Photonics Finland held its regular spring meeting in conjunction with the OPD2025 event in Oulu in May. Key decisions of the meeting included the election of the association’s new chairperson, vice-chairperson, and board.
The new chairperson is Sanna Aikio from VTT and the vice-chairperson is Niklas Saxén from Hyreca Oy. The selection is significant, as for the first time in the association’s 11-year history, the chairperson represents VTT – Finland’s leading applied research organization and a strong player in the field of photonics.
“Photonics Finland plays an important role in strengthening the Finnish photonics ecosystem.” It’s great to see that we have an even broader group of participants involved, and it is a great honor to continue this work. We are already doing a lot of good, but I believe that with small steps we can further develop our impact, diversity, and collaboration with the entire community.”
– Sanna Aikio, Chairperson
At the same time, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to the previous chairperson, Kim Grundström, for her long-term contributions to the development of the association’s activities and the strengthening of its international visibility.
New board – a strong combination of research and business
At the spring meeting, a new board was also elected for the term 2025–2026. Each member was assigned a personal alternate.
Photonics Finland – New board:
- Kim Grundström, Kimmy Photonics Ltd. – alternate member Heidi Piili, University of Turku
- Birgit Päivänranta, Microsoft – alternate member Jussi Rahomäki, Canatu Oy
- Timo Vuorenpää, Peak PC – alternate member Samuli Siitonen, Nanocomp
- Paul Verrinder, Aalto University – alternate member Jouko Korppi-Tommola, University of Jyväskylä
- Polina Kuzhir, University of Eastern Finland – alternate member Antti Isomäki, University of Helsinki
- Juha Toivonen, University of Tampere – alternate member Göery Genty, University of Tampere
- Tapio Kallonen, Specim Spectral Imaging Oy Ltd – alternate member Ana Gebejes, University of Eastern Finland
The new board brings a wide range of expertise and strengthens the association’s ability to develop Finland’s photonics ecosystem both domestically and internationally.