CHEMISTRY DAYS 2026
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre 15–16 April 2026
ChemBio Finland is a professional event for the chemistry and bioscience sectors, held semiannually at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. It brings together thousands of industry professionals to network, explore the latest innovations presented in the exhibition, and update their expertise through a diverse programme of lectures and seminars. Admission to the event is free of charge upon registration.
Held concurrently with ChemBio at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre are the Helsinki Chemicals Forum, which promotes chemical safety; Pulp & Beyond, the leading international event for the forest industry; and Electricity 26, a professional event for the electrical engineering sector.
The Finnish Chemical Societies organise the programme for Chemistry Days in collaboration with other societies in the field.
There will be two seminar areas: one in the traditional exhibition hall (H) and another in the conference wing (KS) next to the main entrance, just an escalator ride away from the exhibition area.
Wednesday 15 April 2026
9:30–17:00
204 (KS)
Specialised Detectors in Liquid and Gas Chromatography
The seminar will cover some of the less common detectors used in liquid and gas chromatography and their applications. The purpose of the seminar is to provide the audience with an overview of what can be measured with these selective and specific detectors, and in what types of research they are used in Finland. In addition to detectors and research applications, the seminar will also address the special columns available for these instruments, as well as the considerations that must be considered in method development when using such detectors. The seminar consists of expert presentations and interaction with the audience.
Organizer:The Finnish Chromatography Society
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Chair persons: Fjor Morante, Susanne Wiedmer
9:30–9:35 Welcome
Fjor Morante, Finnish Chromatography Society
9:35–10:05 Flame photometric detector
Arja Valtanen, Verifin
10:05–10:35 From particle numbers to mass: Pyrolysis-GC-MS in environmental microplastics analysis
Tatu Martinmäki, SYKE
10:35–11:00 Break
11:00–11:30 GPC-SEC-chromatography for the characterisation of polymers
Sami-Pekka Hirvonen, Helsingin Yliopisto
11:30–12:00 Special columns in liquid chromatography
Matti Karhu, Phenomenex
12:00–13:15 Lunch
13:15–14:00 Method development for specialised detectors in gas chromatography
Matias Kopperi, Agilent Technologies
14:25–14:30 Concluding remarks
Fjor Morante, Finnish Chromatography Society
15:00–17:00 Spring meeting
Board of the Finnish Chromatography Society
9:30–15:45
2 (H)
Future Energy and Biomass Solutions
This seminar highlights cutting-edge research and applications in the fields of energy transition and biomass utilization. The sessions explore how forest-derived materials and smart technologies contribute to climate goals, circular economy, and energy resilience. Topics include biochar production, CO₂ capture with bio-based materials, natural hydrogen reservoirs, and digital forestry models. The seminar also showcases novel bioproducts for energy storage and optoelectronics, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven decision-making. The event is held in English.
Organizer: Research Council of Finland (RCF)
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Chair: Saila Seppo, Research Council of Finland
9.30 – 9.45 Opening of the seminar, Floora Ruokonen, Research Council of Finland
9.45 – 10.30 Keynote: The future of sustainable energy and why technology may be failing us, Mark O’Malley, Imperial College London
10.30 – 11:00 Keynote: Valmet’s Contribution to Biomass Conversion: Advanced Biofuel Pathways, Tooran Khazraie, Valmet Oy
11:00 -11.15 Flexible Energy Systems program, Jussi Åkerberg, Business Finland
11.15-12.35 Lunch and posters
12.35-14.45 Facilitated panel discussions
Each panel includes 3-minute pitches per project, followed by a brief discussion on common questions.
12.35-13.05 Panel 1: From Distribution to Demand: Managing Flexibility in Electrified Systems
These projects examine how people and institutions shape sustainability transitions through incentives, decision-making, and acceptance. They ask what governance and market designs enable actors (e.g., citizens, forest owners, grid operators) to adopt low-carbon solutions and coordinate change. The focus is on behaviour, value creation, legitimacy, and workable policy/decision frameworks.
Facilitator: Peter Lund, professor emeritus
Panellists:
- Leveraging individual tree level biomass data to guide forest use that safeguards biodiversity, nature-based recreation, and carbon sinks, Mari Myllymäki, Natural Resources Institute Finland
- Versatility of value creation solutions: economic choices among resource owners, industry actors and consumer-citizen, Eija Pouta, LUKE
- DSOs facilitating energy transition – the Carbon handprint of flexibility, Jean-Nicolas Louis, VTT Oy
- Citizens’ behaviour change towards sustainable energy transition through social interactions, Pertti Järventausta, Tampere University
13.10-13.40 Panel 2: Balancing the Bioeconomy Equation: Natural Capital, Tracing and Value
These projects follow the pathway from forest/biomass resources to higher-value products, including how to trace and verify origins and sustainability. They explore cascading use and valorisation of biomass and develop bio-based functional materials that can substitute or capture fossil-based alternatives. The shared question is how to build credible, efficient, and sustainable value chains from resource to end product.
