News

Summer School Teacher Interview: ‘The future will be shaped by AI and ML in ways we can only begin to imagine’

Dariush Salami is teaching the brand new summer course Intro to AI and Machine Learning (ML) by Aalto University Summer School this July and hopes that students will leave the course with a sense of excitement and curiosity about the potential of AI and ML – and a clear understanding of how they can contribute to the field.
A man in a white sweater and dark trousers stands with arms crossed in front of a park area with brick buildings and trees.

Dariush Salami is currently working as a Radio Research Scientist at Nokia Bell Labs and a Post-Doctoral researcher at Aalto University, specialising in AI/ML for WiFi networks, 5G, and 6G. He received his PhD from Aalto University focusing on AI/ML for Wireless Communication and Sensing. Additionally, he has given lectures at the Machine Learning D course at Aalto University, the largest AI/ML course in Finland with nearly 1000 students.

Dariush, what inspired you to design this summer course on AI and machine learning, and what do you hope students will take away from it?

The inspiration for designing this summer course on AI and machine learning comes from my passion for these transformative technologies and my desire to make them accessible to a broader audience. I believe that understanding AI and ML is crucial for navigating the technological advancements of our time and future.

My hope is that students will not only gain a solid foundation in AI and ML concepts but also develop the confidence to apply these techniques in real-world scenarios.

How does this course make complex topics like AI and machine learning accessible and engaging for students with different levels of experience?

This course is designed to be inclusive and engaging for students with varying levels of experience. We achieve this by starting with fundamental concepts and gradually building up to more complex topics in an intuitive way. Interactive lectures, real-world examples, and practical exercises are integral parts of the curriculum. We also incorporate a variety of teaching methods, including hands-on projects and group discussions, to ensure that students can relate the theoretical knowledge to practical applications. This multi-faceted approach helps explain complex topics and makes learning more engaging.

Can you share an example of a hands-on project students will work on during the course? What skills will they develop through this project?

One of the hands-on projects that students will work on involves fine-tuning a Large Language Model (LLM) for a specific task, such as sentiment analysis or text summarization. 

Through this project, students will develop skills in natural language processing, data preparation, model fine-tuning, and performance evaluation. They will also gain practical experience in using state-of-the-art AI tools and frameworks, which will be invaluable for their future endeavours in AI and ML. 

Why is now an exciting time to study AI and machine learning, and how do you see these technologies shaping the future?

Now is an incredibly exciting time to study AI and machine learning because these technologies are at the forefront of innovation across numerous industries. From healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment, AI and ML are driving significant advancements and opening up new possibilities. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly critical role in solving complex problems, improving efficiencies, and enhancing our daily lives. 

The future will be shaped by AI and ML in ways we can only begin to imagine, and being knowledgeable in these fields will allow individuals to be active contributors to this technological revolution.

What advice would you give to students who are new to AI and machine learning but are eager to explore these fields?

For students new to AI and machine learning, my advice is to start with the basics and build a strong foundation. Don't be intimidated by the complexity of the field; instead, approach it with curiosity and an open mind. Take advantage of the wealth of resources available online, such as tutorials, courses, and forums. Practice is key, so work on small projects and gradually take on more challenging ones. Collaborate with peers, seek mentorship, and don't hesitate to ask questions. 

Most importantly, stay persistent and enjoy the learning journey. The field of AI and ML is vast and constantly evolving, and there are endless opportunities for those who are passionate and dedicated.

Artistic impression of quantum-limited heat conduction of photons over macroscopic distances. Credit: Heikka Valja.

Introduction to AI and Machine Learning

Explore the future of technology! In this two-week intensive course, participants will dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with a special focus on Large Language Models (LLMs).

Aalto University Summer School
Person lying on grass wearing a yellow shirt with white text and a black-and-white checkered jacket.

Aalto University Summer School

Everything you need to know about Summer School! Make this summer unforgettable and experience the best of Aalto University and Finland under the Nordic summer sun.

Aalto University Summer School
  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Forests Wood and Carbon online course is available for all Aalto, Fitech and Unite! students.
Studies Published:

Online course "Forests, wood and carbon" is now available in Unite! student catalogue

Our online course is now open to students enrolled at universities in the Unite! alliance. Designed for independent learning, the course delivers flexible, fully online learning with interactive sessions and practical assignments. Eligible students from any Unite! partner university are welcome to join. The course is suitable for any level.
Project team for PwC Finland
Cooperation, Studies Published:

Students analysed AI capabilities in modern finance systems for PwC Finland

The aim was to provide PwC Finland with structured insights to better advise and support its clients in developing AI strategies within finance operations
Sami Lauronen, Axel Hedman, Eero Virmavirta, Olli Latvakoski, Elina Heikkila.jpg
Awards and Recognition Published:

Awards presented for top doctoral and master’s theses at the School of Science

In 2025, there were altogether 71 doctoral and 607 master's degrees in the School of Science. In March, seven outstanding doctoral and six master's theses were awarded.
Four students sit on red and yellow chairs talking outside a modern glass and brick campus building in sunlight.
Studies Published:

Strong interest in Aalto University’s bachelor’s programmes continues

A total of 15,184 applicants applied to Aalto University’s Finnish- and Swedish-language bachelor’s programmes in technology, business and arts. The number of applicants continued to grow compared to last year.