Find Academic Supervisors

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Virtual Reality
• Social Virtual Reality
• +4 more

Giulio Jacucci is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Helsinki Information Technology Research Institute. He serves as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Computer Science, mentoring PhD candidates in human-computer interaction and related fields. His academic career spans over two decades with continuous research productivity from 2006 through 2025. Professor Jacucci's research interests center on Human-Computer Interaction , particularly focusing on Virtual Reality , Brain-Computer Interfaces , and Neuroadaptive Systems . His work explores how technology can adapt to users' cognitive and physiological states, with significant contributions to social virtual reality environments, embodied agents, and information retrieval systems. He investigates how virtual representations affect social behavior, time perception, and communication in digital spaces. His publication record shows a clear evolution from foundational work in information retrieval toward increasingly sophisticated neuroadaptive systems. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate his leadership in examining social dynamics within virtual reality platforms, including votekicking mechanisms, mirror watching behaviors, and communication tools like mutes. His work bridges technical innovation with deep understanding of human social behavior in digital environments. Professor Jacucci currently leads multiple research projects funded by the Academy of Finland, including DataLit: Datalukutaito ja vastuullinen päätöksenteko (2023-2026) and MyModel: Selitettävyys suositusten hallinnassa (2023-2027). These projects focus on data literacy, responsible decision-making, and explainability in recommendation systems, reflecting his commitment to ethical and user-centered technology development. His research has received media attention, particularly around brain-computer interfaces and virtual reality applications, with coverage in outlets discussing how deep learning transforms mobile applications and sensor landscapes. He has presented his work at major conferences including CHI 2017 and continues to be an active contributor to the international research community.

• Deep Learning
• Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)
• Spoken Language Modeling
• +3 more

Mikko Kurimo is a Full Professor at Aalto University's Department of Information and Communications Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering. He earned his M.Sc., Lic.Tech., and D.Sc.(Tech.) from Helsinki University of Technology (1992, 1994, 1997) and pioneered neural networks for automatic speech recognition (ASR) in his PhD thesis. After research roles at IDIAP (Swiss AI center) and visiting positions at University of Colorado, Edinburgh, SRI, ICSI, and Nitech, he leads Aalto's ASR group since 2000. His work focuses on unsupervised subword modeling for morphologically complex languages (Finnish, Estonian, Turkish, Arabic) and large speech foundation models. PhD in Neural ASR (Helsinki University of Technology, 1997) Research Scientist at IDIAP (Switzerland) Visiting Fellow at University of Colorado, Edinburgh, SRI, ICSI, Nitech Head of Aalto ASR Group (2000-present) His research spans deep learning for ASR, spoken language modeling , and low-resource language solutions . Recent work explores continued pre-training of self-supervised models, multimodal emotion recognition, and pronunciation assessment using LLMs. He led the winning team in the 2017 Multi-Genre Broadcast challenge and secured competitive funding in Tekes Challenge Finland and EC's H2020-ICT-2017. Key article trends include: Advancements in children's speech recognition and dysarthric speech processing Integration of generative AI for language learning feedback Specialization in low-resource Uralic languages (Finnish, Northern Sámi) Development of robust ASR systems for complex phonetic environments Scientific Awards ACM Multimedia 2023 Computational Paralinguistics Challenge Prize First place in MGB3 2017 Arabic ASR Challenge ISCA Best Student Paper Award (2011) Professeur Invité at Université de Saint-Etienne (2005-2006) Royal Society International Short Visit Fellowship (2004) Professor Kurimo leads the Speech Recognition Group at Aalto, collaborating with COIN (Centre of Excellence in Computational Inference) and AIRC (Adaptive Informatics Research Centre). His projects like CaptainA mobile app demonstrate practical applications of ASR in language education. He has supervised numerous publications with co-authors in domains spanning bandwidth extension, stuttering detection, and speech sound disorder assessment.

