"Conference Guests' Expectations Must Always Be Surpassed" – Aalto University Professor Risto Ilmoniemi Awarded as Espoo Ambassador 2024

Professor Ilmoniemi is a highly respected expert in medical technology. His work focuses on measuring brain magnetic fields and magnetic stimulation.

“Our goal is to develop a kind of ‘brain massage’ for people suffering from depression, addiction, or chronic pain. Our method is based on strong, targeted magnetic fields that can safely and effectively activate neurons in specific brain areas,” explains Ilmoniemi.

Over the years, Ilmoniemi has played a significant role in organising numerous international scientific conferences and seminars in his field. Most recently, he was one of the key organisers of the 15th International Conference on Bioelectromagnetism (ICBEM 2024) held in Otaniemi, Espoo. He also served as the main organiser of the BrainSTIM conferences in 2020 and 2023. In January 2025, Ilmoniemi will host a three-day Finnish Japanese health technology seminar in Otaniemi.

Among the various events he has organised, Ilmoniemi considers the Science Factory Workshop/Summer School series, launched at his initiative in 2013, the most significant. This series, held ten times to date—often in Nuuksio, Espoo—introduced a novel seminar concept centred on active participation. The format includes small group discussions and presentations prepared collaboratively with leading international researchers.

Professor Ilmoniemi emphasises the value of international conferences in fostering personal connections and global networks, which often lead to future collaborations and research exchanges. He believes Finland and Espoo provide an excellent foundation for successful events.

“I believe we should always strive to exceed expectations, ensuring that every summer school, workshop, or conference guest leaves with the impression that the event they attended in Espoo or elsewhere in Finland was the best in its field to date—and the next one will be even better. Equally important is the attitude of the hosting team: genuine hospitality and a commitment to ensuring every guest feels cared for, even if they do not ask for help. In this, I think we have excelled,” Ilmoniemi says.

Professor Ilmoniemi is the 14th Espoo Ambassador. His appointment was announced on December 3, 2024, at the Espoo Ambassador event hosted by the City of Espoo, Aalto University, and Visit Espoo.

“This year's luncheon theme was enhancing the guest experience at events, and we fully share Professor Ilmoniemi's goal of continuously improving the experience of congress visitors. By doing so, we encourage them to return to Espoo for another conference or a family holiday,” comments Miikka Valo, Director, Conventions and Tourism at Visit Espoo.

The Espoo Ambassador program, a key part of Visit Espoo's congress marketing efforts, aims to highlight the value and impact of international scientific congresses and to support researchers and academics in organising these important events.