Keyword: New technologies and digitalisation

Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, have long studied the colour-changing properties of the natural mineral hackmanite upon exposure to UV radiation or X-rays. Now, the research group studied the reactions of synthetic hackmanite to nuclear radiation. The researchers discovered a one-of-a-kind and novel intelligent quality, gamma exposure memory, which allows the use of hackmanite as e.g. radiation detector.

The University of Turku and Wärtsilä Finland Oy have signed a strategic partnership agreement with the objective of advancing the diverse and sustained collaboration between the parties to strengthen sustainable well-being, competitiveness, and vitality through research, education, and societal interaction.

While investigating hackmanite, a natural wonder material, researchers found that it, in addition to two other minerals, can change their colour upon exposure to UV radiation repeatedly without wearing out. The results show that the inexpensive hackmanite, which is easy to synthesise, is also an excellent material because of its high durability and applicability for different purposes.

Researchers from the University of Turku are developing a new hackmanite-based dosimeter and passive detectors for the International Space Station, intended to be used to measure the radiation dose uptake of materials during space flights. The year-long research project is funded by the European Space Agency, ESA.

Decision-making by artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction. Staggering examples of AI development can be found around the world. In Finland, AI utilisation also an everyday practice in a vast number of companies and organisations. Researchers at the University of Turku are in the forefront of research on responsible AI and governance of AI.

The universities in Turku, in close collaboration with Turku Science Park, have launched a joint Aboa Tech Talks webinar series this autumn focusing on emerging technologies and sustainable development. Aboa Tech Talks aims to highlight advanced and innovative technological research and education carried in the universities that can offer sustainable solutions to the complex global challenges of our time. 

Foresail-1 is the first satellite from the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Research of Sustainable Space. The Centre of Excellence is studying space conditions with the aim of developing more sustainable small satellites that do not turn into space debris.

Maritime research at the University of Turku is enhanced when a new Sea4Value SMARTER project is kiecked of in March 2021. Sea for Value program (S4V) takes steps towards autonomous maritime transport.

A University of Turku led consortium has received two-year research funding from Business Finland to study and develop governance mechanisms for artificial intelligence (AI). The total budget of the industry-academia consortium is ca. 4.5 million euros.