• User Experience Design
• Wearable Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +4 more

Jonna Häkkilä is a Professor of Industrial Design at the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland and serves as Vice Dean (Research). She holds a Docent title in Human-Computer Interaction and Computer Science from the University of Oulu (since 2011). Her primary research group is LUX (Lapland User Experience Design). Research focuses on user-centered design, wearable technology, cultural heritage digitization, and ethical technology integration with marginalized communities. She leads projects like the MAGICS National Infrastructure for Human in the Digital World and Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media. Awards include Best Demo Award at Pervasive Displays 2019 and Best Paper Award at MUM 2017. Active in organizing international conferences and supervising 3 doctoral works. Engaged in Arctic resilience initiatives through co-creative methodologies.

Namkyu ChunView profile

Lecturer

• Fashion Design
• Sustainable Fashion
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• +3 more

Namkyu Chun is a Lecturer at Aalto University's Department of Design, specializing in fashion and textile futures. With a focus on sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and redefining design practices, Chun's work bridges fashion theory, material culture, and transformative futures. Their research explores the intersection of human/non-human relationships in design, climate-responsive practices, and ethical material engagement. Key research areas: Fashion Design, Sustainable Practices, Design Futures, Interdisciplinary Collaboration Awards: 2024 Ziman Award (CreaTures Project), 2017 Finnish-Danish Cultural Foundation Scholarship, 2017 Helsinki Urban Facts Grant, 2015 Subtle Visibility Award Recent publications examine topics such as '1.5 Degree Lifestyles,' 'Pluriverse' frameworks, and revival of dressmaking traditions. Chun collaborates with institutions like University of Sussex, RMIT, and Superflux, integrating artistic inquiry with systemic change. Their work appears in journals including Fashion Theory , The Design Journal , and Fashion Practice .

Shahriar AfkhamiView profile

Researcher

• Materials Science
• Welding Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing
• +3 more

Shahriar Afkhami is a Researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at LUT School of Energy Systems, LUT University. His research focuses on advanced materials science, additive manufacturing processes, and mechanical properties of high-strength steels and dissimilar joints. He specializes in fatigue analysis, welding technologies, and the optimization of structural components for industrial applications. His work integrates experimental methods with computational modeling to address challenges in material behavior under extreme conditions. Key research areas include: Welding of ultra-high strength steels and dissimilar materials Mechanical performance of additively manufactured components Fatigue life assessment of welded joints and cut edges Thermomechanical behavior of heat-affected zones Material characterization of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) steels Publications highlight trends in additive manufacturing for industrial applications, particularly in optimizing 3D-printed metal structures and analyzing their mechanical integrity. His work on notch-load interactions and fatigue strength has advanced methodologies for predicting component failure under complex loading conditions. Notable contributions include the VERKOTA project exploring 3D printing networks for enhanced industrial adoption. No scientific awards are listed in the provided information. Afkhami's research has been supported by collaborative projects such as the VERKOTA initiative, though specific grants are not detailed here. He maintains an active presence on professional networks including LinkedIn and Google Scholar.

• Ice Mechanics
• Fracture Mechanics
• Arctic Marine Technology
• +4 more

Jukka Tuhkuri is a Professor at Aalto University's Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, specializing in ice mechanics and arctic marine technology . He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Cold Regions Science and Technology and became an Honorary Professor at University College London (Department of Earth Sciences) in 2023. His work spans numerical simulations using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and experimental research in the Aalto Ice and Wave Tank, with fieldwork in both Arctic and Antarctic regions. Research Focus : Understanding ice fracture mechanics, sea ice ridge formation, and ice-structure interaction processes. He investigates how global warming alters ice conditions and affects loads on ships/marine structures, addressing risks from increased Arctic shipping activity. Scientific Awards 2023 POAC Founders Lifetime Achievement Award Teacher of the Year 2003 Espoo Ambassador 2012 1996 Best Dissertation Stipend from Helsinki University of Technology Collaborative Impact : His research directly informs offshore wind engineering and Arctic risk management frameworks through publications like Challenges with sea ice action on structures for Offshore wind (2023) and A comprehensive approach to scenario-based risk management for Arctic waters (2022).

