Julia Vuorinen is a changer in the field. Before his current work at VTT, he worked as a business developer in the “textile and nonwoven materials” research team on biomaterials. The business scientist's work included project-based operational reforms from planning to implementation in many industries, including the ICT sector.
“I liked my job, but I felt like I was a generalist. I realized that I still needed more substantive knowledge.”
A change of field that had been on her mind for a long time finally materialized during her maternity leave. Vuorinen returned to school at Aalto, now studying chemical engineering.
The decision to change fields was not easy.
“It was also a big financial risk. But if changing the field feels important, then it’s worth it. I’m really happy with how inspiring it has been to learn something new. It’s also important to me that I get to participate in solving the challenges of sustainable development.”
His previous work as a business developer also gives him tools for his current job.
"It is interesting and challenging to attract people to do something differently than before. I am also familiar with the operational implementation of changes, such as new business or new products. At VTT, I will be able to both develop new textile materials and utilize my commercial expertise in, among other things, an EU-funded project supporting the circular economy in the textile industry."
We need to communicate about organic products
The need to do things differently is also evident in bio-based products and materials. Products based on forest-based biomass are an essential part of sustainable development and the already changing production structure.
“A broad mindset shift is also needed to get consumers to switch to bio-based products. Communication and guidance are needed to increase their sales. A mindset shift is also needed in companies to offer such products and invest in their development. The scientific community also needs to develop its ability to communicate its research to a wider audience.”
Vuorinen admits that at the beginning of his biotechnology studies he was surprised by how versatile biomass is as a raw material.
“When I first thought of the forest industry, I thought of paper, packaging and construction materials, and new textile fibers. But cellulose can also be used in medicine, electronics, food, industrial processes, and various consumer goods. The potential was surprising.”
He believes that the forest industry is well on its way to reforming its production.
“Startups are an important part of development, but large companies are absolutely needed to fully exploit the potential of the bioeconomy.”
Vuorinen also points out that not everything can and should be made bio-based. The development of synthetic materials has been a long process, and there are many products with better properties than bio-based ones. Bio-based does not automatically mean a solution with better environmental impacts.
“I think it is important that in addition to developing new bio-based products, we also focus on how to reduce the adverse effects of products made from fossil raw materials.”
reduce."
Three tips for students:
1. Don't stress if you don't know what you want to study right away. Biotechnology is a broad field that offers a variety of jobs in different fields. You will have time to decide.
2. Remember the 80/20 principle. Spend 80% of your study time on what you are actually interested in. It is worth reserving 20% for other than hard substantive knowledge, because researchers also need to be able to communicate their work and network.
3. Learning and mastering new skills doesn't end when you go to work. You can build a solid foundation at school, but in working life you're constantly learning more.
