Viestintä, brändi ja markkinointi

An idyllic villa built in 1852 serves as the set for Strömsö, a popular tv-show by the Finnish Broadcasting Company, Yle. The villa is located in Västervik, about 10 kilometers from the center of Vaasa. On Wednesday 21st of August, we offer one hour guided tours at the villa. The tours will be held in Finnish.

Professional project management is crucial for the smooth and high-quality execution of project activities. Several highly experienced project managers ensure the operational project management within the EPS research group.

The project managers coordinate the preparation of project proposals, including budgeting, monitor project progress and cost implementation, ensure proper data management, and report to the financiers. They ensure effective communication and maintain business relations with consortium partners. The project managers also coordinate dissemination activities and enhance the visibility of project results by sharing updates through various channels, such as social media, project news, and media articles.

The projects are planned and executed in collaboration with Finnish and international universities, research institutions and companies. The main funding instruments for the projects include Business Finland, EU Horizon, EU Interreg Aurora and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 

Our Experimental research subgroup is dedicated to addressing the intricate challenges of experimental research in large-bore internal combustion engine development. We have established a suite of flexible experimental test benches, essential for our ambitious projects, equipped with cutting-edge measurement technology and integrated into a streamlined system for data acquisition and post-processing. Grounded in deep expertise in mathematics, physics, and signal analysis, our approach enables detailed insights into powertrain systems. This analytical rigour, combined with sophisticated design of experiments and model-in-the-loop simulations, allows us to refine our simulation models to the highest degree of accuracy. Additionally, our capabilities extend to full hardware-in-the-loop integration, crucial for testing and validating advanced powertrain control solutions, ensuring our team plays a pivotal role in advancing innovative powertrain technologies.

The engine industry finds itself in a position where the end of ever-increasing system complexity is far beyond the horizon. The advent of novel combustion technologies, hybrid powertrains, and re-thought engine paradigms poses the challenge of keeping it all together. This is exactly what the Control subgroup aims to do.

The Control subgroup strives to find efficient solutions for the contemporary challenges in the industry. We seek to effectively bring together the latest advancements in the EPS research group and employ the cutting-edge knowledge in Control theory to open new horizons in powertrain control. We strive to establish a bridge between academic research outcomes and industrial expertise through close collaboration with industrial partners. We acknowledge the industry’s dire need for methods to reduce the carbon and noise footprints of modern powertrains and offer creative solutions for their use.

Our current research engages in control methods for novel engine mechanics and combustion control. We are experts in utilising model-based and rapid prototyping control designs to pair our technical knowledge with practical implementation. Through implementing the solutions as proof-of-concept demonstrations and absorbing new findings in the fundamental front of energy systems, the Control subgroup creates a positive loop of evolution.

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A significant goal of the Simulation and modelling subgroup is the transformation of multi-fuel powertrains, particularly in the marine engine sector, aiming to address emissions challenges. The subgroup explores combustion modes for alternative fuels, develops a versatile base engine, and customises aftertreatment systems for new fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen. Simulation and modelling activities at the University of Vaasa are primarily conducted within the EPS research group.

Through collaborative efforts within our organisation and partnerships with industry leaders, we strive to drive innovation and contribute to the evolution of internal combustion engine technology. Together, these endeavours underscore the university's dedication to pioneering research, sustainability, and the exploration of alternative fuels and technologies.

The University of Vaasa is currently at the forefront of diverse and innovative research projects, showcasing a commitment to pioneering initiatives. One of the key ongoing projects is a comprehensive study focused on the development and validation of engines using hydrogen-ammonia carbon-neutral fuels. This research spans various aspects of internal combustion engines (ICE), from mapping requirements to thermal output modelling of alternative fuels such as H₂ and NH₃.

New fuels need to enable reliable engine operation, be compatible with the materials of the engine and the fuel system, and meet emission regulations. We conduct research in fuel properties to ensure that the future fuels will comply with the requirements, are safe to use and present environmentally sustainable solutions. Special focus lies on fuel blends in advanced combustion concepts. 

The University of Vaasa Fuel subgroup has experience in e.g. fuel regulations, fuel additive research and evaluation of alternative fuel options in different engine applications. Fuel research can easily be extended to full-scale engine experiments in our engine laboratories.  

For industrial partners we can offer solutions for fuel related issues from analysing single samples to conducting larger customer projects. 

We offer comprehensive problem solving by helping to find suitable analysis methods, consultation as well as education.    

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Commissioned thesis

Are you looking for new ideas to further develop the operations of your organisation? You can commission a student to write a thesis.

Increasingly more students want to write their thesis for a company. Students find the work meaningful when they have the opportunity to be involved in solving problems or development tasks in a real company and the knowledge they produce is put to concrete use. 

Through the collaboration, the employer gains access to the latest research information, valuable insights into their own operations and expertise for their organisation. A thesis can also bring new perspectives and solutions to the employer’s problems. Offering a thesis topic is a great way of networking with the talent of the future. 

What is a Master’s thesis?

A Master’s thesis and a Master’s thesis in engineering are theses that allow students to demonstrate proficiency in their academic field and to apply what they have learned in their Master’s degree studies to practical problems. In the field of engineering, the thesis written at the end of the degree is called ‘diplomityö’ in Finnish, and it covers a topic related to a professional field. In other fields, the Master’s thesis is called ‘pro gradu -tutkielma’ in Finnish. 

Theses are large-scale, independent projects that require students to commit to the work full-time for about six months.

What kind of topics can an employer commission a thesis on?

In cooperation with the business world, the thesis project usually proceeds in such a way that the company determines the topic of the thesis and the university determines the academic processing of the contents and the related guidance. 

Students at the University of Vaasa graduate as experts in the fields of business, technology, administrative sciences or communication. The thesis topics may be related to management, accounting and finance, marketing and communication as well as technology and innovation management.

The thesis requires students to commit to the work full-time for about six months. The topic should, therefore, be limited so that the work can be completed with this amount of time. 

The student must always obtain the thesis supervisor’s approval for the topic. This is to ensure that the topic is relevant to the student’s area of specialisation and that the student has access to sufficient up-to-date research information in the field to enable the research to be completed within the framework of the thesis. 

You can browse the Master’s theses written at the University of Vaasa in the publication archive Osuva.  

What should be included in the commissioning agreement?

Once a thesis author has been found, it is important to agree on the details of the thesis. The commissioning agreement should include, for example, the following:

• The objectives and scope of the thesis
• The timetable and amount of work required to complete the thesis
• Guidance for the thesis and contact with the supervisor
• Remuneration for the thesis
• Possible confidential materials
• Possible commercial use of the thesis results

How should the student be remunerated for the thesis?

We recommend that the thesis be carried out in an employment relationship. In this case, the student and commissioner sign an employment contract which includes the conditions related to the completion of the thesis in addition to the usual conditions of employment. The thesis author may also be paid a grant, expenses compensation or a taxable fee for the thesis.

Publicity of the thesis and confidential background material

Theses are principally public documents which are accessible to all interested parties. This is to ensure an objective and fair evaluation of the theses.  

However, public theses will not include any trade or professional secrets of the commissioner, but these will be left in the confidential background material. If a thesis addresses confidential information, its use will be agreed in advance between the commissioner and the thesis supervisor. 

You can contact us at

opinnaytetyot@uwasa.fi