The appointment is intended to strengthen collaboration between the university, industry and research in sustainable development and the circular economy.
Maija Pohjakallio, a climate and circularity expert at Metsä Group, has been appointed professor of practice at the department of mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Turku.
Her five-year term runs from 1 Sep 2026 to 31 Aug 2031. The part-time position will allow Pohjakallio to continue in her current role at Metsä.
The appointment is intended to strengthen collaboration between the University of Turku and Metsä, while creating opportunities for greater interaction between research, education and industry.
Pohjakallio is a docent and doctor of science (technology), with expertise in the circular economy and polymer materials.
“The professor of practice position enables me to engage with the academic community, while my work at Metsä keeps me grounded in industrial practice. I find this combination particularly inspiring, as it allows me to interact with diverse people, ideas and perspectives. At the same time, it creates new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and societal impact,” said Pohjakallio.
She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between different stakeholders in advancing the circular economy.
“One of the most significant barriers to developing the circular economy is society’s siloed way of operating. New models of collaboration are key to overcoming these barriers,” Pohjakallio said.
At the University of Turku, professors of practice are appointed to bring perspectives from different sectors into academia and enhance the university’s societal impact. The positions can be awarded to accomplished experts, executives and professionals.
Kati Miettunen, professor of materials engineering at the University of Turku, said Pohjakallio’s appointment would strengthen the university’s ability to address challenges and opportunities related to sustainable development and the circular economy.
“Access to up-to-date, practical insights are essential for the development of teaching and research in the field. Pohjakallio combines extensive experience from both industry and research, along with a broad understanding of the needs and operating environment of businesses in Finland and across Europe,” said Miettunen.
Pohjakallio joined Metsä in 2021. Before that, she held positions at Sulapac, VTT and the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, as well as research and teaching roles.
She received her doctorate in physical chemistry and electrochemistry from Helsinki University of Technology, now part of Aalto University, in 1996.
