The role of research in teaching-oriented institutions: A case study of university language centres in Finland

Abstract The role of research in university institutions whose primary task is to provide teaching remains ambiguous and controversial. In principle, all university teaching is based on pertinent research. However, for some university units, such as language centres, the basic tasks, and consequently their funding, are very often defined in a manner which excludes research done by the personnel. In this article, we will focus on the language centres in Finland and, based on recent data, discuss their current situation regarding engagement in research as part of their institutional strategy. The results show that research plays an important role in many of the language centres in one way or another. For all the centres, research is already part of their strategy or they aim to include it in the future. We will also consider recruitment vis-à-vis research, and we will introduce and examine ways to enhance and support the involvement of language centres and their teachers in research.