Facilitator: Eva-Mari Aro, University of Turku
Panellists:
- Enhanced Wood Tracing Systems for Sustainable Forestry and Improved Food Utilization, Jiri Pyörälä, University of Helsinki
- High-value products from forest resources: a cascade pathway to biochar and biopigments for climate and soil, Suvi Kuittinen, University of Eastern Finland
- Unexplored potential of diverse plant metabolites to enhance sustainable bioeconomy and carbon sinks from forest biomasses, Virpi Virjamo, University of Eastern Finland
- High-Performance Bioinspired Conducive Cellulose Films for Thin Film Solar Cells, Kati Miettunen, University of Turku
- Chemical pulp foams for water-assisted CO2 capture, Eero Kontturi, Aalto University
13.45-14.15 Panel 3: Cold-Climate Renewables: Materials and Forecasts
Facilitator: Jussi Åkerberg, Business Finland
These projects tackle how renewable energy and storage can be operated reliably under Nordic seasonality and weather/hydrology variability (e.g., snow impacts, forecasting, and resource constraints). They develop methods to predict, optimize, and schedule generation and storage to reduce costs and emissions. The common thread is operational performance and system integration under variable conditions.
Panellists:
- Optimal Thermal Storage Operation using tailored long-range weather forecasts, Anders Lindfors, Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Long-Term Thermal Energy Storage with Salt-Based Composite Materials, Ari Seppälä, Aalto University
- Snow effect on the solar power generation in Finland, Roberta Pirazzini, Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Solar power on cutaway peatlands – combining renewable energy generation and soil carbon sequestration, Annalea Lohila, Finnish Meteorological Institute
- Sustainable hydropower via hybrid cluster operation and hydrological forecasts under uncertainties, Noora Veijalainen, SYKE
14.15-14.45 Panel 4: Carriers and Captures: Technologies for Deep Carbonization
Facilitator: Helena Sarén, Business Finland
These projects develop technologies and system solutions for a low-carbon industrial future, spanning hydrogen and batteries alongside supporting infrastructures, optimisation, and circularity. They also include geochemistry expertise to assess how hydrogen behaves in subsurface environments informing storage potential, key reactions, and associated risks for viable deployment. The emphasis is on scalable industrial transition pathways that connect engineering, earth-science evidence, and circular-economy system design.
Panellists:
- Finding H2 – Geological hydrogen reservoirs for sustainable energy production in Finland, Malin Bomberg, VTT Oy
- Industrial energy systems as part of resilient climate neutral society, Timo Laukkanen, Aalto University
- Energy-centric optimization for large-scale additive manufacturing deployment for sustainability through electrification, Humberto Almeida, LUT University
- Circular Battery Futures: Recyclable Bio-Based Binders for a Sustainable Lithium-Ion Battery Lifecycle, Liu Haidong, University of Eastern Finland
14.45-15.45 Posters and snacks
09:30–15:20
1B (H)
From Idea to factory
Before a final investment decision is made for a chemical plant, a structured and thorough process is followed. The journey is started by selecting a technological concept and is completed with the successful launch of operations.
The strategic need is identified and potential technologies are explored. Preliminary technical and financial assessments are carried out, and R&D or pilot testing is conducted if needed.
Next, market demand, competition, and pricing are analyzed. The product and process concept is defined, and profitability calculations — including NPV, IRR, and payback time — are performed to ensure the business case is solid. Permitting needs are also identified. All outcomes are compiled into a so-called feasibility report with preliminary cost estimates.
Basic design is then initiated, focusing on further details in the process and plant solution, capacity planning, and resource requirements — such as raw materials, energy, and waste management. The right site is selected. Zoning, logistics, and access to essential services like water, electricity, and steam are assessed as part of the overall constructability review. These site-specific factors are considered to directly impact operational efficiency and construction cost of the unit. At the end of the basic design phase, requests for tenders for main technology supplies are sent, and price information is requested from main contractors according to the procurement strategy.
Based on the final process and technology selection, along with the overall balance of plant, a comprehensive cost estimate and risk analysis are prepared. The overall investment cost estimate is brought to a level that allows the board of management to make a final investment decision before the execution phase.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is often required. Construction and environmental permits are secured during the investment project, and compliance with chemical safety regulations and emergency planning is ensured. External stakeholders — including municipalities, authorities, and potential partners or financiers — are engaged to build support and alignment.
