Trainee summer at CSC: On the front line of AI transformation

Joseph first encountered CSC while working on his master’s thesis at LUT University in Lappeenranta, Finland.

“My thesis work required high-performance computing, and my professor suggested I explore CSC platforms. That’s how I started using CSC’s Puhti supercomputer,” he says.

When Joseph saw open summer trainee positions at CSC, applying felt natural as he was already familiar with supercomputers. In April 2025, he joined CSC as an AI Support & Training Trainee in the newly launched LUMI AI Factory. The goal of LUMI AI Factory is to accelerate AI innovation across Europe, and the services are free of charge for startups, SMEs, and researchers.

Joseph’s trainee summer focused on answering researchers’ and startups’ questions about LUMI AI Factory, and supporting them to get access and started with their projects. 

“Since the LUMI AI Factory was just starting, there was a lot of interest in it. Some of my time was also put to learning more about HPC environments, AI workflows and the new LUMI AI Factory services,” he says.

Trust and responsibility for trainees

A highlight of Joseph’s trainee period was a data analytics project in collaboration with CEMIS (Centre for Measurement and Information Systems). Together with CSC teammate Emma Hintsala, Joseph analyzed data from athletes training at high altitudes.

“We wanted to understand acclimatization: how long does it take for athletes to adapt to high altitudes? During the project, I learned a lot about managing sensitive data with HPC,” Joseph explains.

What stood out was the trust given to trainees. The project was completed successfully and received positive feedback.

“We were given ownership, and we got to make the decisions. That really brings out the best in someone. You might not get that trust as a trainee in all companies.”

Working at the LUMI AI Factory, surrounded by incredible talent, feels like being on the front line of AI transformation – right at the epicenter of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

Joseph Mugumya, CSC

Learning in a multidisciplinary work environment

When joining CSC, Joseph wondered how he would fit in.

“There were so many skilled colleagues! But everyone was really welcoming. The diversity of backgrounds was mind-blowing: physics, chemistry, computer science, history and linguistics… There’s all the backgrounds you can think of.”

At CSC, there’s a lot of learning opportunities, which is important for Joseph.

“Every day you hear about something new, and each project is different. You have a voice in your team, and there’s a guarantee you’ll always learn something new.”

The Summer Xperience program for CSC trainees helped Joseph get to know other trainees and learn more about CSC’s different units.

“It opened my eyes to how big CSC is and what other trainees are working on,” Joseph says.

LUMI AI Factory at the epicenter of cutting-edge technologies

Before his traineeship ended, Joseph landed a role at CSC. As Junior Machine Learning Specialist, he supports and trains researchers and startups to get started with LUMI AI Factory services.

He also coordinates efforts to expand LUMI AI Factory’s data catalogs to provide excellent data for AI development and innovation.

“We live in an era defined by AI and data-driven innovation. Working at the LUMI AI Factory, surrounded by incredible talent, feels like being on the front line of this transformation – right at the epicenter of cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Wherever technology is heading, LUMI AI Factory will be there. So, hop on!”

Photo: Mikael Kanerva / CSC