Professor Aki Nakao shaking hands with University of Oulu Rector Jouko Niinimäki

Professor Akihiro Nakao Appointed First Guest Professor at the University of Oulu

Professor Aki Nakao has been appointed as the first guest professor at the University of Oulu and its Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE). This significant appointment was formalised by Rector Jouko Niinimäki and Vice-Rector for Cooperation Affairs Arto Maaninen.

“I’m very honoured to join the University of Oulu as its first guest professor. What has impressed me particularly is the unique collaboration between industry, academia, and government in Finland. I’m very pleased to become a part of this.” stated Professor Nakao.

“Professor Nakao’s extensive expertise in next-generation cyberinfrastructure enriches our ongoing research initiatives,” commented Rector Jouko Niinimäki. “We are eager to see the productive outcomes of this partnership, which will extend over several years.”

Professor Aki Nakao, a distinguished faculty member at the University of Tokyo, will contribute his expansive background in computer science to the University of Oulu. His research interests include next-generation cyberinfrastructure—a key focus for the University of Oulu and the 6G Flagship programme.

The appointment of Professor Nakao builds upon the well-established Finnish-Japanese partnership in 6G research and development. It adds another layer to ongoing collaborations, such as the 6GBridge Local6G project, funded by Business Finland, and a corresponding project to be realised in Japan.

Vice-Rector Arto Maaninen emphasised the strategic significance of the appointment: “This guest professorship strengthens our ongoing academic and research collaborations, particularly with leading institutions in Japan.”

This appointment follows on the heels of Professor Matti Latva-aho’s role as a Global Fellow at the Graduate School of Engineering of the University of Tokyo, a position he has held since November 2021. Both Professor Nakao and Professor Latva-aho are committed to utilising the strengths of their respective institutions to advance 6G research.

The University of Oulu anticipates that this collaboration will contribute positively to advancements in the field of 6G technology.