Once approval is granted, procurement activities are started, detailed design is finalized, and construction is initiated. This includes contractor selection, site preparation, and project supervision. Safety and quality control are maintained throughout the build.
Finally, equipment is installed and tested, processes are fine-tuned, and trial runs are conducted. Staff are recruited and trained, inspections are completed, and production is gradually ramped up.
Each project phase, as described above, is used to build the foundation for a safe, efficient, and profitable operation. If steps are skipped or decisions are rushed, costly setbacks may occur. By following this structured approach, the investment is ensured to be sound — both technically and financially.
Organizer: Finnish Society of Chemical Engineers
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Chair: Tiina Piira, Finnish Society of Chemical Engineers and Elomatic Oy
09.30–09.35 Opening words
Tiina Piira, Finnish Society of Chemical Engineers and Elomatic Oy
09.35–10.05 Investment cost estimation – a service with skill
Vincent Kasmi, Section Manager, Project Delivery (& Otto Tiilikainen/Project Engineer, Project Delivery), AFRY Finland Oy
- the basics of cost estimation for industrial investments in different phases and what a certain level of accuracy requires from the design/engineering.
10.05–10.35 Stages of preliminary design
NN, Elomatic Oy
10.35–11.00 Break
11.00–11.30 Stages of plant implementation
NN, Sweco Oy
11.30–12.00 Example of plant implementation
Jyri Maunuksela, Neova Oy
12.00–13.00 Lunch break
13.00–13.30 Critical factors in process development
NN, Aalto yliopisto
13.30–14.00 Example of an operator
NN, Neste Oyj
14.00–14.15 Break
14.15–14.45 Research findings
Kristian Melin, LUT University
14.45–15.15 Life Cycle Analysis
NN, Aalto yliopisto, Business Finland
15.15–15.20 Closing Remarks
Tiina Piira, Finnish Society of Chemical Engineers and Elomatic Oy
10:00–15:35
6 (H)
Is AI Revolutionizing Mass Spectrometry-based Analytics?
Read the blog post: Is AI revolutionizing mass spectrometry-based analytics?
Organizer: Nina Sipari (University of Helsinki) ja Maarit Karonen (University of Turku), Finnish Mass Spectrometry Society (FMSS)
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Chairs: Nina Sipari, Maarit Karonen and Juha-Pekka Hieta
10:00–10:10 Opening words
Nina Sipari, Chair, Finnish Mass Spectrometry Society
SESSION 1 – Insights of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in MS-based analysis
Session chair Nina Sipari
10:10–10:40 Computational and AI-based approaches in LC-MS metabolomics
Kati Hanhineva, Professor, University of Turku
10:40–10:55 Precision Diagnostics of Lyme Neuroborreliosis via Ultrahigh- Resolution Metabolomics and Machine Learning
Ilari Kuukkanen, Doctoral Researcher, University of Turku
10:55–11:15 Utilizing AI for simplified result acceptance in a high throughput FIA-MS assay
Axel Meierjohann, PhD/R&D System Tech Lead, Revvity
11:15–11:30 The FMSS incentive scholarship award winner 2026 (TBA)
11:30–13:00 Lunch break
SESSION 2 – Metabolomics & molecular networks
Session chair Maarit Karonen
13:00–13:50 Mass Spectrometry and Big Data Analytics: Advancing Natural Product Research through Data Science-Driven Digital Transformation
Jean-Luc Wolfender, Professor, University of Geneva
13:50–14:10 NIR Spectroscopy in Liver Fibrosis: Linking Lipidomics and Histology
Archana Kommala, Doctoral Researcher, University of Eastern Finland
14:10–14:30 Software advancements and ZenoTOF technology for improved pattern recognition
Tom Ruane, Advanced Workflow Specialist, Sciex
14:30–15:00 Coffee break
SESSION 3- AI in MS-based analysis in atmospheric sciences
Session chair Juha-Pekka Hieta
15:00–15:15 Atmospheric new particle formation through ambient sampling chemical ionization mass spectrometry– PART I
Matti Rissanen, Professor, University of Helsinki
15:15–15:30 Atmospheric new particle formation through ambient sampling chemical ionization mass spectrometry– PART II
Federica Bortolussi, Doctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki
15:30–15:35 Closing Remarks
Maarit Karonen, vice chair, Finnish Mass Spectrometry Society
12:00–15:40
205 (KS)
Modern technology in chemistry education
The seminar will present current technologies in the field of chemistry education. The seminar will begin with a short presentation, which will review the historical development of educational technology from the first microcomputer-based laboratory applications in the 80s to contemporary research. Currently, topical research areas include the application of artificial intelligence and virtual laboratories. Artificial intelligence includes both adaptive machine learning and generative chat applications. The seminar will include two presentations and a panel. The event will end to the 25th Anniversary Award Ceremony for Honorary Alumni of the Chemistry Teacher Education Unit of the University of Helsinki. The keynote presentation will be given by Professor Nicole Graulich from Justus von Lieblig University of Giessen, Germany.
