Researchers of the Month

Researcher of the month is Kirsi Leppänen

Kirsi Leppänen is currently working at Prof. Ritva Serimaa's research group at University of Helsinki. She is a researcher in re-engineering paper (REP) project, which belongs to the research program EffTech (Intelligent, resource efficient production technologies) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2007, Kirsi graduated from University of Helsinki. Her main subject was physics and the topic of her master thesis was the structural and magnetic properties of cobalt nano particles. Now, she is a researcher at University of Helsinki. She is also a student at National Graduate School in Materials Physics (NGSMP).

Re-engineering paper project focus is on development of new resource efficient nano material based paper production technologies. Renewal of the papermaking paradigm involves many elements starting from evolved raw material base, mapping the novel structure space through realistic modeling and simulation of nanoscale elements and designing the correspondent novel unit operations and processes.

The goal of Kirsi’s research is to measure nano cellulose 3D structure. Currently research is focused on X-ray scattering, X-ray tomography and electron microscopy. The idea is to give results to modelling team and double-check simulation results.

Kirsi concentrates on characterizing the nano cellulose. Her research focus is on structure of paper and gel samples which are made of nano cellulose. The structure and properties of nano cellulose are different than those of pulp fibres. This gives a lot of different options to final use of nano cellulose. For example, nano cellulose can replace plastic and be used to print electronics to paper.

The best thing in working with other research partners is the ability to get excellent and wider research insight into her research work. The benefits for Kirsi to work in this kind of EffTech program is networking and co-operation between research groups.

When not working, Kirsi spends time, for example, jogging, playing floor ball and reading books.

Researcher of the month is Samuli Siltanen

Samuli Siltanen is currently in the Inverse problems research group at University of Helsinki. He is a researcher in the modeling and measurements/ QVision theme, which belongs to the research program EffTech (Intelligent, resource-efficient production technologies) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 1999, Samuli got his PhD from Helsinki University of Technology.

QVision project focuses on image-based measurement methods for quality in pulping and papermaking. This project develops methods such that the functional properties of fiber-based products can be developed, and also managed in production, at a radically improved degree of specificity and scope. The methods are a necessity in the development and production of new high added-value products.

The goal of Samuli's research is to develop inversion methods with the help of fiber product X-ray pictures can sort out product's functional features. The main goal is to calculate from X-ray pictures important information such as weightiness, firmness and fiber orientation for manufacturer. The aim is to move from offline pictures to online pictures and produce real time quality information.

The successfully developed method can be transferred to other purpose of use because of universal applicability of mathematics.

The benefit from this type of research is faster and more accurate quality control. This type of research method is also cost efficient and environmental friendly.

The best thing working at such a large project is to get to know all other experts in this research area. The benefits for Samuli to work in this kind of EffTech program are networking and co-operation.

When not working, Samuli spends time, for example, photographing spiders and training with kettlebells.

Researcher of the month is Kari Väätäinen

Kari Väätäinen is currently working at Antti Asikainen's forest technology research group at Metla. He is a researcher in Less is more project, which belongs to the research program EffTech (Intelligent, resource-efficient production technologies) of the Forestcluster Ltd.

In 2000, Kari graduated from University of Eastern Finland. His main subject was forest technology. Now, he is researcher at Metla in Joensuu.

Less is more project focuses intelligent and quality-oriented wood procurement under narrow circumstances. Less is more develops and tests

New energy and cost effective ICT-methods supporting wood supply
Technology for peatland harvesting and bearing capacity classification utilizing terramechanics
Possibilities of intelligent and communicating forest machines for harvesting on sensitive sites
Methods for wood quality control in the wood procurement chain

Kari concentrates on finding efficient timber harvesting methods by using wood harvesting simulation model as a study method. The aim of this research is to find cost efficient harvesting solutions for different type of logging conditions in areas, where the amount of soft lands is substantial. Simulation has proved to be a good research method for studying wood harvesting operations, and it allows to utilize study resources efficiently. He is utilizing precise logging condition data (for example the size and structure of growing stock, the length of transport distance etc.), productivity functions and failure time distributions of forest machines in the simulations to find out best logging methods.

One important dimension of the study is carrying capacity of peat land. Some stands marked for cutting are accessible the year round and some only during winter time. Accessibility of stands will improve once forest machines are equipped with band tracks for soft soils and extra tires. This simulation model is designed to clarify cost efficient logging methods and to help decision making. Final results (Metla Working Paper) from this research will be available at the end of this year.

The best thing in working at such a large project is get know all other experts in this research area. The benefits for Kari to work in this kind of EffTech program is co-operation and interaction with the industry experts.

When not working, Kari spends time, for example, participating adventure games and exercising different sports.

Researcher of the month is Johanna Ylisaari

Johanna Ylisaari is currently in Measurement Information research group at Tampere University of Technology, lead by Risto Ritala. She is a researcher in the modeling and measurements/ QVision theme, which belongs to the research program EffTech (Intelligent, resource-efficient production technologies) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2007, Johanna graduated from Tampere University of Technology in Automation Technology degree program.

