The University of Helsinki is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future by establishing a new professorship in chemistry of circular economy. Neste, UPM and Borealis Polymers are providing substantial endowments in support of the position.
Finland has the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035, which means that we are facing a transformation of raw materials. The circular economy will help us utilise materials and products as efficiently as possible, conserving natural resources, reducing emissions and waste, as well as improving the wellbeing of people and nature.
"We are excited to contribute to this professorship as it will advance basic research and drive new innovations within the circular economy," says Lars Peter Lindfors, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Neste.
"Especially the areas of waste plastics chemical recycling and converting the lignocellulosic residues to fuels, polymers or chemicals are of special interest to us in the scope of this professorship. We see this partnership also as an opportunity to further strengthen our R&D network in Finland and support the Veturi research ecosystem," Lindfors says.
"In the future we need more and more special expertise and know-how in chemistry. We believe that this professorship and cooperation with partners will help to develop both the industry and our own business. Moreover, it highlights the role of University of Helsinki as a frontrunner of the circular economy", says Heikki Ilvespää, VP, Research and Development at UPM.
"The University of Helsinki is extremely grateful for these endowments, which enable us to respond to societal demand and launch a new professorship more quickly than usual," says Chancellor Kaarle Hämeri.