Organizer: Finnish Association for Teachers of Chemistry
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12:00–12:15 Seminaarin avaus
Johannes Pernaa, yliopistonlehtori, Helsingin yliopisto
12:15–13:15 KEYNOTE: On the promise of adaptivity in chemistry learning
Nicole Graulich, professor, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
13:15–14:00 Virtuaalilaboratoriot: käyttökohteet sekä tutkimus kemian ja biokemian opetuksessa
Samuel Girmay, väitöskirjatutkija
Aalto-yliopiston kemian tekniikan korkeakoulu
14:00–14:20 BREAK
Paneeli: Tekoälyn hyödyntäminen kemian kouluopetuksessa
14:20–14:35 Johdatus aiheeseen
Juri Timonen, yliopistotutkija, Helsingin yliopisto
14:35–15:20 Paneelikeskustelu
- Maija Aksela, professori, Helsingin yliopisto (toi suomeen mittausautomaation ja molekyylimallinnuksen)
- Juri Timonen, tutkija, Helsingin yliopisto
- Jan Jansson, lehtori, Töölön yhteiskoulu
- Leo Pahkin, opetusneuvos, Opetushallitus
15:20–15:35 Palkinnot ja tunnustukset
15:35–15:40 Seminaarin lopetus
12:30–15:45
207 (KS)
Turvallisesti tulevaisuuteen – Kasviproteiinien ja uusien proteiininlähteiden sääntely, tutkimus ja teollisuusnäkökulmat
Organizer: Finnish Society of Food Science and Technology
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Puheenjohtaja: Laura Ahvenniemi, toimitusjohtaja, Laatu&Liike Oy
12:30–12:35 Avaussanat + ETS esittely
12:35–13:00 Uuselintarvikkeet EU:ssa: Lainsäädäntö, hyväksyntä ja esimerkkitapaukset
Sanna Viljakainen, johtava asiantuntija, Maa- ja metsätalousministeriö (MMM)
13:00–13:25 Uuden proteiinilähteen turvallisuuden arviointi EFSAssa
Marina Heinonen, professori, Helsingin yliopisto (HY)
13:25–13:55 Uutta vai tuttua? Kasvipohjaisten tuotteiden sääntely – uuselintarvike vai perinteinen tuote nykyaikaisella menetelmällä?
Mari Lyyra, Head of Food & Feed, Medfiles Oy
13:55–14:15 Tauko (20 min)
14:15–14:45 Kasvipohjaisten elintarvikkeiden ja rehujen kemiallinen valvonta-analytiikka: pestisidijäämät ja vierasaineet
Kati Hakala, erikoistutkija, Ruokavirasto
14:45–15:15 Mikrobiologisten ja kemiallisten vaarojen esiintyvyys kasvipohjaisissa lihalle ja maitotuotteille vaihtoehtoisissa tuotteissa
Petra Pasonen, erikoistutkija, Ruokavirasto
15:15–15:45 Teollisuuden näkökulmia: Kasvipohjaisten tuotteiden mahdollisuudet ja haasteet – turvallisuus osana tuotekehitystä
Case 1
Case 2
9:30–12:00
206 (KS)
Bio-based materials, biodegradability, recyclability
How can thermoanalytics be utilized in the development and processing of biobased materials and compounds but also in research regarding microplastics and plastics recycling? Both the development of new biobased materials and the utilization of recycled materials require an understanding of their mechanical and thermal properties. Hence, thermoanalytical methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis, are vital characterization methods in the search for sustainable materials and in recycling of existing materials.
Read the blog post: FinTAC – Bio-based, biodegradability and recyclability
Organizer: FinTAC
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9:30–9:35 Welcome!
Jukka Niskanen, FinTAC – Finnish Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry Association
9:35–10:10 Keynote: Applications of thermal analysis in Plastics recycling
Jani Pelto, Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy
10:20–10:45 Thermoanalytics of biobased materials
Hossein Baniasadi, Aalto yliopisto
11:00–11:25 Microplastics concerns of Biopolymers
Konstantin Malafeev, Tampereen yliopisto
11:30–11:55 Bio-sourced dynamic textiles – driving shape-change with ambient heat- and light-impulses
Jaana Vapaavuori, Aalto yliopisto
11:55–12:00 Closing the session
Jukka Niskanen, FinTAC