Tandem Industry Academia (TIA) Postdoc (2025)
Future wireless networks can function like flocks of birds or schools of fish
Project title:
Next-Generation Wireless Synchronization: A Self-Organizing Approach for Distributed Coherent RF Systems
Approved funding:
195 255 €
Applicant:
University of Tampere
Industrial partner:
Nokia Bell Labs
“This kind of research benefits greatly from combining expertise in both academia and industry, which this funding makes possible.”
Mahmoud Tukur Kabir, postdoc researcher
In collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs and Tampere University, this project develops a novel self-organising synchronisation framework for future distributed wireless systems. The project could reshape how future distributed wireless networks and sensing systems are built. Instead of depending on centralised sources for synchronisation, the devices themselves “talk” to each other and autonomously synchronise, much like how flocks of birds or schools of fish coordinate their movements.
For industry, the results could lower infrastructure costs and enable new technologies like 6G, satellite swarms, and smart factories. For society, it could mean more reliable internet access in rural areas as well as faster recovery of communications after disasters.
The Principal Investigator for the project is Mikko Valkama.
A new technology can enhance converting CO2 into valuable chemicals
Project title:
Improving the Performance of CO2 Electrolyzer by Modifying Anion-exchange Membranes via Polyelectrolyte Deposition
Approved funding:
259 766 €
Applicant:
Aalto University
Industrial partner:
Liquidsun
“The foundation’s funding makes it possible to collaborate with a new startup company in a project developing new technology. This project advances an environmentally friendly technology that is still in its development phase.”
Tanja Kallio, Principal investigator
Photo: Anni Hanen
One promising approach to combat climate pollution is to use carbon dioxide as a raw material in chemical industry processes. For instance, CO₂ can be captured and converted into valuable products through electrochemical CO₂ reduction (eCO₂R). A key challenge in this method is the permeability of its central component – the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM).
In this joint project between Aalto University and Liquidsun, the effect of layer-by-layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte coatings on polymer electrolyte membranes is investigated. The goal is to enhance the performance of eCO₂R systems, thereby facilitating the commercialization of the technology. If successful in improving CO₂ conversion efficiency, the environmental benefits will be significant.
Adding continuous blood pressure measurement to sleep monitoring improves understanding of the link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular system
Project title:
Towards continuous blood pressure measurement by a multimodal chest sensor
Approved funding:
204 048 €
Applicant:
University of Oulu
Industrial partner:
Bittium
“A Finnish company is interested in the method we have developed, and collaboration – especially made possible by FRIF – is the best way forward in this matter.”
Teemu Myllylä, Principal investigator
The joint project between the University of Oulu and Bittium aims to enhance an existing wearable sleep monitoring device by integrating continuous blood pressure measurement into it. This will enable accurate tracking of blood pressure fluctuations both in clinical practice and at home, for instance, as part of sleep apnea and hypertension monitoring. Furthermore, the results of the project will improve the understanding of the relationship between sleep and cardiovascular system.
The project enables the introduction of a novel blood pressure monitoring method. This method has the potential to be applied globally in the diagnostics and monitoring of most cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The research outcomes can also be commercialized into multiple health monitoring applications within health technology.
A new measurement system and tracer administration protocol to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of myocardial perfusion studies
Project title:
Development of a Measurement System and Quantification Protocol for Repeatable and Automated O-15 Water Administration
Approved funding:
189 371 €
Applicant:
University of Turku
Industrial partner:
Hidex Oy
“The funding from the The Finnish Research Impact Foundation is an essential instrument for achieving our common research interests, by allowing us to conduct a joint research cooperation project in the academy-industry sector.”
Jarmo Teuho, Principal investigator
The TurkuPET Centre and Hidex Oy are collaborating to develop a new system for accurate and repeatable measurements of perfusion, i.e. blood flow. The studies use O-15 H₂O, a radioactive form of ordinary water, as the tracer. In addition to the new device, the project develops a tracer administration protocol that can be applied for perfusion imaging across different systems and imaging centres. This will enable more repeatable and comparable myocardial perfusion measurements.
The administration protocols and technical solutions generated in the project can be applied across different imaging sites both nationally and internationally. The industry may benefit by identifying solutions for the next generation of administration systems, as well as by improving the quality and reproducibility of existing ones. From a societal perspective, the direct results of the project can be taken into immediate use in both clinical and academic research studies to further enhance their quality.
Many people need easy language in digital services
Project title:
Towards digitally inclusive Finland: Implementing Easy Finnish in telecom customer service
Approved funding:
219 917 €
Applicant:
University of Helsinki
Industrial partner:
DNA Oyj
“FRIF’s funding is a decisive step towards the use of easy language in companies and, through that, towards a more digitally equal Finland.”
Tiina Onikki-Rantajääskö, Principal investigator
Photo: Veikko Somerpuro
There is a growing need for the use of easy language in digital services. In this research project, DNA’s customer communications will be adapted to easy language where appropriate. The project brings together Finnish language researchers at the University of Helsinki, specialized in easy language, and DNA’s Service Design and Customer Centricity team to work in close collaboration.
The development of easy language in the context of corporate communication is a new frontier. The project’s results can be applied more broadly in corporate communications, especially in digital services, to improve linguistic accessibility and the overall comprehensibility of the language used. The project will also contribute to the research and development of easy language.
Studying milk may reveal keys to healthy ageing
Project title:
Bridging the Chemistry and Technology of Milk Membrane Lipids for Enhancing Elderly Nutrition
Approved funding:
220 022 €
Applicant:
University of Turku
Industrial partner:
Valio Ltd
“The TIA postdoc funding of the Finnish Research Impact Foundation (FRIF) supports research activities that aim to create impact to business and society. Our research project aligns excellently with the scope.”
Baoru Yang, Principal investigator
Physical and cognitive functions are the cornerstones of healthy and independent ageing. Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining these functions. Milk contains several bioactive lipids that are essential for the structure and function of cells. However, there are still significant gaps in our understanding about the chemistry and production technology of these lipids, and how they are digested and absorbed by elderly people.
This research project between the University of Turku and Valio aims to generate in-depth knowledge on these aspects. Such knowledge can be harnessed to improve the nutrition and health of the elderly. In this way, the project promotes healthy ageing and helps to reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
