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Active research and development are a key prerequisite for the success of the Vaisala Group. Vaisala's customers must be able to rely on the company's ability to develop premium class technology also in the future. Vaisala explores new development areas by utilizing its unique ability to innovate new technologies. Vaisala has R&D activities in all its business areas, and investments in the continuous development of new technologies are significant. In 2005, R&D expenses totaled EUR 19.8 million, which is 10.0 % of the Group's net sales.

Vaisala's R&D resources represent the best in the field. The activities are located in Helsinki, Finland, as well as in the United States in Tucson, Arizona, and Boulder, Colorado. Approximately 30% of Vaisala's personnel work in R&D.

Numerous ongoing research projects

One of the most significant research and development projects in 2005 was the weather radar, which is being developed in cooperation with leading international research institutions and partners. New technologies have been investigated thoroughly in the R&D process. For example, the radar's dual-polarization technology enables more precise information on the quantity and quality of precipitation. A prototype has been in research and test use in Kumpula, Helsinki, from the beginning of 2005. Read the stock exchange release.

Another important research project focuses on small scale weather phenomena, and is carried out in cooperation with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and other partners. The dense weather observation network called Helsinki Testbed is expected to produce data for research on small scale weather phenomena. Helsinki Testbed will help in the development and testing of new observation equipment, systems and methods. Read the Helsinki Testbed case.

An example of Vaisala's own development activity is the new road sensor, launched in October. What is unique about the new sensor, based on infrared optics and laser technology, is that it helps its users to determine the friction coefficient of the road, and therefore identify the prevailing driving conditions. The sensor was developed in cooperation with the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) and the Finnish Road Administration. Prior to its official sales launch, the sensor had been in trial use in Finland, UK, and the United States. Read the press release.

Active cooperation and partnerships with organizations in the field

In addition to its own research and development activities, Vaisala works in close cooperation with its customers, and the leading research institutes and universities in the field. The company actively networks with experts in areas that compliment its core know-how. Activities include partnerships with research institutes and universities, support of meteorological training programs, as well as sponsorships and internships for students.

Vaisala has actively participated in the COST actions since the 1970's. COST promotes European cooperation in the fields of science and technology, and supports multinational and cross-scientific research networks. Among others, Vaisala has participated in the COST 720 action, which focuses on remote sensing.

Universities are also part of Vaisala's partnership network. Vaisala has a long history of cooperation with the University of Oklahoma in the United States. One of the main focus areas is the development of an observation and forecasting system for small scale weather phenomena. In lightning detection, Vaisala works together with the University of Arizona in research and development.

In Finland, significant partners include the University of Helsinki, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Approximately 80 people from the Vaisala Helsinki head office participated in a hydrological-meteorological education program, developed together with the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Environmental Institute. An Aviation Weather course, developed together with the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Meteorological Institute, was attended by 52 Vaisala Helsinki personnel.

Support and scholarships for students

Vaisala supports meteorological studies and training programs, and grants scholarships and internships. For several years now, Vaisala has partly sponsored meteorology students selected by the American Meteorological Society. For example, university students have been sponsored at Oklahoma and Colorado universities in the United States. In Finland, Vaisala sponsors the final thesis of ten university students annually.

Vaisala is also sponsoring the global THORPEX program (The Observing-System Research and Predictability Experiment), which is carried out together with the WMO (World Meteorological Organization). Launched in 2003, THORPEX is a 10-year observing system research and predictability experiment. It aims to research and improve the effectiveness of both earth-based and space-based atmospheric observing systems. As part of the program, Vaisala supports four post-doctoral partnerships.