Over 8 Million Euros from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation for Future Solutions

Johanna Sippo

3.6.2025

A Smarter Way to Model and Analyze the Sun’s Magnetic Field

Associate Professor Maarit Korpi-Lagg from Aalto University has established a new scientific field in Finland: astroinformatics—an interdisciplinary area combining astronomy and computer science.

Her team received a €295,000 grant to model the Sun’s magnetic fields. Traditional simulations are energy- and resource-intensive, producing data volumes that are difficult to store or analyze. The group aims to develop a new hybrid model that combines AI and traditional simulations, enabling real-time analysis of both small- and large-scale phenomena without generating massive data loads. This innovative approach is especially significant for predicting satellite operations and communication disruptions. It may also benefit astronomy and fusion research more broadly.

Three Grants for Young Research Leaders

This round prominently featured young group leaders conducting high-level scientific research. Three such leaders received grants, together accounting for 24% of the round’s total funding. Their research topics included aromatic hydrocarbons, protein foams, and ultrasound-guided 3D printing.

Everyday Products as a Source of Fine Particles

Aromatic hydrocarbons—released from products like paints, solvents, and hygiene items—significantly impact fine particle levels in air. A team led by Academy Research Fellow Siddharth Iyer from Tampere University is studying how these hydrocarbons react with air and promote harmful particle formation. These particles affect both human health and the climate. The research integrates modeling and lab experiments to improve air quality and climate predictions, and support better policy design. The team was granted €768,000.

Precision Control of Protein Foams Opens New Possibilities

As the food system shifts from animal-based to plant-based and synthetic alternatives, preserving the sensory qualities of familiar products—like foaming—is essential. While current technology allows modification of such properties, the molecular-level understanding is still lacking.

Assistant Professor Matti Javanainen from Tampere University leads a research team developing a method that combines computational and experimental tools to explore the structure and behavior of protein foams. The goal is to enable precise tuning of foaming properties for food and material industries. The team received €479,000.

3D Printing Without Incisions – Direct Biomaterial Delivery into the Body

Post-Doctoral Researcher Peter Weber’s team at the University of Helsinki was granted €373,000 to develop a new ultrasound-based 3D printing method. This technique enables production without moving print heads or high temperatures, making it ideal for sensitive materials like biomaterials.

In the future, this could have major medical applications, such as printing biomaterials directly inside the body from the outside, avoiding surgery.

Many New Applicants Involved

“This round saw a particularly broad range of applications in the field of technology, with many new applicants from different career stages—both experienced and early-career researchers. Especially basic science projects stood out positively. The competition was tough, and many high-quality applications went unfunded,” noted Hanna-Mari Peltomäki, the foundation’s Secretary General.

Further information:

Hanna-Mari Peltomäki, Secretary General, Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation
hanna-mari.peltomaki@jaes.fi, phone + 358 44 513 1069

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