Otto LappiView profile

Research Fellow

• Cognitive Science
• Human Performance
• Gaze Control
• +3 more

Dr. Otto Lappi is a Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki's Department of Digital Humanities, Faculty of Arts. His work bridges cognitive science and human performance in complex dynamic tasks, particularly focusing on predictive processing in visuomotor control. PhD in Cognitive Science Title of Docent at University of Helsinki Academy Research Fellow (2020-2025) His research explores: Cognitive mechanisms in high-speed sports and driving Predictive gaze strategies and steering control Flow states in skill acquisition VR and eye-tracking applications in archaeomusicology Neural substrates of domain expertise Recent publications analyze: Flow-state dynamics in visuomotor learning Predictive gaze behavior in automated driving Computational models of attention in distracted driving Chunking mechanisms in high-speed sports performance Scientific contributions include: Academy Research Fellow (Research Council of Finland) Editorial work on high-performance cognition Organizing cognitive science workshops As doctoral supervisor, he has guided: Samuel Tuhkanen (Predictive Gaze and Steering) Jesse Kuokkanen (Mechanistic Computationalism) Ida Maasalo (Driver Behavior) Markus Mattsson (Psychometrics)

• Human-Centered Design
• Digital Ethics
• Social Technology
• +6 more

Thomas Olsson is a **Professor in Human-Centered Design** at Tampere University, affiliated with the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences and the Computing Sciences department. He leads the *Technology x Social Interaction Research Group* and the *Digital and Sustainability Transitions in Society* research platform. His work focuses on designing ICT systems that prioritize digital ethics, social sustainability, and environmental responsibility. **Research Interests**: Social technologies, sustainable design of ICT, AI-driven recruitment systems, cultural integration through technology, and the ethical implications of digital media. He employs qualitative methods and design-through-research approaches, often collaborating across disciplines like computer science and behavioral/social sciences. Current roles: Academic Director of Digital/Sustainability Transitions Platform; Head of Master's Program in Computing Sciences and Electrical Engineering Key projects: AIdience (AI in Journalism), Trust-M (Migrant Services), Big Match (Team Assembly), Emotions in Digital Media Teaching: Coordinates Human-Technology Interaction studies and develops courses like *Sustainable Design* and *Ethics of Technology* **Lab/Team**: Leads the *Technology x Social Interaction* group (collaboration opportunities available). Active in the *Rajapinta* interdisciplinary research community.

Anton BergView profile

Research Fellow

• Cognitive Science
• Computer Vision
• Religious Studies
• +7 more

Anton Berg is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Department of Digital Humanities within the Faculty of Arts and the Helsinki Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (HSSH). He is also a member of the methodological unit at HSSH, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cognitive science, religious studies, and artificial intelligence. His educational background spans computer science, cognitive science, and religious studies, enabling him to bridge technical and humanistic approaches to AI. His research primarily investigates how commercial image recognition systems interpret and categorize religious content, exploring issues of bias, representation, and the datafication of religion. Berg's research interests include computer vision systems, automatic image recognition, machine and deep learning, large language models, and the relationship between religions, worldviews, and values related to AI technologies. He particularly focuses on inequality issues, the datafication of religion, the datafication of societies, the social scientific study of religion, and the cognitive science of religion. His work combines technical analysis of AI systems with social scientific perspectives on religion and technology. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on examining biases in commercial image recognition services, particularly regarding religious content, with significant contributions to understanding representational silence and racial biases in these systems. He has also conducted important work on pandemic psychology, contributing to large-scale international studies on COVID-19 responses across 69 countries. Berg has been actively involved in numerous academic activities, including presentations at international conferences on topics such as computer vision in religious studies, mediatized religious populism, and biases in image recognition services. His research has been presented at venues including the International Association for the Cognitive Science of Religion. His teaching areas include religious studies, cognitive science, data science, and religion and technologies, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between digital technologies and religious phenomena.

• Cognitive Science
• Narcissism
• Sisu (Finnish concept of inner strength)
• +5 more

