In recent years, Sanna Brauer has focused particularly on the use and development of Digital Open Badges in teaching and learning. She has published numerous scientific articles and books addressing competence-based learning and the impact of digital badges on motivation and learning outcomes. Her doctoral dissertation was the first to explore the use of badges in learning processes.

Brauer’s publications include guides and studies that concentrate on the development of digital pedagogy. Additionally, she has conducted systematic literature reviews on competence-oriented higher education and students’ perceptions of the skills required in the workforce.

She has also been involved in various national and international projects, such as MEDigi, which focuses on the digitalization of Finnish medical education, and the Smart Campus RDI network, which promotes innovation and business development in Finnish universities.

Her academic publications often focus on digital learning environments and lifelong learning through digital badges at different levels of education