Seminar on automotive education and research showcased current research and collaboration at the University of Oulu

University of Oulu organized a seminar on automotive education and research on 26 March 2026. The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of current research, development, and educational collaboration in the field.
Jouni Juntinen and Sakari Jussi-Pekka posing in front of a screen.

The seminar was opened by Liaison Manager Sakari Jussi-Pekka from the University of Oulu, who was also responsible for organizing and hosting the event. The programme was coordinated by Professor Jouni Juntunen from the Martti Ahtisaari Institute.

The programme focused on the UTAH2 project, the VISIOK project, and research within the H2Go portfolio. The presentations highlighted themes related to the hydrogen economy, green transition, digitalization and competence development, as well as the connections between research and education across different levels of education.

Automotive-related research at the University of Oulu spans multiple disciplines, and the seminar concretely demonstrated this multidisciplinary approach. Research presented at the event covered fields such as natural sciences, engineering, information and electrical engineering, and business studies.

Collaboration with vocational education played a key role, particularly with OSAO. Presentations were delivered by several experts, including Miikka Tanskanen from OSAO and Tuure Haarjärvi from Oulu Business School. The H2Go portfolio was presented by work package experts Mari Juntunen, Stefan Walter, and Sami Pohto.

Group photo of eleven seminar participants gathered in front of a screen.
In the picture from left to right: Sami Pohto (Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology); Tuure Haarjärvi (Oulu Business School); Jouko Sohlberg (Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs); Ari Koskinen (Autokeskus; Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs / AAKES); Jouni Juntunen (Martti Ahtisaari Institute); Matti Pörhö (Pörhö; Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs / AAKES); Miikka Tanskanen (OSAO); Sakari Jussi-Pekka (University of Oulu); Stefan Walter (Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology); Tero Lausala (Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs); Timo Nummela (Veho; Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs / AAKES). Photo: Mari Juntunen (Oulu Business School).

The seminar provided an opportunity to present the University of Oulu’s research and collaboration with its partners directly to key stakeholders in the automotive sector, as well as to engage in constructive discussion on future developments in the field. Collaboration between the University of Oulu and the Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs has continued for several years, and the seminar forms part of this ongoing dialogue.

Warm thanks to the Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs for their participation, and to all contributors involved in organizing and presenting for a successful seminar!

Created 31.3.2026 | Updated 31.3.2026