Pentti Juhana Henttonen is an active Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Swedish School of Social Sciences and the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences. He serves as a Doctoral Researcher in the Doctoral Program in Human Behavior and works as a project planner, contributing to multiple research initiatives focused on human interaction and psychological phenomena. His research interests span cognitive science with particular emphasis on narcissism, sisu (the Finnish concept of inner strength and perseverance), second language acquisition, and physiological responses during social interactions. Henttonen employs diverse methodologies including physiological measurements, conversation analysis, and experience sampling methods to investigate how individuals process emotions, interact with others, and demonstrate mental fortitude in challenging situations. His publication record shows significant activity with 49 publications spanning from 2009 to 2025, with particular concentration in recent years (2023-2025). His work appears across interdisciplinary journals in psychology, linguistics, and social sciences, demonstrating a trend toward increasingly sophisticated methodologies combining physiological measurements with conversational analysis. Recent publications focus on narcissistic traits and their physiological correlates, the cultural phenomenon of sisu, and second language learner behavior. Henttonen actively contributes to the academic community through peer review services for journals including Scientific Reports, BMC Psychology, and Heliyon. He has organized academic events such as the HSSH workshop on motion energy and pose analysis and the HSSH seminar on VR methodology, demonstrating leadership in advancing methodological approaches in social science research. His research is supported through multiple projects funded by institutions including the Academy of Finland (Suomen Akatemia), with his most recent work focusing on patterns in second language learners' behavior (2023-2024) and previous projects examining narcissism (2019-2023) and neighbor dialogues (2018-2020). His work bridges theoretical psychological concepts with practical applications, as evidenced by his media appearances discussing narcissism and sisu for broader public understanding.

Robin RasView profile

Professor

• Superhydrophobic surfaces
• Wetting phenomena
• Droplet dynamics
• +7 more

Robin Ras is a Professor and Head of Department at the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University, where he leads the Soft Matter and Wetting research group. His work focuses on surface science, particularly superhydrophobic and superoleophobic materials, with applications spanning renewable energy, biomedical engineering, and agricultural science. Ras earned his Master's degree in Engineering and Technology from Catholic University of Leuven in 1999, followed by a Doctoral degree from the same institution in 2003. His academic journey has positioned him as a leading researcher in wetting phenomena and nanoscale surface engineering. His research interests center on understanding and manipulating liquid-solid interactions at micro and nanoscales. Ras's work explores how surface topography and chemistry affect wetting behavior, with particular focus on superhydrophobic surfaces, droplet dynamics, and liquid-repellent materials. His group develops innovative approaches for creating surfaces with controlled wettability for applications ranging from self-cleaning materials to advanced biomedical devices. The research trends evident in Ras's recent publications show a strong focus on precision control of liquid-solid interfaces, with increasing attention to underwater applications, molecular-scale surface engineering, and biomimetic approaches. His work bridges fundamental surface science with practical applications in energy, healthcare, and sustainability. Among his notable scientific achievements: Anton Paar Research Award for Instrumental Analytics & Characterization (2018) for Scanning Droplet Adhesion Microscopy invention Academy of Finland Research Fellow (2011-2016) ERC Consolidator Grant (2017) Ras has secured significant research funding including the ERC Consolidator Grant for the SuperRepel project (2017-2022) focused on superslippery liquid-repellent surfaces, and the Academy of Finland project 'Electric Field; an Active Method to Control Phase Change' (2019-2022). His research group actively collaborates with international institutions and industry partners to translate fundamental discoveries into practical applications. The Soft Matter and Wetting research group under Ras's leadership combines experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate surface phenomena. The team utilizes advanced imaging techniques, precision surface fabrication methods, and computational modeling to understand and engineer surfaces with tailored wetting properties. Their work has applications across multiple sectors including renewable energy, biomedical devices, and sustainable agriculture.

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Technology for Elderly Care
• User-Centered Design
• +4 more

Aino Ahtinen is a University Lecturer in Computing Sciences at Tampere University's Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. Her work focuses on human-robot interaction, particularly in educational and healthcare contexts. She has extensive experience designing socially assistive robots, wellness technologies, and participatory design frameworks for diverse populations including older adults, children, and professionals. Her research emphasizes co-learning models involving social robots, accessibility in senior-robot interactions, and the integration of robotics into primary education and workplace well-being. Notable projects include the ROBOTOUR co-learning initiative for seniors and ROBOCAMP programs for youth. She has pioneered studies on robot literacy metrics and ethical design considerations in social robotics. Dr. Ahtinen has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed publications since 2003, with recent work focusing on robot-assisted physical activity, privacy-aware robotic systems, and cross-generational technology education. Her research bridges human-computer interaction, gerontechnology, and educational technology, consistently prioritizing user-centered design principles.

