With new emerging technologies and materials, the field of power engineering is continuously

diversifying. Many things are changing – smart grids are becoming smarter, high voltage is getting higher,
energy demand is becoming more demanding. However, many things still remain the same – charge
carriers are still moving, electric fields are still stressing, and materials are still failing. As such, high
voltage engineering is still a fundamental aspect of power engineering. Nevertheless, it is no longer
sufficient to master a single field. With complex systems crossing disciplines and sciences, convergent
research collaboration is becoming ever more effective in teaming interdependent multidisciplinary and
diverse skills to address multifaceted challenges. However, how well suited is high voltage engineering for
such collaboration, in particular, when considering the immobility of highly specialized, bulky, and
expensive equipment? What existing obstacles inhibit effective collaboration? These issues will be
discussed from academic perspective – looking at the current role of universities in high voltage education,
research, and service.

Biography:

Joni V. Klüss was born in Espoo, Finland in 1982. He received his M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering
from the Helsinki University of Technology (Finland) in 2008 and Ph.D. degree in Power Systems and
High Voltage Engineering from Aalto University (Finland) in 2011. His research interests span the fields
of high voltage engineering ranging from gaseous insulation and dielectric breakdown to high voltage
measurement techniques and EMP research. He is currently an assistant professor at Mississippi State
University responsible for the high voltage research, testing, and service.