Three international top researchers have received funding from The Finnish Research Impact Foundation (FRIF) to help launch and accelerate their research in Finland. The projects develop quantum-based 6G technology, train complex work machines to operate even in difficult weather conditions, and aim to transform wastewater treatment plants from cost items into resource hubs.
Professor Ertugrul Basar from Tampere University, Assistant Professor Dominik Baumann from Aalto University, and Assistant Professor Merve Atasoy from the University of Eastern Finland have received funding for their research projects from The Finnish Research Impact Foundation (FRIF).
The projects address three current issues: how to make future 6G connections safer and more energy efficient, how to ensure heavy work machines operate reliably in difficult weather conditions, and how to recover valuable carbon and nitrogen from wastewater.
“It is critically important for the recently arrived top researchers in Finland to quickly gain a foothold in the domestic business sector in terms of impact. It is great to see that our funding attracts the interest of international top experts and helps them integrate with Finnish companies and ecosystems,” says Petro Poutanen, CEO of the FRIF.
The research–business collaboration enabled by the funding allows researchers to create significant new openings that keep Finland at the forefront of high technology.
Three top talents from abroad – three projects advancing Finland’s leadership in high technologies
In his project, Professor Ertugrul Basar from Tampere University develops entirely new wireless communication technology, using ultra-sensitive quantum receivers instead of traditional metal antennas. The project’s results enable more energy efficient and secure 6G networks worldwide. Through this project, Finland can position itself as a global leader in quantum-assisted 6G research. The industrial partners of the project are Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy and IQM Finland Oy.
Assistant Professor Dominik Baumann from Aalto University develops a machine learning model that helps train mobile machines operating autonomously — such as forest harvesters and port cranes — to operate in snow, fog and rain. If successful, the project creates a competitive advantage for Finnish machine manufacturers: if the technology works in Finnish conditions, it works anywhere, giving Finnish companies a unique selling point in global markets. The industrial partners of the project are Konecranes and Ponsse.
Assistant Professor Merve Atasoy from the University of Eastern Finland develops biotechnology to recover carbon and nitrogen from wastewater and process them into high-value biobased chemicals. Technology like this has not been implemented in wastewater treatment before. If successful, the project could fundamentally change how wastewater treatment plants operate – shifting them from cost centers into resource recovery hubs. The industrial partners of the project are Biopallo Systems Oy and NPHarvest.
Broader descriptions of the funded projects can be found on the FRIF’s website.
Funding that brings top international expertise to Finland
Basar, Baumann and Atasoy have received funding for their projects in the FRIF’s Tandem Industry Academia (TIA) Seed programme. The funding is aimed at researchers who have recently become part of the Finnish research funding system and are at the beginning of their careers in Finland.
The funding supports the integration of top researchers into Finland and helps build collaboration between Finnish research organisations and companies.
“With this funding, we can, for our part, strengthen the ability of domestic sectors to stay at the forefront of global competitiveness,” says Petro Poutanen.
The TIA Seed funding call was organised for the second time this year. More information about the funding can be found on the Foundation’s website, as well as information about the projects funded in the previous application round.
