Marko Nieminen is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Strategic Usability, and ICT for Development (ICT4D). He leads the Strategic Usability Research Group (STRATUS) and contributes to initiatives like SoberIT and USchool. Research Interests: User-centered design methodologies Usability engineering in business and healthcare Collaborative ICT in industrial networks Participatory design for underserved communities Blockchain applications in energy systems Recent Publication Trends: His work bridges HCI, sustainability, and decentralized systems, focusing on blockchain-based energy markets, VR learning environments, and inclusive design practices across diverse contexts. Scientific Awards: Highly Commended Award, Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society (2017) Distinguished Senior Researcher Award, Helsinki University of Technology (1999) Finnish Federation of Electrical and Electronics Industry Award (2002)
Jussi Rintanen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science , Aalto University . He is an internationally leading researcher in constraint-based planning and decision-making , with a focus on applying AI technologies to automating software production and synthesis of intelligent systems . Helsinki University of Technology (Doctoral Degree, 1997) Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg (Venia Legendi, 2005) National ICT Australia / Australian National University (Academic Positions) His research spans automated planning , SAT solving , temporal planning , and constraint-based search methods . Recent work highlights symmetry-breaking constraints , partial observability planning , and acyclicity encodings in SAT frameworks. The 15 most recent articles reflect trends in AI planning , graph algorithms , and formal verification , with applications in software synthesis , temporal reasoning , and uncertainty handling . His methodologies integrate integer programming , SMT encodings , and propositional logic .
Johanna Viitanen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science , Aalto University School of Science . Her work focuses on usability , user experience , and user-centred design within healthcare and social care contexts, particularly examining health information systems , patient experiences , and IT procurement processes. Doctoral degree (2011), Aalto University Licentiate degree (2009), Helsinki University of Technology Master's degree (2005), Helsinki University of Technology Her research explores the intersection of human-computer interaction and health informatics , addressing challenges in electronic health records (EHRs) , digital ethics , and socio-technical systems . She leads the BOC Home Dialysis project (2022–2026) to optimize predialysis and home dialysis care through technology. Recent publications (2024–2025) analyze physician and nurse experiences with EHR usability, socio-technical challenges in healthcare IT, and cross-sectional surveys on digitalization's impact on professional job strain . She received the CHI 2025 Honorable Mention Award for contributions in human-computer interaction and ergonomics . Viitanen actively participates in hosting academic visitors , organizing healthcare digital transformation events , and reviewing scientific journals . Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and digital equity in healthcare.
Juuso Korhonen is a Research Fellow at the Department of Applied Physics (Aalto University), specializing in the intersection of Neuroscience , Surface Science , and Biomedical Engineering . His work focuses on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) , Ultra-High-Field MRI , and Soft Matter and Wetting physics. Education: Master's degree in Engineering and Technology from Helsinki University of Technology (Award Date: 13 Nov 2007). His research interests include: Developing advanced TMS systems for concurrent use with MRI scanners. Modeling electromagnetic interactions and stress forces in medical devices. Applying deep learning to automate neural signal annotation. Investigating liquid-repelling coatings and their commercialization. His recent publications emphasize TMS-MRI integration, neural imaging, and computational methods. Media highlights include collaborations on liquid-repelling coatings funded by grants and patented in 2021.
Tuuva Kastinen is a researcher at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University. He contributes to collaborative projects within the Finnish Center of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER) and the FinnCERES Materials Bioeconomy Ecosystem. Affiliation: Aalto University Projects: LIBER (2022–2026), Sammalkorpi’s Academy Project (2022–2024) Research Focus: Computational modeling of polyelectrolyte assembly, biomaterials, and organic solar cell materials His work integrates Materials Science , Surface Chemistry , and Computational Modeling to investigate polyelectrolyte complexation, self-assembly, and optoelectronic properties. Recent publications emphasize pH-dependent assembly , ion-pair interactions , and multi-state electronic coupling in hybrid materials. Key projects include the National Science Centre Poland grant (2018–2023) and Academy of Finland Centres of Excellence funding (2022–2029). Computational resources from CSC IT Centre for Finland and PLGrid were utilized in his studies.
Vili Heinonen serves as a Visiting Faculty member in the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University's School of Science, specializing in the Quantum Phenomena and Devices research group. His academic foundation includes a Diplomi-insinööri (Master of Science) and Tekniikan kandidaatti (Bachelor of Science) in Technical Physics from Aalto University, awarded in 2011 and 2010 respectively. His research focuses on computational modeling of materials systems, particularly through phase-field crystal methodologies. Heinonen's work bridges theoretical physics and materials engineering, with emphasis on hydrodynamics in crystalline systems, heterostructure formation, and nanoscale simulation techniques. His publications demonstrate expertise in developing numerical schemes for complex material behaviors including solidification processes and interfacial dynamics. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent contributions to high-impact journals like Physical Review Letters and Physical Review B, with research trending toward increasingly sophisticated modeling of crystalline materials and their dynamic properties. His work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between computational physics, materials science, and fluid dynamics. Heinonen has participated in two major Academy of Finland-funded projects: the Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience (2016-2017) and Simulation studies of nanoparticle catalysis in solar cells (2013-2016), where he contributed expertise in computational modeling of nanoscale phenomena. His research demonstrates significant engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in nanotechnology.
