Not just technology - Vice Rector Matti Latva-aho recognises the value of multidisciplinarity

As Vice Rector for Research, Matti Latva-aho will focus on leading multidisciplinary research extensively throughout the university. He wants to be aware of what is happening in the eight faculties.

"I want to gain a deep understanding of our university's comprehensive research excellence so that I can identify, for example, special areas that require further strengthening," Latva-aho emphasises.

He intends to discuss with all faculties and key research units in peace and use time to familiarise himself with the different entities.

"Strategic funding and research profile development initiatives must be carefully planned. One of the urgent issues is to develop practical solutions to shorten doctoral education without compromising academic quality."

The vice rector for research evaluates and develops the university's research, ensuring that it maintains a high international standard and also creates societal significance. The work includes the development of top-level international expertise and the promotion of new research openings and collaboration opportunities. Matti Latva-aho thanks the University of Oulu for the opportunity to grow towards impactful jobs.

"The University of Oulu has been the foundation of my professional career, and my commitment to its success has shaped my journey as a researcher, mentor and leader. I have spent decades promoting the university's research excellence, especially the refinement of a world-class wireless telecommunications research center into a global well-known and sought-after partner in the field. The motivation for the new role is high," he says.

More than technology

Matti Latva-aho knows that as Vice Rector for Research, despite his background, he is more than an ambassador for technology.

"At this critical juncture in my career, I am driven by the opportunity to further raise the university's research profile, ensuring its relevance in the midst of the challenges of our time, such as geopolitical shifts, climate change, an ageing population, and economic uncertainty. I want to bring my success in the telecommunications sector into a broader context, i.e. to strengthen the position of the University of Oulu as a global research institution and strengthen Finland's role as a creator of innovations and ensure that our scientific achievements contribute to national and international well-being."

The Vice Rector for Research considers it an important goal to secure external research funding.

"Securing and increasing external research funding is essential to strengthen our university's research profile. In addition, I want to do my part to improve research marketing and communication practices in research units and faculties so that our international recognition can continue to grow and develop."

The vice rector for research also contributes to the university's social significance. Latva-aho intends to foster a culture of collaboration, excellence and innovation, and to play a role in supporting and promoting global research impact.

"It is important for us to foster collaboration and trust, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs come from strong, top-level teams. My own goal is to ensure that Oulu remains a centre of scientific excellence, attracting top talent, ensuring competitive funding and promoting multidisciplinary research. Above all, I want to position the university in a central role in solving the great challenges of our time, supporting Finland's national vitality, global competitiveness and technological leadership."

A great career already

The University of Oulu has been a key player in the development of mobile technology for decades, and its researchers have been pioneers in innovations that have influenced global wireless standards. After joining the university in the early 1990s, Matti Latva-aho has played a key role on this path and has accumulated strong experience in leading multidisciplinary and especially internationally high-quality large research entities and in strategic research development. He became Professor of Communications Technology in 2000 and served as Director of the Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) from 1998 to 2006. The projects he has led have been significant in the development of cutting-edge technologies, which has laid the foundation for modern wireless systems.

Since 2018, Matti Latva-aho has led the world's first 6G research, development and innovation programme (6G Flagship). He has laid the scientific foundation for the next generation of wireless communication systems. His work has expanded Finland's role in telecommunications research and strengthened international cooperation, while advancing the integration of 6G into critical sectors such as health, energy, security, and defense.