60 years of electrical engineering research and education at the University of Oulu

Electrical engineering encompasses electronics, which has played a significant role in the university’s research and education from the very beginning.

“Electrical engineering will continue to play a major role. For example, microelectronics enables digitalization alongside computer science and are key to the next mobile generation 6G as well as generative AI. We are strongly focused on the future in both teaching and research,” said professor Jukka Riekki, dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering.

Sixty years ago, no one could have predicted how extensive education and research in the field would become. How do we continue to meet these evolving needs in a world we cannot fully foresee?

"Basic research shows where information and communication technology (ICT) is going, and applied research with companies and users shows how to use the technology wisely," summarises dean Jukka Riekki.

"In the faculty, we bring this knowledge into teaching and train experts to build useful ICT technologies," continues professor Jari Iinatti, dean of education.

The future of research looks promising for societal development, and education remains relevant to working life.

“We will continue to research cutting-edge technology and train experts in the field. For example, AI plays a cross-cutting role, and as 6G technology becomes mainstream, we begin designing the next generation of wireless communication, implementing augmented reality interfaces, and seeing the rise of humanoid robots. The operating environment poses challenges, such as shrinking age cohorts and the increasing availability of high-quality online courses. We respond with up-to-date research labs, education based on top-tier research, and a strong campus experience,” said Jukka Riekki in his speech.

“The number of degrees is now increasing. This year, we aim for around 200 bachelor's degrees and over 300 master's degrees. By the end of July, 256 master's degrees had already been awarded - a record number in itself,” noted Jari Iinatti in his address.

Both deans have witnessed the evolution of the field over decades, having started their studies at the University of Oulu in the 1980s when today’s young business leaders were still playing in puddles in a largely analog world. Although Finland was progressive even then, with over half of households owning a color TV, but the internet was only just emerging.

“I started my studies in 1982. When reminiscing, the various student events in downtown Oulu come to mind first. Looking back, there was no stress or rush during student life. There was freedom to spend a lot of time studying, that´s something I would truly appreciate now,” reflected Jukka Riekki.

“A specialization in computer science was added to the electrical engineering program in 1985. I had started my studies the year before, and as I recall, the best or most visionary students were selected for that track. I wasn’t one of them. Later, in 1988, this specialization became its own program -the computer science degree program- with an intake of 35 students, while electrical engineering had 85. The two programs continued side by side with different intake sizes (40 and 100 in 1995), until in 2000, the electrical engineering program split into two: electronics and telecommunications,” recalled Jari Iinatti.

In addition to the deans, speakers at the event included Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie, Chair of the Oulu City Board Jarmo Husso, Chair of the Electrical Engineering Guild Frans Härkönen, and alumni from various decades: Tapio Tammi, Tapani Kurkela, and Kati Vainio.

New video showcases ICT research and world-class facilities at the University of Oulu

The Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) at the University of Oulu has released a new video offering a glimpse into the world-class facilities and multidisciplinary research environment driving advances from wireless communications to future 6G networks.

The video introduces the faculty’s strengths in wireless communications, machine learning, embedded systems, electronics, and advanced user interfaces. It also highlights multidisciplinary research that combines neuroscience and immersive technology. By using EEG measurements together with virtual reality, researchers explore human perception and presence in digital environments. These insights are also applied in the design of more intuitive and responsive robotic systems.

The video takes viewers inside electrically shielded labs, where precise data can be captured without interference, and into robotics facilities where studies focus on natural interaction between humans and machines through gesture, emotion, and speech recognition.

The video Shaping the Walls of the Future is available on the University of Oulu’s YouTube channel.

The Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering has launched a new partnership programme that offers micro and small-to-medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to accelerate innovation and access research-based expertise through student collaboration. Companies can participate e.g. in hands-on projects and skills challenges, and offer scholarships, traineeships, and thesis work opportunities.

The content of the collaboration is always tailored to match the company’s areas of interest and competence needs. Degree programmes cover a range of fast-developing software-oriented areas, including intelligent systems and artificial intelligence, software and business technologies, as well as data and health technologies. On the hardware side, the focus is on electronics design and components, connectivity solutions and wireless technologies, and embedded and integrated systems. The partnership programme is realised as part of the IKAPO project, which is co-funded by the European Union.