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Andres LuceroView profile

Associate Professor

• Interaction Design
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mobile Interfaces
• +1 more

Andres Lucero is Associate Professor of Interaction Design at Aalto University's Department of Art and Media, specializing in human-computer interaction for mobile devices and interactive surfaces. His research integrates human-computer interaction, design methodologies, and playful interfaces. He holds a PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology and has industry experience from Nokia, where he led user-centered design projects as Senior Researcher. Research explores tangible interfaces, social wearables, museum experience design, human-AI collaboration, and cross-cultural co-design approaches. Recent projects investigate conversational agents in design processes, persona generation workflows, and freeform interactive devices. Dr. Lucero received the Honourable Mention Award at MUM 2020 for innovative interaction research. His work advances design methods through first-person perspectives, AI integration, and novel interaction paradigms.

• Information Discovery
• Bayesian Networks
• Information Retrieval
• +5 more

Petri Myllymäki serves as Director of multiple prominent research entities at Aalto University's School of Science, including the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT), the Department of Computer Science, the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI), and his own research group. His leadership positions demonstrate significant influence in the Finnish and international AI research community. Dr. Myllymäki's research focuses on information discovery, Bayesian networks, information retrieval, and machine learning. His work bridges theoretical computer science with practical applications, particularly in developing systems that enhance how humans interact with information spaces. His research fingerprint prominently features Information Discovery (100%), Bayesian Networks (50%), Hashing (50%), Approximation Algorithms (50%), Information Retrieval (50%), structure learning (50%), Search Engine technology (37%), and Task Performance (33%). His recent publications (2015-2025) reveal a consistent trajectory in interactive information discovery systems, with increasing applications in diverse domains including decision science, public health, and social media analysis. Notably, his 2024-2025 work shows expansion into cognitive burden in decision-making, health outcomes research using machine learning, and political social media analysis – demonstrating how his core AI methodologies are being applied to address complex societal challenges. Recognized at AI Finland Gala 2024 for contribution reaching over 1.4 million users Featured in multiple media outlets including X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky Work referenced in patents and Wikipedia pages Dr. Myllymäki actively hosts academic visitors and participates in collaborative research activities. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through applications in information access and AI development. The Myllymäki Petri group (HIIT) serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and information systems.

Masood MasoodianView profile

Associate Professor

• Interactive Visualization
• Design Thinking
• Health Informatics
• +3 more

Masood Masoodian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Media at Aalto University, Finland. He leads the Visual Communication Design research group, focusing on interactive visualization for health, energy, and sustainability contexts. Previously, he held roles at the University of Waikato (2000-2016), University of Southern Denmark, and Massey University. Education: Doctoral degree in Other disciplines from the University of Waikato (1999) Research interests include design thinking, visualization of complex data, and creative aging interventions. Notable projects include the EU-funded INT-ACT initiative (2024-2026) addressing intangible cultural heritage. He has received an award for collaborative work on video game ludonarrative analysis (2019). Recent activities include organizing workshops on map-based interfaces, co-creating cultural heritage methods, and delivering public talks on digital design. Supervised two theses and contributed to 131 peer-reviewed outputs, emphasizing human-centered design and sustainability. Grants: Principal investigator for multiple EU projects totaling over 3 years of active funding. Awards: Prize for 'Comedy in the Ludonarrative of Video Games' (2019). Labs/Teams: Visual Communication Design group, collaborating internationally on projects like INT-ACT's cultural heritage mapping.

Kari TammiView profile

Associate Professor

• Mechatronics
• Simulation Modeling
• Digital Twin Technology
• +3 more

Kari Tammi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering , Aalto University , Finland. His research focuses on the integration of data availability in mechatronics design and operational systems, emphasizing simulation models, digital twin technology, and user interface innovation. He has presented installation talks as part of Aalto University's celebrations of new tenured professors.

