Renat Vafin - Audio-Video Researcher

Skype Name: renatskype

While working for PhD degree in Sweden, I always knew that I want to return to Estonia upon my graduation. And I always had a concern that my expertise and skills in research in signal processing, signal compression, and speech & audio will not find much use in Estonia. Most serious job options were university and/or starting something on my own. I had quite a few job offers from European companies and universities, but really wanted to return home, mainly for family reasons. And Skype added another (I would say, ‘the’ other) reason to return. I have a very interesting job, with great challenges, where my interests, expertise, and skills fit perfectly.

Skype is always on the edge, all the time coming up with new ideas and solutions. It is really cool to see how giants like Microsoft and Google try to trace Skype’s footsteps. ‘Know what others are doing, but don’t be bothered by this, just focus on your own targets and ideas’ – I like the Skype approach!

When visiting Stockholm a few weeks ago, I went to the student dorm where I used to live for 6 years. It was very nice to meet old corridor friends as well as the new people. One new girl approached me and said ‘I have to tell you that I’m in love with…’ I thought at this moment: ‘Come on, you just met me, it’s not possible‘. She continued ‘I’m in love with Skype!’. Well, not what I had expected, but still nice:)