Towards Bio-based Finland 2026
KABI4022-3004 (UTU)
14-16 April 2026
14 April LS 2 (Säästöpankki hall), 1st floor, University of Turku Main Building
15 April Auditorium Argentum, 1st floor, Aurum
16 April ChemBIO, Expo and Convention Centre, Helsinki
A student participating this course will get knowledge in the basic concepts of bioeconomy and circular economy and will learn about different industrial companies operating in the field in Finland. Moreover, the students will learn about R&D related to bioeconomy and of the transfer of knowledge from academy to industry and back. Working life skills: Students will learn about R&D and operation in different chemical/biochemical industrial companies, operation in different chemical/biochemical industrial companies, and gain valuable information about company activities, start-ups and career possibilities. Direct interaction with industry representatives will stimulate critical thinking, lively discussion and create network with industry professionals. The course includes one-day excursion to ChemBio which is the largest chemistry & biotechnology trade fair in the Nordic and Baltic region. It brings together researchers, companies, and professionals to showcase innovations in lab technology, biotech, and the chemical industry. The event offers networking, seminars, and career opportunities across academia and industry.
Academic lecturers Industry lecturers
Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne, UTU Ted Bergman, Business Turku
Sesilja Aranko, Aalto University Johan Fagerlund, Cyient
Dorothee Barth, VTT Daniel Solymosi, Neste
Patrik Eklund, ÅAU Lari Vähäsalo, CH-Bioforce
Henrik Grénman, ÅAU
Pauli Kallio, UTU
Daniel Lindberg, ÅAU
Erik Niemelä, UTU
The students are expected to keep a learning diary throughout the course and at the end of the course each student is assigned one of the topics to plunge into and to write a final report. The in-depth essay should describe the Finnish as well as global current situation, reflect on the future and include literature search.
The course lasts three full days and requires full attendance but in case of colliding events students need to be in contact with the responsible teachers in advance. The course is intended for advanced Master students as well as for PhD researchers.
Responsible teachers
Prof. Yagut Allahvediyeva-Rinne (allahve@utu.fi)
Prof. Henrik Grénman (henrik.grenman@abo.fi)