Joni-Kristian Kämäräinen serves as Professor of Signal Processing within the Computing Sciences department at Tampere University, where he leads research in the Vision Group. Previously, he held faculty positions at LUT University's School of Engineering Science for five years before joining Tampere University in 2012 (tenured 2017, promoted to full professor in 2020). His academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Surrey's Center of Vision, Speech and Signal Processing under Josef Kittler. His research centers on robot vision and robot learning , with significant contributions to computer vision and machine learning. Key focus areas include visual place recognition, RGB-D tracking, color constancy, and anthropometric measurements. His group maintains strong industry collaborations with Huawei, Nokia Technologies, and Business Finland-funded projects. His publication portfolio shows a clear trajectory toward real-world robotic applications, with recent work emphasizing visual place recognition under varying conditions (2022-2024), depth-aware video processing (2023-2024), and reinforcement learning for industrial manipulators (2023-2025). The 2023 textbook Koneoppimisen perusteet (Machine Learning Fundamentals) demonstrates his commitment to education. Expert Statement for Finnish Parliament (2022) on AI solutions Contributor to Finnish Roadmap: Robots and the Future of Welfare Services (2021) Featured in YLE Uutiset (2018), Aamulehti (2021), and multiple technical press outlets He has supervised 20 PhD students since 2007, including Vivienne Huiling Wang (2025), Samu Koskinen (2025), and Fatemeh Shokollahi Yancheshmeh (2024), with alumni placed at Aalto University, Ericsson AB, and Huawei. His group receives funding from the Academy of Finland, EU Horizon 2020, Business Finland, Huawei, and Nokia Technologies. The Vision Group operates from Tampere University's Hervanta Campus, maintaining close ties with industrial partners through applied research projects.
Iida Pankka is a Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering within the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, affiliated with the Metallurgical Thermodynamics and Modelling research group. Her research spans key areas in sustainable metallurgy: Thermodynamics modeling of metallurgical processes Hydrogen reduction for metal extraction Characterization of refractory materials using X-ray computed tomography Thermal properties of industrial slags Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise in thermal conductivity of ladle slag linings, recycling of end-of-life refractories, and thermodynamic behavior of trace elements during hydrogen reduction, collectively advancing energy efficiency and circular economy in metallurgy. No scientific awards were mentioned in source materials. Pankka participates in major funded projects: TOCANEM 2: Towards Carbon Neutral Metals (2024-2026) PhosPath: High temperature chemistry of phosphorus (2021-2025) TOCANEM: Initial carbon neutrality phase (2020-2023) These Business Finland and Academy of Finland-funded initiatives focus on decarbonizing metal production through innovative recycling and hydrogen-based processes. She collaborates extensively with researchers including David Lindberg, Pekka Taskinen, and Juha Tammela within Aalto University's metallurgical research ecosystem.
José Augusto Fontenele Magalhães is a doctoral researcher affiliated with the School of Chemical Engineering and Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering . His work focuses on stochastic modeling, state estimation, and computational methods in process systems engineering. Research Interests : Stochastic reaction-diffusion systems, particle filters, and noise analysis in dynamic systems. Publication Trends : Recent work highlights Monte Carlo methods and state estimation techniques for complex chemical engineering processes.
Ehsan Daneshvar is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences , focusing on environmental and biotechnological applications of microalgae and nanomaterials. His work spans wastewater treatment, bioenergy production, and pollutant removal using sustainable technologies. Email: Ehsan.Daneshvar@lut.fi Location: Mikkeli, Finland Research Interests: Utilizing marine and freshwater microalgae for nutrient recovery, developing nanomaterials for water purification, and optimizing bioprocesses in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). His studies integrate biochemical analysis and environmental engineering principles. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes carbon capture, biohydrogen production, and stress-induced bioactive compounds in microalgae. Earlier studies focus on biosorption of dyes and heavy metals using macroalgae and modified adsorbents. Contact: Mobile: +358 50 406 4042
Maria Paasivaara is a tenured Professor of Software Engineering at the School of Engineering Sciences, LUT University, Lahti campus. She specializes in agile methodologies and globally distributed software projects, bridging academic research with industry applications. Her research focuses on Agile Software Development and Globally Distributed Software Development , examining how companies transition from traditional sequential methods to iterative agile approaches in international settings. She emphasizes that modern software engineering is collaborative teamwork—not solitary coding—with real-time customer feedback enabling functional applications in accelerated timelines. Her courses integrate students with client companies, where three-month projects often lead to student employment as companies value observed technical skills. Professor Paasivaara actively challenges stereotypes about software engineering, highlighting its social dynamics and appeal to women through roles like Scrum Master. Previously at Aalto University and IT University of Copenhagen, she now contributes to LUT's new international software production program while advocating for early female exposure to coding and visible role models. Her industry collaborations prioritize solving immediate corporate challenges over theoretical interests, ensuring research relevance. Companies frequently prioritize hiring her students over the software output itself, demonstrating the practical impact of her pedagogy.