QVision project focuses on image-based quality measurement methods in pulping and papermaking. The optical transmittance of the paper web can be imaged web-wide continuously. The goal of Johanna's research is to develop methods of using the web-wide transmittance image for better diagnostics and control. The web-wide transmittance image provides an excellent possibility for analyses of web variations in scales between those observable by scanning measurements and those analyzed by sample images or in laboratory.

Current image data is from the fault detection system that has 18 cameras. The images are combined to get one web-wide image for 120 seconds, i.e. over several kilometers in machine direction. Johanna concentrates on developing 2D analysis methods for web variations and estimation methods combining transmittance with the scanner measurements. Currently the data is offline but the goal is that in future the analyses can be done online.

The best thing working at such a large project is to get to know all other experts in this research area. The benefits for Johanna to work in this kind of EffTech program are networking and co-operation.

When not working, Johanna spends time, for example, doing tai chi and fishing in the summer cottage.

Researcher of the month is Minna Halme

Minna Halme is currently heading the Corporate Responsibility research group at Aalto School of Economics. One of the research areas of the Aalto University CR Group is innovation toward sustainability. Among the most exciting current field of innovation with a major sustainability promise are product and service innovations for the poor market segments in emerging countries. Study on these innovations and needs of low-income consumers are central part of the project that Minna’s group is conducting in RAMI project, which belongs to the research program FoCus (Customer solutions for the future) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 1997, Minna completed the first Doctoral Thesis on corporate environmental management in Finland, which the University of Tampere awarded as the best doctoral dissertation of the year. In her dissertation, Minna studied change of environmental management paradigms within the forest industry. Now, she is professor of Corporate Responsibility at Aalto School of Economics.

Base of Pyramid (BOP) approach focuses on innovations for the less fortunate. Instead of taking a traditional consumer or producer perspective, the BOP model creates innovations and profitable business by engaging the world’s low-income people as innovators and collaboration partners.

The aim of Minna’s research group in RAMI is to investigate consumer practices in BOP areas (disposable income less than 5€ per day). This is new type of approach to those markets. Earlier the focus has been on wealthy people in those markets. Practices are observed in four countries 1) India, 2) Russia, 3) Tanzania and 4) Brazil. Qualitative research methods such interviewing, photographing and observation are applied. The researchers observe and try to understand how the focal low-income people live their normal lives and how they use products.

The idea of BOP innovation is not to create cheap product versions from those of the developed markets, but rather design user-based innovations that fit with local needs. Innovating at and for the BOP-markets not only calls for companies to involve local consumers and business sector collaborators, but also civic organizations play an important role in helping to design and facilitate access of products of to BOP markets.

Minna believes that the Finnish forest industry has a huge potential for innovating new solutions to BOP markets. Being interested in combining high quality academic research and social impact of research, Minna enjoys working in the BOP-Rami project. She hopes that the findings will offer new ideas which not only create new business for the forest industry but also offer solution to certain poverty-related ills that many suffer of. As wood is a renewable resource, it may offer solutions that are also ecologically sustainable.

When not working, Minna likes, for example, growing tomatoes, gardening, yoga and ballroom dancing.

Researcher of the month is Michael Hummel

Michael Hummel is currently working in Herbert Sixta's Chemical Pulping and Wood Refinery team at Aalto University School of Science and Technology as a post doc researcher. He is part of the Ionic Liquid Aided Fractionation and the Cellulose Regeneration project, which both belong to the research program FuBio (Future Biorefinery) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2009, Michael completed his Doctoral Thesis at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. He was focusing on new synthetic pathways to heterocycles, particularly ionic liquids.

The Ionic Liquid Aided Fractionation project is developing new solvents to dissolve ligno-cellulosic materials selectively. Consequently, it’s the goal of the Cellulose Regeneration team to turn these solutions into fibers and films with enhanced properties. Therefore, it’s necessary to control the spinning process. Hence, Michael was evaluating the most suitable dry-jet wet spinning facility for this purpose through collaborations and discussions with textile research institutes in Finland, Germany, Poland and Austria.

Since the spinning machine is still under construction Michael is bridging the gap with co-operations in Poland and Germany to get first results concerning pulp regeneration. Furthermore, the FuBio group at Aalto University already started to prepare the spinning dopes and characterize them rheologically.

The best thing in his work is to investigate the regeneration process together with well-experienced researchers. This co-operation and interaction between different research groups are the amenities which Michael appreciates the most.

When not working, Michael spends time to visit and explore Finland more closely.

Researcher of the month is Jenni Sievänen

Jenni Sievänen is currently working at Mika Vähä-Nissi's Biomaterial application team at VTT. She is a researcher in re-engineering paper (REP) project, which belongs to the research program EffTech (Intelligent, resource efficient production technologies) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2009, Jenni graduated from Helsinki University of Technology. Her main subject was Forest products chemistry. Now, she is researcher at VTT.