Eetu MäkeläView profile

Professor

• Digital Humanities
• Human Sciences–Computing Interaction
• Computational Humanities
• +3 more

Eetu Mäkelä is a Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Helsinki, leading the research group at the Helsinki Centre for Digital Humanities. He focuses on computational methods in humanities and social sciences, including datafication and interdisciplinary collaboration. He serves as Technical Director of DARIAH-FI and a Research Programme Director at the Helsinki Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities. Currently, he heads the preparatory group for the Helsinki Liberal Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s Programme. His research emphasizes technological and theoretical foundations of computational research, with notable contributions to linked open data, sociolinguistic analysis, and historical text mining. He has developed widely used tools like Recon, Palladio, and Octavo, which are employed in academic and public sectors. His work has garnered over 20 awards, including best paper and open science recognitions. Key areas of expertise include digital humanities methodologies, data integration, and open science practices. He actively contributes to teaching, designing courses such as 'Methods for Digital Humanities' and demonstrating innovative pedagogical approaches. His recent projects involve analyzing 18th-century philosophical texts and sociolinguistic change using computational methods. Awards: Multiple best paper awards, open data awards, and open science awards. Grants/Advising: Leads research initiatives funded by the Academy of Finland and other bodies. Mentors interdisciplinary research teams but no specific student names listed. He maintains active roles in academic infrastructure, including the DARIAH-FI initiative and the Helsinki Institute’s datafication program. His work bridges technical innovation with humanities scholarship, emphasizing practical, enduring systems for academic and public use.

Turkka KeinonenView profile

Professor

• Industrial Design
• Human-Centered Design
• Product Concept Design
• +4 more

Turkka Keinonen is a Professor of Industrial Design at Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, serving as Vice Dean of Research and Head of Doctoral Education. His career spans academic leadership, industry roles in Finnish technology sectors (shipbuilding, medical equipment), and a visiting associate professorship at National University of Singapore. He specializes in human-centered design, product concept design, and ethical considerations in design. Keinonen’s research emphasizes public sector innovation, digital service development, and the intersection of technology with societal needs. His work bridges theory and practice, focusing on how design can foster equity, civic engagement, and sustainability. Recent projects explore libraries as digital innovation hubs, smart home technologies’ ethical implications, and volunteer-based IT services. He has authored influential books including Mobile Usability (2003), Product Concept Design (2006), and Designers, Users and Justice (2017), alongside over 100 publications. Keinonen’s research trends reflect a shift toward relational design in public sectors, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration and systemic change. His articles analyze digital literacy initiatives, quasi-public service models, and design’s role in mediating technological control. He advocates for ethical frameworks that prioritize user autonomy and societal justice in design processes. Labs/Teams: Active in Aalto’s design innovation networks, particularly in public service design and human-centered design methodologies. Collaborates with industry partners (e.g., Nokia Research Center) and Nordic institutions on applied design research.

Riikka KouluView profile

Associate Professor

• Law and Technology
• AI Regulation
• Digital Public Administration
• +6 more

Riikka Koulu is an Associate Professor of Social and Legal Implications of AI at the University of Helsinki, holding joint appointments at the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Social Sciences. She serves as Director of the University of Helsinki Legal Tech Lab, an interdisciplinary research hub focused on law, technology, and society, and is an affiliated researcher at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society in Berlin. In 2025, she will be an academic visitor at Oxford University. Education: Doctor of Law (OTT), University of Helsinki (awarded November 17, 2016) Title of Docent (digitalisation of law), University of Lapland (2020-present) Riikka Koulu is a socio-legal scholar specializing in the interconnections between law, technology, and society. Her research focuses on understanding law's role in shaping and being shaped by digitalized societies. She combines doctrinal and theoretical legal analysis with empirical research from a public law perspective. Her current work examines digital public administration, AI policy and regulation, European technology regulation, and the impact of digital technologies on legal decision-making. She is particularly interested in human oversight mechanisms and interface design in automated systems. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on the legal implications of digital transformation, with particular attention to automated decision-making in public administration, algorithmic governance, and the changing nature of legal procedures in digital environments. Her work spans theoretical explorations of legal concepts in digital contexts and practical analyses of how technology is reshaping justice systems and public administration. Scientific Recognition: Title of Docent (digitalisation of law), University of Lapland (2020) Affiliated researcher, Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society, Berlin (2019-present) Riikka Koulu actively supervises doctoral researchers through the Doctoral Programme in Law and has secured significant research funding for multiple projects. Her current research portfolio includes the ADM-Gov project (2022-2026) on automated administration governance, the REPAIR project (2022-2025) on algorithmic system maintenance, and the DARE project (2021-2026) on inclusive digital administration design. These projects involve collaboration with international partners and interdisciplinary teams. As Director of the University of Helsinki Legal Tech Lab, Koulu leads an interdisciplinary research hub that is part of the Network of Centers (NoC). The lab serves as a focal point for research on the intersection of law, technology, and society, bringing together scholars from legal studies, computer science, social sciences, and design disciplines to address pressing challenges in digital governance.

