Data Agents
Meet your Data Agents — researchers offering hands-on support on data management.
Nikolai Ponomarev, Hossein Baniasadi and Jorge Velasco start as Data Agents at the School of Chemical Engineering
Aalto Open Research Network has new members, Nikolai Ponomarev, Hossein Baniasadi and Jorge Velasco. Their aim is to support data management practices at the School of Chemical Engineering along with existing CHEM Data Agent, Pedro Silva.
Hossein Baniasadi and Jorge Velasco from the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, and Nikolai Ponomarev from the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems have joined the Aalto University Open Research Network as new Data Agents for the School of Chemical Engineering. They are joining existing CHEM Data Agent, Pedro Silva from the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science.
Hossein Baniasadi is an experienced researcher, currently working in the Polymer Synthesis Technology group, as well as a staff scientist responsible for supervising the use of analytical instruments. He is interested in good practices that help keep data well-organised and ensure the quality and reliability of research data.
Jorge Velasco is a Research Fellow in the Catalysis research group. His team, lead by professor Riikka Puurunen, has experience with open science practices such as publishing research data and code. Jorge is also interested in the ways data management plans can be used as a practical tool to agree on and document shared practices.
Nikolai Ponomarev works as a postdoctoral researcher in the Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation group. His passions include carbon porous materials, design of experiments, chemometrics, and conducting techno-economic and life cycle assessments (TEA and LCA). Additionally, he is an enthusiast in IPRs, securing funding, and managing projects, all of which fuel his motivation for advancing innovation in his field. He has experience with using programming languages such as Python and R in his research, and he is also interested in exploring the possibilities of sharing research data through repositories.
Data Agents help researchers in their departments with matters related to research data management and take part in the activities of the wider Aalto Open Research Network. They can be contacted directly or through the researchdata@aalto.fi support address.
Data Agents also host webinars in the network's biannual open research training series.
Research Data Management (RDM)
Aalto University offers comprehensive services, guidance, and support to help you manage your data efficiently. Explore our collection of resources and external links to boost your research.
Training in Research Data Management and Open Science
Join Aalto University's Open Research Network for open-to-all training.
Data Agents at the School of CHEM
Read more news
Which team deserves the Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award? Submit your nomination by 16 October
The award may be given to a team that does pioneering work to advance education, research or artistic activity, or to enable the international success of the Aalto University community
Mentor Elina Nauha: Mentoring was a mutual and enjoyable learning experience
First-time mentor and chemical engineering alumna Elina Nauha joined the program despite some initial hesitation. It turned out she had much to offer—and to gain.
Aalto Distinguished Professor Jukka Pekola’s message: Basic research is at the heart of progress
Department of Applied Physics Professor Jukka Pekola was appointed Aalto Distinguished Professor on September 1, 2026.