The goal of Jenni’s research is to develop new products with better quality and production technologies. Currently research is focused on barrier films based on nanocellulose and high filler containing structures to for printed electronics applications. The idea is to replace the use of synthetic materials in these applications. In addition the improvement of paper and board making and sustainability are the key drivers of this research.

The best thing in working with other research partners is the ability to get excellent and wider research insight into her research work. The benefits for Jenni to work in this kind of EffTech program is networking and co-operation between research partners.

When not working, Jenni spends time, for example, cycling, photographing and reading books.

Researcher of the month is Riku Talja

Riku Talja is currently working at Tiina Liitiäs's Polymer and Chemical Products team at VTT. He is a researcher in the cellulose and hemicellulose themes, which belongs to the research program FuBio (Future Biorefinery) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2000, Riku graduated from University of Helsinki. His main subject was polymer chemistry. At 2007 he completed his Doctoral Thesis. In his dissertation, Riku studied biomaterial coatings. Now, he is post doc researcher at VTT.

Biochemicals for protection of goods and health project focuses on finding biologically active natural compounds and development of applications for the use of the compounds. The goal of Riku’s research is to develop barrier coating from wood components. Currently almost all barrier coatings in packaging are made of synthetic materials. The idea is replace the use of synthetic material as barrier coating and use wood components instead. Wood is renewable raw material compared to synthetic material like plastic.

Riku concentrates on developing ways to use to cellulose, hemicelluloses and their derivatives as barrier coating. The idea of barrier coating is to protect the packed product, e.g., from water vapor and oxygen. Barrier coating enhances the product shelf-life. Barrier coating has membranous structure which means ideally nothing comes in or goes out from the package. There has been research in this area for years but not yet any breakthroughs. The best thing in working with industry is the ability to get excellent industry insight into his research work. The benefits for Riku to work in this kind of FuBio program is networking and co-operation. There are also a lot of possibilities to benefit other FuBio program's research.

When not working, Riku spends time, for example, travelling, photographing and playing volleyball.

Researcher of the month is Sari Yli-Kauhaluoma

Sari Yli-Kauhaluoma is currently working at Mika Pantzar's research group (Paper in practice) at the Helsinki School of Economics. She is a researcher in the RAMI project, which belongs to the research program FoCus (Customer solutions for the future) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 1992, Sari graduated from Turku School of Economics. Her main subject was Management and Organization studies. In 2008, she completed her Doctoral Thesis in the Helsinki School of Economics. In her dissertation, Sari studied the commercialization process of an innovative chemical fibre catalyst.

‘Paper in practice’ project focuses on finding out how paper is used at work in offices. The goal of Sari’s research is to study how paper that is used at work in offices can either help or hinder people to do their job. The aim is to get better understanding about material usage in offices. This is a new type of approach to study paper in practice. The project describes and analyzes the ordinary work practices in offices and administrative settings and in what ways people in these contexts use paper in their daily-based work tasks. Currently the trend is toward a paperless office. But, can there be paperless offices? Paper is often related with strong positive or negative feelings. Some papers are not only useful, but wonderful, and other papers can remind people of things that need to be done in near future.

Sari applies qualitative research methods in this study. The research material consists of interviews, photos and observations. Sari analyzes how paper is related, for example, to thinking, work organization, instructions and filing systems. The idea is that paper has many functions at office work which gives a lot of opportunities to paper products. The best thing in working with the forest industry is the ability to get excellent industry insight into her research work. The benefits for Sari to work in this kind of RAMI project is co-operation and interaction with the industry experts.

When not working, Sari spends time with her family, for example, doing a lot of different things with paper like drawing and painting.

Researcher of the month is Pauliina Pitkänen

Pauliina Pitkänen is currently working at Industrial Synthesis team at VTT as a researcher and works also as a project manager in several projects. She is a researcher in the Biochemicals for protection of goods and health project, which belongs to the research program FuBio (Future Biorefinery) of the Forestcluster Ltd. In 2006, Pauliina graduated from University of Helsinki. Her Master's thesis considers upgrading of suberin acids of birch bark and the work led to a patent application.

Biochemicals for protection of goods and health project focuses on finding biologically active natural compounds and development of applications for the use of the compounds. The goal of Pauliina’s research is to develop new type of polymers in which fossil oil based products are replaced with bio based and bio degradation products. The new polymers also have to be competitive (quality, property, price) with current industrial products.

The current research focuses on industrial shunt-wounds e.g. tall oil fatty acids and tall oil rosin which increases the product’s friendliness to the environment. Tall oil is by-product of Kraft process in wood pulp manufacture and it is already used to various applications. The results from this research can be used in e.g. packaging applications to protect goods from water, oxygen or other harmful effects.

The best thing in her work is the close connection between chemistry, material sciences and product development. The benefits for Pauliina to work in this kind of large project FuBio is co-operation and interaction between research partners.

When not working, Pauliina spends time in renovating her house and participating dance courses.