Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Enabling bio and circular economy
The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (Bio2) is at the forefront of forest products technologies and cutting-edge biotechnology.
Ultimately, the activities in Bio2 result in innovative products and solutions for applications ranging from construction and textiles to biomaterials, energy and biomedicine.
![Lignocellulose samples by Mohamed Magd. Photo: Valeria Azovskaya](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_304w_304h_d/public/2019-05/lignocellulose_smaples_dsc_3795_lignocellulose_smaples_work_by_mohamed_magd_photo_by_valeria_azovskaya_13_03_2018.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=SvaPykr1)
Department management
Research
The research in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems focuses on products derived from nature through green chemistry or biotechnological methods. Our department’s core competencies include synthetic biology, biochemical and biotechnical processing, the chemistry of lignocellulosic materials, pre-treatment and fractionation of biomass, downstream unit operations as well as the characterization and analysis of materials.
BIO2 is internationally recognised for its multidisciplinary engineering education development in digitalised and online learning environments.
Professors
Biobased Colloids and Materials (BiCMat)
Group led by Professor Orlando Rojas
![CHEM_Bio_Bicmat](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-07/cover.png?h=4bc2b340&itok=R8yfCjMi)
Biobased Materials Technology
Group led by Professor Thaddeus Maloney
![CHEM_bio_Nanocellulose printing paper](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-07/nanocellulose_printing_papers_dsc_3946_research_monir_imani_photo_valeria_azovskaya_13_03_2018.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=OvYGQi8b)
Biochemistry
Group led by Professor Silvan Scheller
![Anaerobic microbiology](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-02/Anaerobic-lab_230211.jpg?h=131a7877&itok=RWehg5fI)
Biohybrid Materials
Group led by Professor Mauri Kostiainen
![CCMV AuNP lattice](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2018-09/crystals_2.jpg?h=ab20b54c&itok=tMZtwNiD)
Biological Engineered Living Materials
Group led by Professor Rahul Mangayil
![Colour photo of a blurry person in a white lab coat holding an in-focus white paper-like wafer in their blue gloved hand](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-04/Wafer_bacterial_nanocellulose_Photo_JoseLuisGonzalezArribas.jpg?h=2f83cd36&itok=4XqEWzH1)
Biomolecular materials
Group led by Professor Markus Linder
![Formation of bridging filaments in chimeric silk coacervates](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2019-02/drop_0.jpg?h=3cbb1f50&itok=z9K9qpH7)
Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering
Group led by Professor Michael Hummel
![Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering, photo: Valeria Azovskaya](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-05/mikaela_trogen_and_julian_selinger_ioncell_process_dsc_1553_photo_valeria_azovskaya.jpg?h=790be497&itok=29d-3eEI)
Bioproduct Chemistry
Group led by Professor Monika Österberg
![CHEM_Bio_Foam and woad research](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-06/foams_and_woad_prints_.jpg?h=299fe19e&itok=u3tYl9hG)
Bioproduct Technology
Group led by Professor Juha Lipponen
![AaltoCell_Next phase of utilizing Finnish cellulose](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2018-12/aaltocell_forest.jpg?h=74cf330c&itok=qQqGcrhy)
Clean Technologies
Group led by Professor Olli Dahl
![AaltoCell project](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-07/aaltocell_excellence_003.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=PFD4NDyc)
Lignocellulose chemistry
Group led by Professor Tiina Nypelö
![The research topics of the group listed as a black text, set on top of an image of wood biomass substances on grey plates, plus wood chips and a log in the background](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-09/lignocellulose1.png?h=07469530&itok=qBuVvXfq)
Materials Chemistry of Cellulose
Group led by Professor Eero Kontturi
Microbial Physiology
Group led by professor Paula Jouhten.
