What significance do new AI professorships hold?

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AI research is currently receiving both public and private investments. The Ministry of Education and Culture supports the establishment of the Finnish universities’ joint ELLIS Institute with 40 million euros. AI company Silo AI CEO Peter Sarlin’s Foundation PS donated 10 million euros for new professorships.

The Finnish ELLIS Institute operates as part of an international AI research network. The first group leader search is in progress. 25 professorships are open across thirteen universities, and some of these will be started with donation funds. The ELLIS Institute coordinates the recruitment process together with the universities.

ELLIS Institute Director, Aalto University Professor Samuel Kaski, what effect do these new professorships have? What kind of investment is this compared to the current situation?

The current status of AI research in Finland is strong, but in order to retain our position amidst fierce competition, we must invest quickly and in considerably larger amounts. The new professorships in thirteen universities are a major addition to the current resources and an exceptional investment on the Finnish scale. Alongside other investments, they will significantly increase our research capacity.

The operation of the ELLIS Institute and the professorship allow cutting-edge AI research and wider influence across different fields. This improves Finland’s competitiveness and visibility, which attracts international talents.

The growing number of experts, on the other hand, opens up new opportunities – AI research in academia and trailblazing applications in various fields, along with new initiatives at companies. The number of AI experts and those capable of top-level training will grow significantly. Next, Finland needs to capitalise on this expertise in a smart way.

What are the strengths of Finnish AI research?

Finland has a strong background in machine learning, such as probability-based machine learning using data effectively, interactive machine learning and multidisciplinary cooperation. We strive to improve these further. New focus points will also be created through the new professorships.

What fields will the professorships be in?

The universities will determine the fields based on their own research profiles and strategic focuses. In addition to methodological AI and machine learning research, professorships will be established to, for example, strengthen AI in business, law, materials science, chemical processes, IT, healthcare, creativity, energy systems, and space applications.

How are experts attracted to these positions?

The top priority is the quality and reputation of the current research and the research environment, along with top-level colleagues. Without those, recruitment attempts will not succeed. We have accomplished the quality and reputation through the previous, smaller ELLIS Unit and the Academy of Finland’s FCAI flagship, not to forget the LUMI supercomputer.

Being able to establish our own top-level research group is important, as are cooperation opportunities with other fields and businesses. The very functional Finnish society and excellent students certainly do not hurt, either.