• Industrial Automation
• Control Systems
• Machine Learning Applications
• +5 more

Valeriy Vyatkin is a Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University. His research focuses on advancing industrial automation, control systems, and their integration with emerging technologies like machine learning and digital twins. He specializes in standards such as IEC 61499, addressing interoperability, formal verification, and performance optimization in distributed automation systems. Key research interests include: Physics-informed machine learning for industrial processes (e.g., steel rolling, reservoir engineering) Formal methods for control system validation and safety-critical applications Development of adaptive automation frameworks for Industry 5.0 challenges, including human-robot collaboration and energy systems Interoperability between legacy and modern industrial standards (OPAS, OPC UA) Recent work emphasizes real-time simulation, FPGA-based control prototyping, and AI-driven solutions for energy efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing, horticulture, and process industries. Publications span topics like robotic walker design, probabilistic model checking, and decentralized learning management systems. He collaborates on EU and industry-funded projects, focusing on digital twin implementation, edge computing, and virtual commissioning. His team develops tools for automated code generation, system migration, and anomaly detection in complex industrial settings.

Andrea BoteroView profile

Associate Professor

• Participatory Design
• Collaborative Design
• Science and Technology Studies
• +7 more

Andrea Botero is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Design, leading the INUSE research group focused on designer-user relations in socio-technical change. She holds adjunct professorships at Universidad de los Andes' Faculty of Architecture and Design (COL) and guest professorship at Aalborg University's Centre for Sustainable and Digital Transformation (DK). Academic Background: Doctor of Arts (New Media, Aalto University), MA in Product and Strategic Design (Aalto), BA in Industrial Design (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) Her research explores participatory design, science and technology studies, and transformative creative practices. Key themes include: Relational and caring interactions in design More-than-human approaches to environmental challenges Decolonial design methodologies Recent publications analyze feral mapping, pictogram politicization, and entangled knowledge production. She has received international recognition including the Ziman Award (2024) and MAST Network funding. Active in teaching MA and doctoral design programs, she also engages in multigenerational diversity activism through NGOs Ninho ry (Finland) and Utopiabio (Colombia).

Giomara Lárraga MaldonadoView profile

Researcher

• Computer Science
• Interactive Multiobjective Optimization
• Evolutionary Computation
• +3 more

Giomara Lárraga Maldonado is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Information Technology within the University of Jyväskylä , Finland. She contributes to the Multiobjective Optimization Group and is affiliated with the Decision Analytics utilizing Causal Models and Multiobjective Optimization (DEMO) thematic research area. Research Focus: Interactive Multiobjective Optimization, Evolutionary Computation, Explainable AI Key Areas: Preference integration, Decomposition-based methods, Human-Computer Interaction for decision support Her recent work explores explainability frameworks (e.g., LIME integration), phase-specific algorithm configuration, and semantic distance studies for visualization. She collaborates with researchers like Kaisa Miettinen and Giovanni Misitano. She has contributed to conferences such as GECCO, PPSN, and AAMAS, with publications emphasizing open-access availability. The R-XIMO framework (2022) highlights her work on explainable systems.

