Professor Österberg's research interests are fundamental interfacial phenomena of forest biomaterials, such as lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses, and the development of new sustainable materials from these polymers. She is especially interested in spherical lignin nanoparticles, hydrogels and direct surface force measurements.

Research Professor Tammelin’s research draws on the inherent features of cell wall systems: their components and functions. The prime target is the generation of new knowledge of lignocellulose-based materials and their behaviour to pave the way toward novel biomaterial solutions.

Professor Eero Kontturi’s research interests lie broadly within interfacial phenomena occurring in plant-based materials. This includes surface reactions (particularly gas-solid), adsorption-based approaches and fundamental analytics utilizing ultrathin films. The general aim is to develop new materials through a fundamental physico-chemical understanding of plant-based materials (especially cellulose).

Kristian Salminen, Lead, Bio-based products, has made an extensive career at VTT in many different positions that have provided her an excellent perspective and expertise on research and business development.

Katariina Torvinen is the Research Manager of Biomass Processing and Products BA at VTT. A demonstrated history of working in the research industry and new bio-based products also at the pilot scale. Skilled in paper and board, R&D, biocomposites, nanocellulose, printed electronics, chemistry, materials science, and physics. Her current main responsibilities include developing relevant research strategies and a future portfolio with extensive interest in circular bio-economy and resource sufficiency.

Assistant Professor Jaana Vapaavuori leads the Multifunctional Materials Design group at Aalto, which focuses on experimental studies of soft materials, as well as inorganic-organic hybrids. Her current research involves studying bio-sourced polymer templates for solar energy conversion and manufacturing of hierarchically structured multifunctional materials and surfaces, for example.

D.Sc. (Tech) Hannes Orelma studies the behaviours of lignocellulose materials in a broad range of applications: from diagnostics to packages. He has a background in surface and colloid science of lignocellulose materials, and he does research actively: from academic-oriented fundamental science to industry-related application development.

Stina Grönqvist, D.Sc. (Tech.) in Chemical Engineering, is the Research Team Leader of the Lignin and sidestream valorization team. She is an IPMA Level C certified project manager with strong experience in project planning and management.

Joanna Witos, PhD in analytical chemistry, works as FinnCERES Academic Coordinator at Aalto, focusing on developing the community of young researchers. She is actively involved in various day-to-day operations of FinnCERES including coordination of internationalization activities and event organization.

Alina Ruonala-Lindgren works as Co-Creation Manager at VTT, building partnerships with companies and other organizations via research and innovation ecosystems in the field of bio-based materials. She has a 20+ year history in the forest industry, where she has been in charge of managing strategic projects, including building a new vision for the whole sector.

Elli Käpylä, D.Sc. (Tech.), works as a Corporate Relations Manager at Aalto, focusing on the partnerships of the FinnCERES Flagship. She is a biomaterials expert experienced in R&D, product development and partnership management. She is passionate about developing relationships between academics and industry to create new business opportunities.

Jukka Hassinen, D.Sc. (Tech.) in Applied Physics, has expertise in the preparation and advanced characterization of nanomaterials, and their applications in water purification and photonics. He is an organized, open-minded and adaptable project manager flavoured with a pinch of common sense.

Stefania Bertella, Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, works as Research Scientist in the Lignin and sidestream valorization team at VTT. She has academic and industrial expertise in lignin chemistry and biomass fractionation and her research is focused on the isolation and functionalization of lignin to develop sustainable bio-based materials.