Josef’s path to becoming a researcher did not begin with his university studies – the orientation was already visible earlier. During his secondary school studies, he was in mathematics-focused classes, and in his spare time one of his hobbies was programming – a skill that has been immensely useful in his career as a researcher.
‘At the upper secondary school stage at the latest, it became very clear to me that I would also like to study physics some more,’ says Josef.
Studies in Aalto University’s degree programme in engineering physics and mathematics was therefore a natural choice. At the end of his studies, Josef got to work on his master’s thesis at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute.
Josef is currently working as a senior researcher scientist at the Department of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry, where he studies machine vision methods, among other subjects. At the same time, he is engaged in postgraduate studies at the Department of Computer Science of the Aalto University’s School of Science.
Machine vision can be used in the development of autonomous vehicles and in observing changes in the environment, for example. In research projects, Josef develops new types of technology, such as laser scanners that are significantly more accurate than earlier devices. Laser scanning produces three-dimensional models of the environment using laser light. The models are used in topographic mapping, forestry and urban planning, among other things.
According to Josef, the most important personal traits for working as a researcher are determination and the ability to admit one’s mistakes. Good general knowledge and argumentation skills are also useful.
‘Conducting research is slow, and it requires a huge amount of work to advance from an initial idea to the final goal. You must be able to maintain a clear vision and, at the same time, be prepared to correct the research setting if it turns out that your assumptions have been incorrect.’
For Josef, the best thing about the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute are his colleagues. A good workplace atmosphere and a culture of open discussion support the work of a researcher: when the colleagues come from a variety of backgrounds and openly present differing opinions, there is also a great opportunity to develop one’s own thinking.
