Our alum Mehdi Attar: Electricity grids are at the heart of technological development

Electricity research enables greener cities and greener countries 

Researcher and teacher Mehdi Attar’s everyday work at Tampere University revolves around power systems and smart electricity grids. Together with the other members of the research team, they study topics such as distribution electricity grids, flexibility markets and congestion management.

The team’s research is strongly industry oriented. For Mehdi, the close connection between research and real-world application is one of the most inspiring aspects of the work.

“We aim to share our knowledge with industry while also learning about recent advances and the challenges it faces. This bilateral collaboration is highly valuable for both sides, as we share the common goal of making electricity grids more efficient,” Mehdi says.

Mehdi sees electricity as one of the key drivers of modern technological development. Demand for electricity is rising steadily, particularly as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies require ever-greater amounts of energy.

“Electricity will become even more important in the future—there’s no way around it. Our field connects multiple technologies that are evolving simultaneously, providing a common foundation for many others to thrive. Electricity is a strong choice because it is fast, weightless, efficient, and clean—provided it is generated sustainably,” Mehdi says.

Given the rapid pace of technological development, one of Mehdi’s primary focuses as a teacher in the field of electrical engineering is not to cover all subject matters exhaustively from A to Z. Instead, one main objective is to equip students with the ability to learn efficiently and independently, enabling them to remain resilient and adaptable in a constantly evolving professional environment.

The best life decision came through randomness

Born and raised in Iran, Mehdi’s decision to complete his master’s degree at Tampere University in 2017–2019 was a series of coincidences. It started with the idea of wanting to complete his high education in a developed country to have access to modern technology.

Mehdi carefully evaluated his options, exploring opportunities in different countries and universities and consulting friends along the way. Gradually, his focus shifted toward Europe. By chance, he applied slightly later than planned, which narrowed his options to the Nordic countries. Tampere University happened to admit him first, and he decided to accept the place.

Sometimes the best life decisions come through randomness. I didn’t know much about Finland when applying and only started seeking more information after being admitted."

Mehdi Attar

“Sometimes the best life decisions come through randomness. I didn’t know much about Finland when applying and only started seeking more information after being admitted,” Mehdi says.

Mehdi still remembers how first arriving in Finland was a bit of a shock due to the cultural differences. It required both time and patience to learn everything from the Finnish teaching culture to the banking system – and between. 

“I have a clear message to all immigrants, whether in Finland or elsewhere: learn the local culture and learn the local norms rather than being defensive. When you do that, your life turns around and it’s a lot easier to integrate. Adaptation is something everyone must learn in life anyway, and for me, that has been life changing. Now I have high work satisfaction and high life satisfaction here in Finland.”

Sports, simplicity and fundamental trust 

Mehdi now lives in the beautiful Pispala region in Tampere, enjoying the nature, sceneries and the simplicity of life whole-heartedly. He plays padel tennis on a weekly basis, often goes mountain biking, jogs around Lake Tohloppi and sometimes jumps in the lake afterwards. Both Mehdi and his wife are highly sports-driven, so they also go cross country skiing in the winter, and they have even tried ice fishing.

Photo: Mehdi Attarin kotialbumi

“When I want to release some pressure during my working day, I take my bike and go riding around the lake. All in all, I really appreciate Finnish flexibility – I could speak about the working culture for a day. Your use of time is very free and flexible as long as you do your job.”

To him, flexibility speaks about trust. He feels that trust as the corner stone of Finnish society goes in many directions in Finland – between employers and employees, the citizens, police, media and government.

Jos ihmisten välillä ei ole luottamusta, se on iso puute. Siksi koen, että meidän kaikkien tulee varjella ja vaalia luottamusta."

Mehdi Attar

“If you don’t have trust, you’re missing a lot. That’s why I feel that it’s something we have to preserve and cherish.”
 

Text: Tiina Leivo