Heidi Kuusniemi, Tampere University
"In the field of technology, different kinds of people and perspectives are needed, including creativity, the ability to collaborate, and the courage to think about things in new ways."
What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day?
I’m a Master of Science (Technology) in computer science and a Doctor of Science (Technology), and through studies in education I also qualified as a teacher. I originally studied engineering mathematics and engineering physics, and later computer science and telecommunications. After sixth form, my aim was to gain both an engineering degree and a teaching qualification, and I thought I would become a teacher. I really enjoyed mathematics and the natural sciences and wanted to teach them. However, once my studies began, I became excited by the many opportunities engineering offers and by solving interesting problems. After my second year, a summer job as a research assistant sparked my interest in a research career when I started working on fault detection in satellite positioning. The field turned out to be a fascinating blend of radio engineering, mathematics, programming and space technology — and I’ve been on that path ever since.
How did you end up in your current position?
My career path hasn’t been meticulously planned. After graduating as an engineer, I continued in research and completed a doctorate in satellite positioning. Since then I’ve worked first in product development in industry, and later in research and leadership roles both at a research institute and at various universities. I’m currently Professor of Wireless Systems at Tampere University and also a joint Professor at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute of the National Land Survey of Finland. Over the years, my research has expanded from mobile and satellite positioning to resilient positioning, new satellite systems and 6G technologies, and more broadly to space technology and its applications. I’ve reached my current role step by step by seizing interesting opportunities and new technologies.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best part is discovery — and the fact that no two days are quite the same. Research lets you tackle problems for which no one yet has the answer, and to work with highly skilled, inspiring people around the world. I’m especially energised by how my field currently connects to major societal and technological questions. Reliable positioning and precise timing are essential for transport, telecommunications and many of society’s critical systems. At the same time, the importance of space technology is growing rapidly. It’s fantastic to research and develop technologies that may be used in completely new ways in the future.
What have been the highlights and key lessons of your career?
Some of the greatest highlights have been moments when I’ve realised that my research and work can genuinely make a difference — to science, to new technologies, to students and sometimes more broadly to society. I’ve had the privilege of leading excellent research groups and projects, building international collaborations and working around the world, including in Canada and California. One of the most important lessons is that you don’t have to plan everything in advance. Many of the most interesting parts of my career have come from opportunities I couldn’t have predicted. Be curious, be willing to try new things, collaborate with an open mind, and sometimes jump in even if you don’t yet know exactly where it will lead.
What are your plans and goals in the future?
I want to help develop the next generation of positioning and space technologies — especially solutions that make society more technologically resilient and secure. In my current research, I’m particularly interested in how satellites, terrestrial wireless networks and different sensors can be combined so that positioning remains reliable even when GPS (Global Positioning System) or other satellite navigation systems are disrupted. At the same time, I want to help build even stronger space research, education and international collaboration in Tampere and across Finland — and inspire new young people to discover the field.
What kind of person is suitable for your profession?
There’s no single “right” type of person for engineering and engineering research, because you can do so many different things. The field is especially well suited to someone who’s curious, enjoys problem-solving and wants to understand how things work. You don’t need to have been coding or building gadgets since childhood to be a good fit for engineering. The sector needs people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and strengths including creativity, teamwork, communication skills and the courage to think in new ways.
Your greetings for young people in high school deliberating their future career?
There’s no need to worry if you don’t yet know which profession you want to pursue. When I was at sixth form, I certainly didn’t know I’d one day be a professor researching satellites, positioning and space technology. Choose things step by step that feel interesting and that you want to learn more about. And don’t count yourself out of a field just because you don’t think you’re “that kind of person”. Engineering needs all kinds of talent, and the future holds a vast number of roles and technologies we don’t even know about yet.