Najmul Islam is a tenured Professor of Digital Transformation in the Department of Software Engineering at LUT University's School of Engineering Sciences. He was recently promoted from associate professor to full professor and has established himself as a leading researcher in digital systems, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Dr. Islam's research spans several critical areas in digital transformation: Design and development of responsible, reliable, and legally compliant digital systems Blockchain applications for sustainable consumption and supply chain transparency Explainable AI for cybersecurity and decision-making systems Human-AI collaboration in organizational contexts Impact of digital systems on individuals and organizations His scholarly work demonstrates a strong trajectory toward creating trustworthy digital ecosystems. Recent publications focus on integrating blockchain with AI for enhanced security and transparency, addressing challenges in human-AI collaboration, and developing sustainable digital solutions. His research bridges technical innovation with practical organizational applications, particularly in understanding how digital systems affect both business operations and individual well-being. Dr. Islam's significant contributions to the field were recognized when he was awarded the Information Systems Scientist of the Year 2022 by the Finnish Computer Science Society. This prestigious award acknowledged both his academic merit and his participation in developing the information systems research community at LUT. As an educator, Dr. Islam contributes to LUT's rapidly growing software engineering program, which has expanded from 30 to 300 student places annually over five years. The program offers six specialization options across LUT's Lappeenranta and Lahti campuses, with software engineering being the largest degree program in Lahti.
Zhisong Liu serves as Associate Professor in Computational Engineering at LUT School of Engineering Sciences (Finland) since August 2023 while concurrently holding a Principal Research Engineer position at Dell Technologies (Shanghai) since February 2022. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at École Polytechnique (Paris) and research roles at Caritas Institute of Higher Education and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Education PhD in Electronic and Information Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2016-2020) MSc in Electronic and Information Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2014-2016) Research Expertise Prof. Liu's work centers on computer vision and machine learning with specialization in image/video enhancement techniques. His signature contributions include See360 panoramic view interpolation, hybrid face super-resolution models combining deep learning with random forests, and low-light image enhancement networks. Current research extends into physics-informed neural networks for atmospheric chemistry and environmental monitoring systems. Publication Analysis His 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveal three dominant research thrusts: (1) multimodal learning for artistic style transfer and video understanding, (2) medical/environmental imaging applications using deep priors and spatio-temporal modeling, and (3) novel architectures for 3D vision and point cloud processing. Over 60% of recent work integrates domain-specific physics with neural networks, particularly evident in CT reconstruction and atmospheric chemical modeling. Professional Trajectory Associate Professor, Computational Engineering, LUT (2023-present) Principal Research Engineer, OCTO, Dell Technologies (2022-present) Postdoctoral Researcher, Computing Science, École Polytechnique (2020-2021) Research Associate, ECE, Caritas Institute (2019-2020)
Janne Huiskonen is a Professor in Supply Chain Management at the LUT School of Engineering Sciences , LUT University, Finland. His work bridges technology, sustainability, and business innovation , focusing on systemic transitions toward sustainable value creation. Field: Industrial Engineering and Management Email: Janne.Huiskonen@lut.fi Research Interests center on sustainable business models , product-service systems , and social sustainability , combining qualitative and quantitative methods. He explores how knowledge management and collaborative frameworks enhance supply chain performance and sustainability. Publication Trends show a shift from traditional inventory management (1996-2009) to AI-driven supply chains (2021) and systemic sustainability transitions (2021-2024). His work spans manufacturing , healthcare services , and agricultural technology , emphasizing cross-industry applicability of sustainable practices. Collaborations include researchers like Usama Awan , Andrzej Kraslawski , and Minna Koistinen , with co-authored works addressing governance mechanisms, knowledge accumulation, and service design optimization. He has contributed to International Journal of Production Economics , Sustainability , and Procedia CIRP over 28 years.
Chul-Woo Kim is a Professor from Kyoto University who delivered an academic talk on vibration-based bridge health monitoring during his visit on 6 September 2023. Hosted by W. Lin of the Department of Civil Engineering Structures – Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation, his work focuses on structural dynamics and civil infrastructure resilience in Japan. Research interests span structural engineering, vibration analysis, and bridge health monitoring. Scientific Awards: International Degree of Recognition
