Professor Vesa Nykänen - A Pioneer in Geoinformatics and Mineral Exploration
2023 the 12th Nordic Exploration Award honors Dr Vesa Nykänen.
Professor Vesa Nykänen stands at the intersection of geoinformatics and mineral exploration. He has been spearheading innovative approaches in mineral exploration through the lens of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), fuzzy logic and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in geosciences.
His works and research have led to the development of spatial data analysis as a tool for the mineral prospectivity of Finland, which the exploration and mining industry has widely used to revolutionise exploration technologies, making them faster, more cost-effective, environmentally safer, and more socially accepted.
Vesa Nykänen emphasises the role of AI in algorithm-driven methods to analyse vast data sets, especially when dealing with complex mineral exploration data. According to Vesa, the machine learning subset of AI not only makes mineral prospectivity mapping more cost-effective but also brings to light unforeseen correlations that might elude human analysis. The ultimate goal is to develop sophisticated decision-making models for mineral exploration with a specific focus on sustainability. The models identify several permissive and high-potential areas by defining the best target areas inside a large exploration area.
Vesa Nykänen continues to push the boundaries of geoinformatics, blending digital measurement, AI, and 3D modelling to develop the understanding the mineral prospectivity of the Fennoscandian Shield for the benefit of the northern regions and its people.
Vesa Nykänen graduated and obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Oulu in 2008. He has been at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) since 1998. He is currently a Research Professor of geoinformatics, specialising in spatial data analysis and geological modelling with emphasis on mineral exploration. During his career at GTK, he has worked as Chief Scientist, Chief Geologist and Division Manager. As a Research Professor, he focuses on further utilisation of GIS in geoscience applications. His project portfolio includes both national and European-level project funding. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki.
The Nordic Exploration Award was founded by Magnus Ericsson in 2006 and honours outstanding achievement, accomplishment and service to the Nordic exploration community.
Award committee: Daniel Larsson Timo Lindborg Jan Sverre Sandstad Henrik Stendal
For further information, contact Magnus Ericsson +46 70 558 0065