Research – High-level, impactful science

Rapid changes on the planet, climate change and the loss of biodiversity challenge us to find solutions through research to safeguard the conditions for life and enable sustainable development. At the University of Oulu, we study climate and environmental change, mitigation of change and sustainable use of natural resources. We seek research-based solutions for green transition, including opportunities for circular economy and climate-friendly energy production methods.

Our research includes:

• digital modelling and management of water systems
• biodiversity in multi-species communities
• the use of industrial side streams
• hydrogen transmission and climate-friendly steel production
• new possibilities in the energy economy
• catalysis-based environmental technologies
• sustainable mining and mineral exploitation
• solar activity and activity changes and the Sun's impact on the atmosphere and climate

Natural disasters, global conflicts and disinformation demand resilience from individuals and societies. At the University of Oulu, we study the impact of and adaptation to major changes, such as environmental and economic changes, on people and communities. Our research provides insights into how people adapt and helps to improve the resilience and crisis resistance of communities.

Our research includes:

• socio-ecological and socio-economic resilience, resilience of communities
• learning and human interaction
• migration, refugees and cultural conflict
• safe and sustainable environments and communities
• new digital business models

The development of digital technologies, the increasing use of artificial intelligence and the growing amount of data challenge us to use these changes for the benefit of people. At the University of Oulu, we explore how digitalisation can benefit everyone. We research and develop sustainable next-generation communication networks, human-centered digital services, and technology for the needs of humanity and business.

Our research includes:

• wireless communications and 6G technology
• virtual reality
• artificial intelligence and human-ai co-evolution
• robotics and its various application areas
• analysis of large amounts of data
• cyber security
• software
• new materials and manufacturing methods of electronics

Societal changes such as demographic change, digitalisation and changing lifestyles are affecting people's health and we need to find new ways to promote health. At the University of Oulu, we generate new knowledge on health determinants, disease development and prevention. We combine technological and medical expertise to develop solutions that promote individual health and support new treatments.

Our research includes:

• birth cohorts and the long-term health and disease in the population of Northern Finland
• mechanisms of connective tissue scarring or fibrosis
• new digital technologies for different areas of healthcare
• oxygen deficiency in cells and tissues, the impact of oxygen deficiency on many common diseases, and the development of new drugs
• metabolomics and the causes of metabolic diseases
• protein structure and the relationship between protein structure and function