Professor Heidi Kuusniemi, specialised in geospatial technology and satellite navigation, joins Tampere University

The Electrical Engineering Unit at Tampere University receives a major addition when a respected researcher and Professor of the Year 2025 Heidi Kuusniemi takes up her new professorship. As a Professor of Wireless Systems, Kuusniemi will focus especially on the development of wireless positioning systems and improving the systems’ ability to recognize and mitigate interference. 

“I defended my doctoral thesis at Tampere University of Technology almost exactly 20 years ago, so this new professorship feels like a return home – now to the even broader and more multidisciplinary Tampere University”, Kuusniemi says. 

“I was particularly attracted to the strong research tradition in wireless communications in Tampere University and its close collaboration with the industry. In addition, the multidisciplinary structure of the university supports my own way of working. I have worked at the interfaces of technology, society and business for a long time, and Tampere offers an excellent setting for this combination. Moreover, I’m familiar with Tampere as a city from my years as a student, and I’m very excited to be moving there again.” 

Joint professorship with the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute ties together academic expertise and societal needs 

“I am very much looking forward to returning to the Hervanta campus to do research and teach communications engineering and radio systems. These fields are very close to my heart, especially the topics of wireless systems and positioning technologies – the favourite being satellite positioning”, says Kuusniemi. 

“My professorship, a joint professorship with the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute of the National Land Survey of Finland, enables impactful research that combines academic expertise and societal questions. My goal is to build a strong bridge between academic research, education and applied research in collaboration with students, colleagues and different stakeholders.”  

New, more interference-resistant solutions are needed in satellite positioning 

Kuusniemi’s research focuses on the prevention of interference in satellite positioning technologies. In the current global political situation, satellite positioning systems are increasingly targeted for interference. 

“Satellite positioning has been established as a critical infrastructure in transportation, national defence and in various information systems. Unfortunately, it is also a vulnerable technology. In the past few years, there has been an increase in instances of disruptions and interference within these systems, partially as a result of the spread of illegal jamming equipment along with tensions within the global geopolitical atmosphere. These disturbances are already visible in everyday life, as civil aviation, maritime transport, agriculture and timing systems suffer from satellite positioning errors and availability issues. The foundation of the entire digital society falters when geospatial data falters. That is why we need new, reliable timing and positioning systems that are better equipped to handle interference.” 

“Location and time synchronization technologies affect almost all modern infrastructure”, says Kuusniemi. 

They are utilized in areas like transportation (on land, at sea, and in the air), time synchronization of electrical networks, construction, smart agriculture, and logistics. The importance of accurate geospatial data is especially emphasized within the defence and security sectors, where reliable location data and situational awareness are essential tools in operational decision-making. Additionally, different digital services like maps, navigation and rescue services along with various smart systems depend on precise and up-to-date geospatial data. 

Understanding is created through a dialogue between theory and practice 

In her teaching, Kuusniemi aims to spark students' interest for the societal significance of wireless systems and positioning technologies. She believes that understanding the possibilities of technology is best achieved when theoretical foundations and  hands-on experience meet. 

“Wireless systems are an invisible but vital part of a functioning society, making possible the transfer of information. Geospatial technologies in turn offer us understanding of our location in the physical world, offering spatial awareness essential in many fields such as transportation, logistics and security. I want to inspire students to understand the societal significance of these technologies, and how satellites and other space technologies are a fundamental part of this field. With the help of satellites, it can be possible to solve global challenges from environmental changes to global security and sustainable use of resources.”  

The future of research is found in space 

Wireless systems of the future are increasingly satellite-based, resilient and secure. Small satellites and the possibilities they offer are especially fascinating for Kuusniemi. They allow us to track and understand different phenomena from climate change to resource management around the world. 

“This is a field where the technology truly serves humankind. I want to offer students inspiring opportunities, like participating in ESA and NASA student programs and hackathons, that help to open up new perspectives and deepen students’ understanding of the benefits satellite technology offers to the society. I also believe in raising awareness of science in general. I gladly participate in promoting science education for children and young people, as it is important that enthusiasm for science and societal issues is ignited early on.” 

The role of wireless systems will continue to grow. The amount of data in the world is constantly increasing, and its timely and secure transfer requires efficient and intelligent solutions that keep up with the progress. 

“The development of satellite-based networks continues to expand, as they are needed to support systems and operations on the ground. Wireless networks are not made only for the transfer of data, but they also create the basis for positioning systems and remote sensing, and thus are essential tools in decision-making. Our future innovations must be increasingly resilient, flexible and secure”, Kuusniemi explains. 

“At the moment, I am especially excited for the possibilities offered by small satellites and technologies in the near-Earth space, as they offer insight into all kinds of phenomena in the world. Satellite technology as a field combines many of my personal interests, such as technology, societal impact and international cooperation. I have participated in numerous multidisciplinary projects where information from satellites is used to develop sustainable solutions. In addition, I consider the development of reliable positioning solutions to be particularly relevant in the current global political situation, where radio threats and interference challenge the operations of both the civilian and security sectors.” 

Collaboration and networks 

Business collaboration is an important factor for Kuusniemi. 

“There exists an excellent research and innovation ecosystem in Tampere, where the higher education sector and the tech industry interact closely together. There are great opportunities for collaboration with areas such as autonomous systems, IoT, security and defence, robotics and data-driven services.” 

“Geospatial data is a unifying factor in these fields, as it adds value to industry, urban planning and to the development of critical societal systems. My goal is to be an active and easily approachable partner both inside and outside the university. I hope that the networks I am bringing with me, both international and national, will add value to the Tampere University ecosystem and create opportunities for new collaborations.” 

To balance her work, Heidi Kuusniemi spends time with her family and gets out in nature. She relaxes at her cottage, by going skiing in the winter – and through music. 

“My free time is largely spent with my family, especially with my 11-year-old daughter's hobbies. I relax in nature and enjoy spending time at our cottage and skiing in the winter. Music especially works as a great balance to my professional career. I strive to maintain my oboe playing skills and hope that after moving to Tampere I might find my way back to the ranks of an amateur orchestra.”