Decorations of the President of the Republic at the School of Chemical Engineering

Professor, Vice Dean Jouni Paltakari

Medal awarded: the Order of the White Rose of Finland, Knight First Class

Professor Jouni Paltakari is widely respected as a member of the professional and scientific community. His research and teaching focus on fibre technology, in particular bio-based packaging and new fibre products. In his own field, he is known for his efforts to combine theory with practice in collaboration with experts from different fields and industry.

During his career, Mr Paltakari has authored more than 100 scientific publications and served as a scientific merit reviewer for several professorial recruitments. He is also an assessor for the Technology Promotion Foundation and a technical assessor accredited by the Finnish Accreditation Service for accreditations in paper and materials technology. In addition to his academic achievements, he has been involved in the development of the School's activities as Chair of the Education Council, Programme Director and Deputy Dean for Education.

Mr Paltakari is a dedicated, inspiring teacher who has supervised a significant number of theses during his career, 190 in total, and has acted as supervisor for a total of 7 doctoral theses. He has an excellent network of contacts and extensive knowledge of the business world, which is of considerable benefit to students and researchers in the field. Jouni Paltakari has excellent relations with students, is approachable and responsive to their needs. He is currently Deputy Dean for Education, responsible for promoting the School of Chemical Engineering's undergraduate teaching and continuous learning themes, and is involved in strategic decision-making and strategy implementation in the field of education at the School. Jouni Paltakari is a member of Aalto University's Learning Steering Group. He is leading the reforms in education forward with solid experience, listening to both students and staff.

Research Engineer Esa Uosukainen

Medal awarded: The Order of the Lion of Finland, Knight

Esa Uosukainen, M.Sc. (Eng.) worked as a laboratory engineer in the Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering at the Helsinki University of Technology, managing both equipment and facilities maintenance, as well as project financial management.

With the establishment of Aalto University, he has been building a broader technical service portfolio at the School of Chemical Engineering, one of the six schools of higher education at Aalto University. In addition, Esa Uosukainen works at Aalto University as a Radiation Coordinator and as a Safety Advisor for the transport of dangerous goods. He has played a significant role in promoting risk assessments and safe practices in the use of chemicals at Aalto University.

Esa Uosukainen is a skilled and responsible expert in the use of hazardous substances and has played a significant role in the implementation of new safety practices at the university in recent years. In the work community, Uosukainen is known as a trustworthy expert who does not compromise on safety and has an excellent knowledge of the relevant legislation.

Management Assistant Anne Forsström

Badge awarded: Order of the White Rose of Finland, Medal First Class with Gold Cross

Anne Forsström has had a long and distinguished career of over 30 years at Helsinki University of Technology and later at Aalto University in various positions. Early in her career, she worked first as a library assistant and library secretary and then as a department secretary and planning secretary in various departments at the Helsinki University of Technology, including the administrative department of the Helsinki University of Technology, where she was responsible for accounting and payment services.  He also worked in the Department of Wood Processing Technology as Planning Secretary, during which time he was actively and positively involved in a major structural change when the support services of this department were centralised.

Since 2011, Anne Forsström has been working as a management assistant at the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering, where she has already served as assistant to three deans. Her tasks include managing the Dean's calendar, preparing the Dean's decisions, organising various meetings, conferences and events, and supporting stakeholder cooperation and communication. In particular, the post requires good interpersonal skills with a wide range of clients and customers, and the ability to maintain skills in a changing environment.

Anne Forsström is a friendly, reliable and well-liked member of the team who handles unexpected challenges and situations with calmness and professionalism.