The new professor of practice helps statistics students get started in the world of work

The aim of Antti Liski, a new professor of practice in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Jyväskylä, is to strengthen partnerships with the world of work for both the Faculty of Mathematics and Science and the Department of Mathematics and Science.

"Antti's expertise lies in supporting teaching, guidance, research and corporate cooperation networks in the field of statistics and data science," says Professor of Statistics Juha Karvanen from the University of Jyväskylä. "It is great that we now have someone who can bring new perspectives and enthusiasm to the development of cooperation within the department."

Making companies more visible to students

The key tasks of the professor of practice include participating in the planning and development of the master's degree programme in technology for statistics and data science, creating networks with companies and research institutes, and developing processes for final thesis collaboration.

"My aim is to introduce the perspective of world of work to students and provide companies with practical ways to collaborate with the university," says Professor of Practice Antti Liski.

The master's degree programme aims to establish clear structures for collaboration with companies and organisations, making it easier for them to offer students traineeships and thesis projects, deliver guest lectures at the department, and arrange company visits. This would also intensify research cooperation with companies and organisations.

"When students are given an accurate and comprehensive picture of opportunities in the world of work as early as possible, they can make more informed choices and develop their expertise systematically," says Liski. "This will benefit both students and their future employers."

For companies, this type of cooperation offers a positive employer image, access to potential talent, and the chance to use the latest information in the field.

"In my networks, I have noticed that companies want to recruit the best employees as early as possible," says Liski. "Early interaction builds trust and commitment, and at its best leads to students choosing this company for their first job."

Extensive experience in statistics and data science

Antti Liski has extensive experience in the field of statistics and data science. He studied statistic, completing his master's degree at Tampere University. He then went on to complete his doctoral studies at Tampere University of Technology. His work experience spans several different fields, including the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Statistics Finland and AI consulting companies. Now he works at Elisa, where he leads a team that develops new AI- and machine learning-based extensions and solutions for industrial software.

"It has been a privilege to get to know the field from many perspectives and learn so much along the way. Now I can share all my experience and professional networks with others."

The rapid development of the field is inspiring

Technologies such as digitalisation, robotisation, artificial intelligence and automatisation are continuously shaping the field, and the pace of development has accelerated in recent years.

"During my career, I have witnessed the rapid development of the field, and it is impossible to know what the future will bring. This field is changing the world, our daily lives and society. Consequently, experts specialising in different areas are in increasingly high demand as the use of data expands and the need for expertise grows rapidly."

Aiming to foster successful cooperation with companies

Although the professorship of practice is based in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Liski is available to the entire faculty, and, when necessary, the whole university. The aim is to promote cooperation with the world of work and share expertise extensively across disciplinary boundaries.

"Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss and develop ideas for collaboration with the world of work, whether that be student connections, increased visibility, or concrete forms of collaboration," says Liski. "I believe that together we can build effective long-term solutions."

A person with significant professional experience in senior management positions outside of higher education may be appointed as a professor of practice, provided their expertise is particularly beneficial to the university's teaching and research activities. At the University of Jyväskylä, professors of practice must also undergo a qualification assessment process.