Paper Converting and Packaging
Group led by Professor Jouni Paltakari
![Cycle from pellets to printing product](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-07/cover_0.png?h=5dbc5a21&itok=x7kupRxm)
Protein Technology
Group led by Professor Emma Master
![CHEM/BIO2/Protein technology group_enzyme research](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2021-01/Enzyme1.jpg?h=3778445f&itok=TwR1rwhg)
Soft Materials Modelling
Group led by Professor Maria Sammalkorpi
![Soft Materials Modelling group Aalto University](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-01/Softmattercover4.png?h=ece180d8&itok=lSLiHmX8)
Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation
Group led by Professor Luana Dessbesell
Textile Chemistry
Group led by Professor Ali Tehrani
![Textile by Aoi Yoshizawa](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/midgard/images/1e4f3497450fd7ef34911e4a6dda3cd446ce7b7e7b7-randomorder_1_en.jpg?h=5f1b5b34&itok=43ST8Exx)
Wood Chemistry
Group led by Professor Tapani Vuorinen
![Wood acetate by Yesul Woo](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2019-08/_chemarts2018_woodacetate_by_yesul_woo_photoeevasuorlahti.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=Jo-5YawK)
Wood Material Science
Group led by Professor Lauri Rautkari
![Photo of research group members outdoors](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2022-09/GROUP%20medium.jpg?h=7881c29b&itok=5Xa56fDd)
Wood Material Technology
Group led by Professor Mark Hughes
![CHEM_Bio_Wood material](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-07/wood_materials_mg_1531_photo_by_eeva_suorlahti_original.jpg?h=6f8e8448&itok=zff-xStx)
Research group leaders
Circular Biobased Materials
Led by Senior Scientist Bruno Mattos
![wood strips on a white background](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-09/Wood%20materials_MG_1070_photo%20by%20Eeva%20Suorlahti.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=GJpdQtat)
Biobased Materials Structure
Group led by Research Fellow Paavo Penttilä
![Colour photo of wood chips and samples on textured surfaces, in a petri dish and a closed test tube](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2021-09/Wood_samples_2_2021_Paavo_Penttila%CC%88.jpg?h=af41284a&itok=MNJxv1n7)
Photoactive Organic Materials
Group led by Research Fellow Eduardo Anaya
![Photo of the Photactive Organic Materials group](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-05/Group%20picture%20summer%202023_0.jpg?h=da92fc0b&itok=c0A_Ic0f)
Protein engineering
Group led by Senior Scientist Sesilja Aranko
![Protein kinase 3D model](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-10/Asset%204HeroImage6_0.jpg?h=bcc52126&itok=ivfgKN2I)
Wood extractives
Headed by Academy Research Fellow Jinze Dou
![Color photo of a hat made of fine bark strips featuring a red hatband and a fiber-constructed letter "A"](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2023-09/Handcraft%20Tapani%20Vuorinen_photo%20Valeria%20Azovskaya.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=0sRYF2oE)
Emeritus research groups
Biorefineries
Group led by Emeritus Professor Herbert Sixta
![CHEM_Bio_Marianna_Granatier_From wood to fiber](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-07/marianna_granatier_from_wood_to_fiber_594x841.jpg?h=0c8834f2&itok=x6xJXsj3)
Printing Technology
Group led by Emeritus Professor Patrick Gane
![CHEM_Bio_Circular economy](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_6_567w_354h_n/public/2020-06/circular_economy.png?h=7d83d824&itok=hWPpkPSv)
Infrastructures
Research infrastructure
We develop local and global networks
![Image from the Aalto Bioproduct centre](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-11/Aalto_Bioproduct_Centre_Opening_3-5-2017_photo_Mikko_Raskinen_238.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=C4qyGUTs)
AALTOLAB (external link)
AALTOLAB is a virtual laboratory safety training platform developed at Aalto University. AALTOLAB helps both students and staff to maintain high-level safety standards in our laboratories.
![An image of virtual laboratory space](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-04/CommonSun.jpg?h=f980b2f1&itok=DoMWavCK)
Contact information for lecturers and research groups
Contact information for the research groups
Here you can find the contact information for the research groups.
![Bio2 / Atomic force microscope](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2018-06/imgp0498_en.jpg?h=9e499333&itok=TiUlE_z6)
Collaboration
See all the Aalto CHEM collaboration projects here
Key Research Area: Materials and sustainable use of natural resources
Materials research ranges from physics, nanotechnology, mechanics, performance and design to biomaterials and sustainable resource use.
![An abstract composition of different metals and forms.](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2021-03/Mixed%20compositions__MG_3496_photo%20by%20Eeva%20Suorlahti_photo%20by%20Eeva%20Suorlahti_Original.jpg?h=6f8e8448&itok=g-s-wlJT)
CHEMARTS (external link)
CHEMARTS website
![kuvassa kahdet kädet levittävät läpinäkyvää limaa punaista taustaa vasten](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-04/aalto_chemarts_cookbook_bioslimechiao-wen-hsu-yu-chen_0.jpg?h=60f9f39d&itok=ZN96xYs0)
Circular Design Innovation (external link)
Strategies for circular design – design out waste and innovate for longer product lifetime.
![CircInnovation](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-12/circinnovation.png?h=839c255c&itok=xWHexHR7)
ClicInnovation (external link)
Solution Architect for Global Bioeconomy and Cleantech Opportunities
![Symmer seminar](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-12/clicinnovation.jpg?h=f3b0cf2f&itok=siy96ejP)
FinnCERES
FinnCERES, competence center for materials bioeconomy, is a Flagship for our sustainable future.
![FinnCERES Materials Cluster](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2021-10/FinnCERES_logo_black%4010x.png?h=ee17858f&itok=cKskuZBS)
INNPAPER (external link)
Paper is rising as a good alternative to traditional materials for electronics: it is cheap, flexible, renewable and recyclable.