Heini KujalaView profile

Research Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• Climate change
• +7 more

Heini Kujala serves as Research Director at the Finnish Natural History Museum (LUOMUS), which is part of the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences. She leads the Biodiversity Informatics Unit and Conservation Informatics Research Group, and serves as Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology. Her research focuses on systematic conservation planning, climate change impacts, and decision-making under uncertainty. Dr. Kujala's research interests center on spatial conservation optimization, spanning from reserve network design to cost-efficient management and biodiversity offsetting. She specializes in computational approaches to conservation problems, with particular expertise in how uncertainty affects conservation outcomes. While not specializing in any particular taxonomic group, her work frequently involves bird species as indicators. Her scientific fields include ecology, evolutionary biology, climate change, biodiversity conservation, conservation area planning, and modeling species distribution areas. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical conservation applications, particularly examining how biodiversity offsetting can be made credible through transparent accounting systems, how species distribution modeling affects conservation outcomes, and how data quality influences spatial conservation prioritization. Her work bridges theoretical conservation science with practical policy implementation. Among her scientific recognition are the Olli's prize (2010) and the Young Influential Woman in Society Award (2008). She has secured significant research funding through multiple projects including BOOST II, NaturaConnect, and No Net Loss City. Dr. Kujala actively engages in academic service through board memberships with the Ministry of the Environment, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and IUCN. She regularly hosts visiting researchers at the University of Helsinki and participates in peer review activities. Her work has received media attention for findings on the importance of small and isolated habitat patches for species survival.

Mona MoisalaView profile

Researcher

• Cognitive Science
• Psychology
• Attentional Multimodal Networks
• +4 more

Mona Moisala is a Doctor of Psychology and active researcher specializing in cognitive science and psychology, with particular expertise in attentional multimodal networks and brain responses to digital media. Her research has been supported by major projects funded by the Academy of Finland, including 'Bridging the Gaps,' 'Kasvava mieli,' 'Mind the Gap Between Digital Natives and Educational Practices,' and 'CENT.' Her research interests focus on how digital media affects cognitive functions, particularly in adolescents and young adults. She investigates media multitasking, video gaming, social media interactions, and their neural bases, examining how these activities influence attention, concentration, and brain responses. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience with practical applications for education and mental well-being. Analysis of her publication trends shows a consistent focus on cognitive neuroscience applied to digital media effects, with increasing attention to adolescent development and educational implications over time. Her research combines experimental methods with real-world applications, as evidenced by her popular science book 'Concentration recovery guide' which translates complex cognitive concepts for general audiences. Behavioral Science Faculty Pro Gradu Award (2013) Mona Moisala actively supervises master's theses and has served as Principal Investigator on major research grants totaling millions in funding. Her research has generated significant media attention, with 47 media appearances where she discusses cognitive science topics for public audiences. She has also contributed to academic service through journal reviewing for publications like Cortex, Brain and Behavior, and Computers in Human Behavior, and has been a member of organizations including Heureka and Young Academy Finland. Her international collaboration includes a visiting researcher position at Leiden University (2018), demonstrating her engagement with the global research community. Her work continues to address critical questions about how digital environments shape cognitive development and brain function.

Annette HorstmannView profile

Professor

• Neurosciences
• Psychology
• Behavioral Sciences
• +5 more

Annette Horstmann is a Professor of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki. She leads the O'BRAIN Lab, focusing on the interaction between the modern food environment and the brain. Her teaching includes neuroplasticity, dopaminergic system impacts on behavioral control, and decision-making. Academic Rank: Professor Institution: University of Helsinki Research Focus: Neurosciences, Psychology, Obesity Research Her research explores how ultra-processed foods affect brain structure, neural network dynamics in working memory, and cognitive development from adolescence to adulthood. Recent work also investigates neurocomputational mechanisms in obesity-related decision-making and binge eating. Key trends in her publications include interdisciplinary approaches combining neuroimaging, computational modeling, and behavioral analysis to address obesity and cognitive dysfunction. Awards include the Research Prize of the German Obesity Society (2016). Scientific Awards: Research Prize of the German Obesity Society She has led projects like FinnFoodPics, a database for studying eating behaviors, and participated in initiatives examining habit formation and metabolic health. Her collaborations span institutions such as the University of Leipzig and the University of Amsterdam.