A new professor of practice position has been created which will strengthen research into cellulose fibre modification technology and new wood-based products. Juha Lipponen will work at both Aalto University and Savonlinna Technology Park. Lipponen, who has had a long career in innovation, is also one of the finalists for this spring’s Finnish Engineering Award.
Juha Lipponen has been appointed Professor of Practice for Bioproduct Technology. He will start work in this new position on 1 August 2020. The professorship is part of the cooperation agreement between Aalto University, the City of Savonlinna and Xamk, and Lipponen will work at both Aalto University and Savonlinna Technology Park.
Juha Lipponen’s most recent position was as leader of product development for wood industry products for paint company Tikkurila. His career has included working for Valmet in the product development of paper machines, and also working as a consultant for Innotiimi-ICG, where he managed the forest and metal industry innovation projects. Lipponen has extensive experience of innovation and co-development in the forest industry cluster, and he has around 40 patents to his name. Lipponen is also one of the finalists for the Finnish Engineering Award with his papermaking invention he co-invented, that has already clocked up over a billion euros in sales.
‘I feel privileged to have the opportunity, through this new role, to have a strong impact on shaping the future products and technologies of the forest industry. I look forward to the possibilities for extensive and diverse cooperation with the industry and competence cluster within the field,’ says Lipponen.
‘We welcome Juha Lipponen to Aalto University. Developing new wood-based products and other innovations in the forest industry requires top-level experts and seamless cooperation that is closely connected to local operators,’ explains Kristiina Kruus, Dean of the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering.
The professorship is part of the cooperation between Aalto University, the City of Savonlinna and Xamk, for which a letter of intent was signed last summer. The aim of the letter of intent is to further strengthen the research and development activities of Savonlinna Technology Park, especially in the field of wood fibre modification and new material applications and process applications.
‘This is something important for Savonlinna and Xamk. The goal is to further strengthen our cooperation with Aalto also through professor of practice positions on other Xamk campuses,’ says Jyrki Koivikko, Chairman of the Board of the Xamk South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences.
‘The new Aalto University Professor, Juha Lipponen, will strategically strengthen Savonlinna Technology Park by bringing the expertise and networks of Aalto University’s leading bioproduct technology to assist the technology park, its RD activities, and its companies. In addition, he will also facilitate the carrying out and supervision of master’s theses and doctoral theses directed towards the needs of our technology companies in Savonlinna,’ explains Mayor of Savonlinna Janne Laine.
The cooperation is funded by the City of Savonlinna, Aalto University, East Savo University Foundation, Greater Savo Osuuspankki, Kerimäki Osuuspankki and Rantasalmi Osuuspankki.
Further information:
Juha Lipponen
juha.lipponen (at) aalto.fi
Kristiina Kruus
Dean, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering
kristiina.kruus (at) aalto.fi
Janne Laine
Mayor of Savonlinna
janne.laine (at) savonlinna.fi
Jyrki Koivikko
Chairman of the Board, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Ltd.
jyrki.koivikko (at) xamk.fi