulla Kujala, Sirpa Rentola, Suvi Hopiavuori, Laura Laitila
  • University of Helsinki
    • Minna Huotilainen, Naike Gorr, Ayumu Ochi
  • Hanken School of Economics
    • Johanna Gummerus, Satu Peltomäki
  • University of Tampere/ EPANET
    • Elina Kontu 

Support partners/customer pilots:

  • Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia, Eating Disorders Outpatient clinic in Vaasa central hospital
    • Marita Niemelä, Maija Vuori et al.

Collaborators in VR: 

    • Virtual Dawn, Esa Siltaloppi Media Oy, Polidomes International, ISLE Arts Industries

SWEDEN

  • SLU, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    • Elisabet Bohlin, Ann Dolling, Anna María Palsdóttír, Martin Gärdemalm
  • Umeå University
    • Lisbeth Slunga Järvholm, Catharina Norberg, Monika Norberg, Kristina Lämås, Madelen Bodin
  • Region Västernorrland: Lifestyle Medicine Österåsen, Sollefteå
    • Benno Krachler, Charlotte Högberg, Julia Elfving
  • LTU, Luleå Technical University 
    • Päivi Juuso, Åsa Engström et al, Johan Jirlén, Jeaneth Johansson

Support partners/customer pilots

  • Palliative Medicine Umeå
    • Sofia Persson  
  • Elderly care units in Övertorneå and Luleå (Norrbotten)

Collaborator in VR/sound

  • Mycosonic AB (Andreas Estensen)