Forest, the environment and energy
RESEARCH UNITS
FiberLaboratory
Read moreForest, the environment and energy focus area researches and develops new products, production processes as well as measurement and monitoring solutions for the fields of bio-economy, circular economy and technology industry. The focus area expertise and laboratories excel in the fields of bio-product and fibre technology, wastewater purification, environmental safety, wood modification as well as energy technology. Annually, the focus area cooperates with close to 400 companies in research and development projects and commissioned projects as well as through piloting and analysis services.
RESEARCH AREAS
Environmental safety and water technology
Xamk’s environmental safety and water technology research group’s development objectives and focus areas include clean technological solutions in the bio-based, water and circular economy as well as intelligent monitoring methods and management of risks related to environmental safety and health, and monitoring of the state of the environment in communities and industry.
Strategic research areas and development work include monitoring of natural and built environment waters, such as surface, stormwater and wastewater, and improving the processing of nutrient flows. Xamk develops and pilots new measurement and modeling methods and solutions in cooperation with companies and research institutes, for example in the production of drinking water from humus-rich surface water. The aim is to monitor the effects of climate change, to prevent risks and to increase expertise in anticipation.
Fiber & Process engineering and wood construction
Xamk researches and develops new eco-efficient and energy efficient process concepts for forest biomass, and processing and modification of wood fibre. Xamk’s newest development work is done in cooperation with Aalto University and the focus is on research and piloting activities done with Aaltocell™ technology that aim at productizing microcrystalline cellulose.
In forestry and wood construction, expertise includes sustainable and efficient forest management and harvesting, and business knowhow in private forestry. Wood construction expertise covers the development of the competitiveness of wood through different kinds of modification techniques, and the development of industrial wood construction.
Sustainable energy systems
Our new strategic research initiative, Sustainable Energy Systems, will effectively address the ongoing energy transition needs both regionally and nationally. Our applied research will focus on sector integration, with a particular emphasis on the crucial role of clean energy generation and storage solutions.
Our partners can rely on our comprehensive support to enhance energy efficiency, create innovative clean energy solutions, and implement energy community approaches. The first phase of our state-of-the-art R&D environment for applied research and education will be completed in 2025.
Bio-based and circular economy
Our research and development in the fields of bio-based and circular economy focus on creating value-added biochar products for various industries, promoting material efficiency and circular economy in construction, and improving the treatment and recyclability of used textiles. Digitalization is a natural fit for our projects.
We promote the green transition by assisting our partners in making their operations and solutions more sustainable. Our multidisciplinary team, world-class research environment and network of national and international partnerships provide the expertise needed.
RESEARCH DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS
Lasse Pulkkinen
Research Director
Phone
+358445715861
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Location
FiberLaboratory Petteri Jernström
Research Director
Phone
+358503459540
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Responsibilities
Management
Location
Kotka Campus Yrjö Hiltunen
Research Manager
Phone
+358407071180
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Location
Savonlinna Campus Elina Havia
Research Manager
Phone
+358504615572
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Responsibilities
research project planning, implementation, management and reporting. surveys and research studies.
Location
Electronics 3K factory Sirpa Rahiala
Research Manager
Phone
+358447028418
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Responsibilities
Sustainable Energy Systems
Location
Kotka Campus Hanne Soininen
Head of Research Group
Phone
+358400869952
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Responsibilities
environmental safety | RDI
Location
Mikkeli Campus RESEARCH UNIT LEADERS
Tapio Tirri
Head of RDI Unit
Phone
+358405828468
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Location
Savonlinna Campus Hannu Leinonen
Head of RDI Unit
Phone
+358503098207
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Location
Electronics 3K factory Elmar Bernhardt
Testing and Electronics Design
Phone
+358503707671
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Location
Electronics 3K factory Aapo Nylén
Head of RDI Unit
Phone
+358405345127
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Responsibilities
materials technology | testing and analyzing | laboratory services
Location
Mikkeli Campus Petteri Jernström
Research Director
Phone
+358503459540
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Responsibilities
Management
Location
Kotka Campus Juha Solio
Manager of BioSampo Research C
Phone
+358447028294
Email
etunimi.sukunimi@xamk.fi
Location
BioSampo Research centre for bio and circular economy