![InnPaper_RFID+Temperature sensor](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-12/RFID%20%2BTemperature%20sensor.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=t02DdcPP)
Ioncell-F
Ioncell-F technology developed at Aalto University in collaboration with the University of Helsinki converts wood into textiles without any harmful chemicals.
![Aalto University/Ioncell-F](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2018-06/tiara700x350_en.jpg?h=c4243e31&itok=OusUI0Od)
Research cooperation
The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems works collaboratively with strong partners from industry and academia.
![Aalto University / The School of Business / Ambassadors](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2018-05/aalto_biz_ambassadors_club_07032017_photo_by_lasse_lecklin_19_en_en.jpg?h=80adf6bc&itok=MCsmgG-p)
ValueBioMat (external link)
ValueBioMat is a project funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) at the Academy of Finland.
![ValueBioMat logo](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-06/valuebiomat_logo.png?h=90f02397&itok=ZRDqJzhq)
![Studying biotechnology](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/o_567w_ah_n/public/2020-05/biotechnology_08.jpg?itok=OzLkqkw2)
Are you interested in studying at the School of Chemical Engineering? Here are our Bioproducts and Biosystems programmes:
- Aalto Bachelor's Programme in Science and Technology:
- Master's Programmes at the School of Chemical Engineering:
- Joint Master's Programmes:
- Joint international Master's Programmes:
See all our school's programmes
- Doctoral studies: Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering
Moving to Finland
Here new students and employees can find useful tips for a smooth moving.
We also gathered information about families and recreational activities.
Moving to Finland
Via this page you’ll find information on practical issues regarding moving to Finland, such as social security, taxation and opening a bank account.
For families and spouses
Moving to Finland? Here you can learn more about practicalities.
![Image](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2018-12/finland_helsinki_people_highres_byjuliakivela_mg_4241.jpg?h=9f489f5a&itok=3ztadzYY)
Finding a private rental
For longer term accommodation in Helsinki region the best options are either renting or purchasing an apartment or a house. In case you are planning to purchase an apartment we recommend you to contact your bank and/or estate agencies to gain professional assistance and advice. Here you'll find information on renting an apartment, rental rates, and how to find an apartment.
![AaltoInn room](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2022-02/AaltoInn%20huone%2043-1.jpg?h=bc816b12&itok=iwKzOeeP)
Social life and recreation
Having social networks helps you feel at home! Aalto University organises many events and other possibilities for international staff and their families to meet and mingle and thus hopefully settle in smoothly. Some examples are Experiencing Finland and Aalto Club events. In addition, we have collected tips and links for you to find the most suitable information.
![Two women walking in the campus area and carrying an Aalto umbrella](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2021-11/Unto_Rautio_Aalto_UNT9602_weblarge.jpg?h=bb382136&itok=zZPZsRRq)
Get to know us:
Paula Jouhten seeks to replace oil-based chemistry by controlling the physiology of microbial cells
Paula Jouhten, D.Sc., started her five-year fixed-term professorship at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at the beginning of 2022. Jouhten leads the Microbial Physiology research group at Aalto University.
![Professori Paula Jouhten nojaa kaiteeseen ja hymyilee kameralle.](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2022-02/Aalto_University_Professor_Paula_Jouhten_11-11-2021_by_Jaakko_Kahilaniemi-10.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=zDKcsQZL)
Alexander Frey wants to cut health costs with specialised yeast
The Professor of Molecular biotechnology has harnessed a hardy workforce for tasks such as manufacturing cheap medicines and biofuels.
![Alexander Frey_Aalto-yliopisto_Mikko Raskinen](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2019-05/aalto_university_alexander_frey_chem_21-6-2017_photo_mikko_raskinen_003.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=VB7EbkDt)
Curiosity is a pathway to science
Researchers are shaping the future. If you want to become a researcher, it is important to be curious and question everything, says Professor Silvan Scheller.
![Silvan Scheller](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-11/Aalto_University_Scheller_Silvan_18-09-2020_medium.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=Fcg7mcQG)
Eero Kontturi: The most important skill for a researcher is the desire to read and write
Professor of Materials Chemistry of Cellulose relaxes by reading scientific articles and makes no distinction between work and free time.
![Eero Kontturi. Kuva: Lasse Lecklin / Aalto-yliopisto](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2019-05/eero_kontturi_aalto_university_photo_by_lasse_lecklin_12_original.jpg?h=1dd3cf61&itok=YWLS5xCj)
Get to know us: Professor Olli Dahl
Saving the environment via businesses.
![Olli smiling](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-07/dahlolli_01.jpg?h=ad943a23&itok=_hKBKxKv)
Mixing people
Mixing people with different backgrounds is a nutrient for creativity, says professor Tapani Vuorinen.
