Reflections on immersive experiences and Metaverse, Pirjo Yli-Maunula, Risto Jurva & Mika Rantakokko

Pirjo Yli-Maunula

Pirjo Yli-Maunula is an Oulu-based dancer whose career has spanned 40 years. A woman of many talents, Yli-Maunula continues to work as a dancer, choreographer, curator and artistic director.

Defined by colleagues as “a charismatic performer” and “an arresting presence on stage”, Yli-Maunula is not afraid to put herself on the line in her work. Yli-Maunulawill throw herself completely at any given production while maintaining a characteristic precision and clarity of movement. Her work is defined by sensuality and attention to detail. Yli-Maunula strives to create complete, meticulous works of art which nevertheless build upon improvisation and spur-of-the-moment insight. The touchstones of her work are rapture, passion, determination and persistence.

Risto Jurva

Risto Jurva received his M.SC (Tech) degree from University of Oulu, Finland, in 1993. He has 25 years of experience with radio networks covering all the main technologies from 2G to 5G.

He started his career at Nokia and has worked globally for vendors, operators, integrators and in consultation and research. During his career he has gained wide experience from field engineering to management and business development responsibilities.

Currently Mr. Jurva is working as Researcher and Project Manager at Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC), University of Oulu, in Finland. He is focused on research of 5G and IoT technology and service concepts. His specific interest is 5G indoor networks such as micro operator based wireless network solutions to business verticals covering various smart environment themes.

Mika Rantakokko

In the position of ecosystem coordinator, Mika works to promote 6G Flagship collaboration activities. Related to this, Mika coordinates two partnerships; European Wireless ICT Smart Specialisation Platform and Oulu Innovation Alliance Future information networks programme.

Mika has a broad experience and expertise in innovation, digitalization, smart cities, regional development, international collaboration, and entrepreneurship. He has acquired his expertise from positions in public and private sectors, including i.a. European Commission, Nordic Innovation Center, Center for Internet Excellence, the network of Finland’s six biggest cities, and various international collaboration projects. Before joining the 6G Flagship, Mika was the EU Urban Agenda Digital Transition Partnership coordinator.

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