Women bring unique perspectives, experiences and skills. These are essential to developing technologies that are fair, accessible, and meet the needs of a diverse global population. As we celebrate Women's Day, it is essential to recognize the contributions of women like Mariela Sarestoniemi. Her research in her 6G-Enabled Sustainable Societies (6GESS) research program at the University of Oulu demonstrates that women have a significant impact on the technological landscape.
“I don't consciously try to represent a female perspective in my day-to-day work, but because I'm a woman, it happens quietly. Throughout my career, I've received tremendous encouragement and support. This has allowed us to push the boundaries of what is technically possible. We have encouraged more women to become interested in technical fields and explored diverse perspectives, including women's perspectives, which are particularly important to healthcare. It’s important to reflect this in our work,” Mariela Sarestoniemi recalls.
Promoting greater diversity in technology, and in particular attracting more women into the field, is not only a social justice issue, but also a strategic imperative for innovation. Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more creative, solve problems faster, and are better able to identify and enter new markets.
Advances in healthcare with 6G technology
Särestöniemi's pioneering work on wireless, energy-efficient diagnostic and monitoring solutions is a great example of how women in technology are leading the way towards innovative and inclusive healthcare technologies. Her focus on developing non-invasive diagnostic tools, such as self-monitoring vests for breast cancer detection, shows the potential of technology to make healthcare more accessible and less difficult for patients. This is especially important for reaching people who may avoid traditional screening methods due to fear, pain, or logistical barriers.
Särestöniemi's research uses radio channel analysis to detect abnormalities in the body. He will present cutting-edge applications of his 6G technology in medical diagnostics and provide a glimpse into a future where healthcare will become more personalized, efficient, and widely available.
Through the 6G-Enabled Sustainable Societies (6GESS) program, Sarestoniemi's research is advancing 6G technological capabilities. It also shows how diversity in technological development can lead to solutions that are more democratic, efficient, and tailored to broader societal needs.
On this Women's Day, Sallestoniemi's work will highlight the need for more people in the technology field to achieve gender equality and ensure the future of technology innovation is as diverse as the world it seeks to serve. It reminds us of the important need to support and celebrate the participation of many women.