Sabine GrafView profile

Professor

• Educational Technology
• User Adaptive Systems
• Learning Analytics
• +7 more

Dr. Sabine Graf is a Full Professor at the School of Computing and Information Systems, Athabasca University. She holds a PhD in Computing and Information Systems from Vienna University of Technology (2007) and has been a faculty member since 2009. Her research focuses on user adaptive systems, learning/academic analytics, personalization, and game-based learning, with over $2.3M in external funding and 130+ peer-reviewed publications (cited 8,200+ times). She leads the OMEGA+ educational game project and the User Adaptive Systems (UAS) research cluster. Education: PhD in Computing and Information Systems, Vienna University of Technology, 2007 MSc in Computing and Information Systems, University of Vienna, 2003 Research Interests: Dr. Graf specializes in making learning systems more intelligent through adaptive interfaces, AI-driven recommendations, and data analytics. Her work bridges educational technology, artificial intelligence, and collaborative learning. Recent projects include developing OMEGA+, analyzing student behavior in online courses, and enhancing adaptive learning systems with context-aware features. Grants & Funding: NSERC Discovery Grant ($205,000), 2020 CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund ($164,573), 2020 AU IDEA Lab Grant ($5,000), 2021 Multiple Mitacs Globalink Internships, NSERC awards, and AU-funded projects. Advising & Team: Dr. Graf has mentored over 30 students, including PhD, MSc, and postdoctoral fellows. Notable advisees include Moustafa Mahmoud (NSERC Scholar) and Mohammad Belghis-Zadeh (3MT Competition winner). The research team collaborates globally, with members from Brazil, Taiwan, Spain, and beyond. Labs & Initiatives: The Academic Analytics Tool (AAT) project and the OMEGA+ game platform are central to her work. The UAS cluster connects researchers worldwide to advance adaptive systems research.

• 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.

Niko SiltalaView profile

Lecturer

• Production System Design
• Robotics
• Manufacturing Automation
• +3 more

Niko Siltala is a University Instructor at Tampere University's Department of Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Doctor of Science (Technology) in Mechanical Engineering (2016) and a Master of Science (Technology) in Automation Engineering (2001). His research focuses on production system design, reconfiguration, robotics, and virtual reality applications in safety training. He has contributed to the development of semantic rules for capability matchmaking, which supports rapid system design and reconfiguration. Key research areas include: Manufacturing automation and system adaptability Human-robot collaboration and safety protocols Virtual reality-based training solutions Formal resource descriptions for modular systems His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing quality education (SDG 4) through innovative robotics education tools. He has received the Distinguished Committee Service Award (2004) and contributed to grants such as the K.F. ja Maria Dunderbergin testamenttisäätiö (2014). He has collaborated on projects like the D-BEST methodology for pilot lines and the ODIN project for scalable production systems. His activities include organizing conferences, presenting at international forums, and developing web-based tools for manufacturing system planning.

Mika NieminenView profile

Academic

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Participatory Design
• User-Centered Design
• +6 more

Mika Nieminen serves as Senior University Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University's School of Science, specializing in the Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID) research area. With a Doctoral degree from Aalto University (2015) and extensive background in engineering and technology, he maintains active research leadership through multiple projects including ARISE: Advanced Realities for Cultural Innovation in Europe (2025-2029). His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction with particular expertise in Virtual Reality , Participatory Design , and Strategic Usability . His work spans multiple application domains including healthcare systems, educational technologies, and cross-cultural interfaces. His Strategic Usability Research Group (STRATUS) develops frameworks for integrating user-centered approaches into business contexts. Nieminen's publication record shows a clear trajectory toward applying HCI principles to medical education (particularly ophthalmology) and migration support systems. His recent work demonstrates increasing focus on asymmetric VR environments and their impact on presence, collaboration, and user experience. His projects often involve international collaboration, particularly with European partners. As principal investigator for the Lapsus research project (2015-2018), he developed patient experience frameworks for pediatric healthcare settings. His current ARISE project continues this healthcare technology focus while expanding into cultural innovation applications of advanced realities. His academic service includes conference presentations on topics such as crowdsourced translation within refugee information systems and visiting researcher positions at foreign academic institutions, demonstrating commitment to both theoretical and applied aspects of HCI research.

Kristina Eriksson-BackaView profile

Professor

• Health Information
• e-Health
• Information Behavior
• +2 more

Kristina Eriksson-Backa is Professor at the School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law. Recognized through numerous publications, her research focuses on health information systems and vulnerable populations. Research interests center on health information literacy, e-health adoption among seniors, and healthcare access for immigrant communities. Significant work examines how information behavior affects health outcomes in marginalized groups. Publications demonstrate strong focus on digital health equity across diverse populations. Recent studies analyze EHR system design for seniors, health information practices in diabetes management, and refugee health-seeking behaviors across Nordic countries. Consistent themes include technology adoption barriers and cross-cultural health communication. Editorial and examination activities include doctoral dissertation pre-examination and conference organization. Research leadership includes ongoing studies on health information vulnerability through international collaborations.