![man standing in a storage in front of the window, wearing a white laboratory coat, smiling](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-09/tapani_vuorinen_e-wood_LL04_Original.jpg?h=2f11653c&itok=GYFL-m5K)
Get to know us: Associate Professor Michael Hummel
Michael Hummel had plans to stay in Finland for only a year or so. In the end, he enjoyed his work at Aalto so much that he decided to stay.
![Michael smiling in Dipoli building](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-07/aalto_university_hummel_michael_22-03-2019_by_jaakko_kahilaniemi-5098.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=KejuamJf)
Michael Hummel: Sustainable and renewable materials will replace oil-based products
Researchers need to be team players, says Professor of Biopolymer Chemistry and Engineering.
![Michael Hummel, kuva: Jaakko Kahilaniemi](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2019-05/aalto_university_hummel_michael_22-03-2019_by_jaakko_kahilaniemi-5073_original.jpg?h=8c04a04b&itok=Py2MZZyu)
Monika Österberg develops from wood a contender to oil
Associate Professor of Bioproduct Chemistry Monika Österberg wants to see her innovations change the world.
![Monika Österberg](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-03/osterbergmonika_2_original.jpg?h=6044f8db&itok=e11oFCKt)
Nurturing the passion for research - Interviewing Associate Professor Ali Tehrani
Associate professor Ali Tehrani, who works at Aalto University's School of Chemical Engineering Bioproducts and Biosystems Department, has an impressive background in textile research already before joining Aalto. And he also enjoys guiding and supporting his students in their research and careers.
![Associate Professor Ali Tehrani standing in front of blooming trees.](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-08/20200622_194635.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=7ahF-3c_)
Revolutionising the bio-based industry
An interview of the new Professor of Practice Juha Lipponen from the School of Chemical Engineering.
![Professor Juha Lipponen standing at Kemistintie](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2020-08/img_5086.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=W2HaIY8H)
Teaching and providing “aha!” experiences motivate our new Vice Dean of Education Jouni Paltakari
Paltakari wants to show all the incredible things we can do with chemical engineering. At the very core of all of our actions are sustainable development and problem solving.
![Jouni Paltakari varadekaani koulutus](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2019-11/paltakarijouni_crop_1.jpg?h=03794b2d&itok=42PwL6z1)
News
![Senni Heimala](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/2_3_288w_125h_d/public/2024-06/Senni-Heimala_01.jpg?h=074a1bd2&itok=jTBX4TEH)
Doctoral research seeks textile dyes from nature and bioproduction side streams
Aalto University and the Natural Resources Institute Finland are developing bio-based textile dyes.![Anne Sunikka, Anton Sigfrids and Pekka Marttinen](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/2_3_288w_125h_d/public/2024-06/Openscience-24.jpg?h=f9c51cc0&itok=v-f66xbu)
Open Science and Research Summer Conference 2024 gathered open science experts from all over Finland
Over 90 participants attended in person and 90 listened in Zoom a range of presentations on artificial intelligence, legal and security issues and data management, alongside the latest news on open science activities in Finland. The event was organised by Aalto University, VTT and Open Science Coordination in Finland.![Wood Material Science research group](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/2_3_288w_125h_d/public/2024-06/Researcher_screencapture_Wood_and_water.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=p0SBsh44)
Improved wood
Finland is known for its wood. The Wood Material Science research group, led by Lauri Rautkari, is, as its name suggests, focused on wood, which is perhaps more interesting now than ever.![Publication icon](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/2_3_288w_125h_d/public/2023-03/Publication%20icon.png?h=d1cb525d&itok=5AqKdWmv)
Publication Forum seeks new panellists for term 2025-2028
If you are interested in becoming a panel member of the Publication Forum (Julkaisufoorumi, Jufo), apply by 15.6.2024.Events
![Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_8_444w_247h_d/public/2023-05/Aalto_Lisa%CC%88_Kuvitukset_Podium_Vaaka.jpg?h=98d0264f&itok=a3YBZjkk)
Publc defence in Bioproduct Technology, M.Sc. (Tech.) Ya Zhu
Interfacial Adsorption and Stabilization of Nanopolysaccharides in Multifunctional Emulsion Systems (title of the thesis)![Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_8_444w_247h_d/public/2023-05/Aalto_Lisa%CC%88_Kuvitukset_Podium_Vaaka.jpg?h=98d0264f&itok=a3YBZjkk)
Public defence in Biotechnology, M.Sc. (Tech.) Sami Havukainen
Sugar transport in Trichoderma reesei (title of the thesis)Related videos
Where to find us
Vuorimiehentie 1
Aalto Bioproduct Centre
![Vuorimiehentie 1](/sites/g/files/flghsv161/files/styles/1_120w_120h_d/public/2018-09/vuorimiehentie_1.jpg?h=eb82766b&itok=dimGHiLl)
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