Top research

The research at the department combines theory with interaction with the application fields in a well-balanced whole. Both the department and Basic Research Unit in the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology were awarded the highest grade in the research review carried out in 2005. Algodan (Algorithmic Data Analysis) is a national Finnish Academy centre of excellence 2008-2013.

In research, the following key areas will be emphasized in the 2010-12 period:
 
- Data analysis. Method development and applications in modern data analysis: machine learning, data mining, information-theoretic modelling. The research into this topic has long traditions, and the research at the department is a world leader in this area.
 
- Networking and services. Research into networked systems and their premises: middleware (including service and application platforms, management of middleware, trust, and safety), mobility (independence of technology and location, wireless communications), information networks, service networks, context-awareness and ubiquitous computing. This area combines the department's traditional research into wireless and mobile computing with new emerging research themes such as middleware and ubiquitous computing. The focus of the research is moving from protocols towards the problems of the application level and their solutions.
 
-Software research. The research into this area will grow considerably during the next three-year period, both in applied and basic research. The focus of software research is on the global development and processes of software, systems of open source code and web technologies and their utilisation, parallel programming, sustainable software technologies and their applicability. During the strategy period, we will strive for world-class skills and networking in each key area.
 
It is possible that pioneering key areas will be considered during the strategy period. We have, among other opportunities, two vacant professorships that we can direct into new focal areas.

Created date

05.02.2010 - 11:47

Cold Aisle Containment in our server room

On Thursday 10 March 2011, we installed a so-called Cold Aisle Containment in the server room shared by the Department of Computer Science and HIIT. This is a rustic contraption made from transparent PE plastic, air-conditioning tubes, and a great deal of duct tape. It cuts back on the need to cool the server room very efficiently, as the air-tight plastic stops the intake and exhaust air from the servers from mixing.

HIIT study: Servers run well around zero degrees

Lots of energy can be saved by using outside air directly for cooling in data centers in the north. In a study by researchers of Helsinki Institute for Information Technology HIIT and the University of Helsinki, computers functioned correctly over extended periods of time when run in harsh winter temperatures. Commercial, off-the-shelf computers ran well even when the outside temperature was -22C (-8F).

Master's degree studies in computer science popular among international applicants

Master's degree programmes in computer science at the University of Helsinki were very popular among international applicants in spring 2010. This academic year the department of computer science at the University of Helsinki decided to offer two of its Master's degree sub-programmes, namely the programme on Algorithms and Machine Learning and the programme on Networking and Services, completely in English from the beginning of Autumn term 2010.

Esko Ukkonen’s birthday coffee

The head of the department, Esko Ukkonen, celebrated his 60th birthday. The celebration was held in Exactum at the end of January. The party was attended by employees of the Department of Computer Science and invited guests. The programme included both congratulatory speeches and songs, with a quartet from Wiipurilaisen Osakunnan Laulajat (the Viipuri students’ association singers) singing a song for a former active member. Esko was inspector in Kymenlaakson Osakunta (the Kymenlaakso students’ association) for over ten years.