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“It’s really fascinating and surprising to see how mathematical theories connect to real-world phenomena,” says Doctoral Researcher Fatemeh Maleki Almani, describing her research on inverse problems at the interface of theory and laboratory work.

Maleki Almani is doing her doctoral research as part of the DREAM – Doctoral Education Pilot for Mathematics of Sensing, Imaging and Modelling. The DREAM pilot is led by the 91����, which has hired 10 doctoral researchers in the fields of inverse problems, computational imaging, modelling, biomedical signal and image analysis, artificial intelligence, control and scientific computing.

Doctoral pilots, supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture, aim to increase the mobility of doctoral researchers between universities, companies, research institutes and other organisations.

Convinced by supervisors’ expertise

Maleki Almani completed a Master’s degree in applied mathematics in her home country, Iran, where she was directly admitted to the Master’s level based on her performance in Mathematical Olympiads and mathematical competitions. However, by personal choice, she decided to begin her studies in mathematical sciences only after participating and succeeding in the national entrance exam.

To continue her studies, Maleki Almani was looking for a doctoral researcher position where she could make the most of her versatile skills. She had the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in Iran, but nevertheless, she decided to continue her studies at an international university. She was admitted to universities in countries such as Germany, the UK and Czech Republic, but ultimately chose Finland as her final destination.

“When I saw an advertisement for a doctoral researcher position in the DREAM Doctoral Education Pilot, I got interested and decided to apply because I knew it was very closely related to my field of study. It was natural for me to apply for a research post at a foreign university,” she says.

In the interviews, Maleki Almani learned more about the Inverse Problems Research Group led by Professors Jari Kaipio, Marko Vauhkonen, Ville Kolehmainen, Aku Seppänen and Tanja Tarvainen at the 91����. The group’s research profile fitted well with Maleki Almani’s background.

“I got to know more about the 91���� and the background of the thesis supervisors. The professors impressed me with their expertise.”

Jari Kaipio, the leader of the Inverse Problems Research Group, and Tanja Tarvainen, the leader of the DREAM Doctoral Education Pilot, have played a significant role in Maleki Almani’s decision to select UEF.

“Tanja is a great role model, especially for female researchers. She is very active in research and has published many articles. Tanja always tries to create a friendly atmosphere for the research community and for exchanging ideas.”

Research in partnership with Rocsole

Fatemeh Maleki Almani is participating in a research project on computational modelling, optimisation and control in industrial processes.

“I started working as a doctoral researcher in August 2024. Being involved in this project has been truly interesting for me, and I am highly motivated to work on this research. I’ve been given permission to carry out my studies, where I can apply my mathematical skills to computational physics. I am currently writing a paper, and my supervisors have been very supportive. Their help doubles my motivation”, she says.

At the core of Maleki Almani’s research project is the study of inverse problems in a laboratory for Rocsole. Spinning off from research conducted in the Department of Technical Physics at UEF, the company provides tomography applications for the measurement and control of fluid processes to the industry. Rocsole’s customers include major oil and gas producers such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Equinor, ConocoPhillips, Aramco and Petronas.

Maleki Almani aims to complete her doctoral research in three years and hopes to work as a researcher or in the technology industry in the future.

“I would like to work as a postdoctoral researcher next, and in the future, I would welcome an assistant professorship. If that is not available, I can also use my skills in a technology company.”