Member in a senior expert network in VTT SONE (Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment) Business Area with an internal role as VTT substance node leader of “Bioinspired Capturing Materials”. Currently acting as a VTT Research PI along with Aalto Research PI prof. Orlando Rojas in the joint competence center for the materials bioeconomy between Aalto University and VTT (www.finnceres.fi).

Presently creating, promoting and leading innovative biomaterials concepts towards future breakthrough solutions. Research strategy exploits the inherent features of cell-wall systems and its components, and the biomaterials concepts draw the inspiration from plant-based material assemblies and functions. The prime target of the research activities is the generation of new knowledge on lignocellulose-based materials and their behaviour in order to pave the way towards novel biomaterial concepts and future breakthrough solutions in the frame of the modern Bioeconomy sector. In pursuing the target, the scientific aim is to bridge the gap between molecular and macroscopic behaviour of complex plant-derived materials which will further provide new aspects on strategies to construct competitive and viable biomaterial structures and solutions. These concepts include responsive nanoenhanced membrane materials, gas/vapour barrier and gas capturing materials, versatile immobilisation templates for energy producing biomolecules, printed electronics and nanopatterned optical structures. All of the solutions are based on biomass sources, especially nanocellulosic materials in which the water interactions, surface interactions and hierarchical architecture play the crucial role.

Broad national and international active academic network includes several groups at Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Imperial College of London (UK), University of Exeter (UK), University of Bristol (UK), Royal Institute of Technology, KTH (Sweden), Luleå University of Technology (Sweden), University of Stockholm (Sweden), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU (Norway), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (Argentina), Centre de Recherches sur les Macromolécules Végétales, CERMAV (France), North Carolina State University (USA), Tokio University (Japan) among others. These collaborations are well-established with joint conference proceedings, projects, and/or peer-reviewed scientific publications.