School of Chemical Engineering

Alum of the year awards at the School of Chemical Engineering

The School of Chemical Engineering's Alum of the Year is a person who has made a significant contribution to Finnish society and working life. Alumni of the Year have also contributed to the interaction between the school and society or alumni.
Lehmuskuja

School of Chemical Engineering alum of the year:

2025 Petri Lehmus

2023 Juha-Pekka Pitkänen

2021 Reetta Kaila

2020 Anu Kaukovirta

2019 Kari Knuutila

2018 Marita Niemelä

2017 Niklas von Weymarn

A man in a dark suit and blue tie stands in a wooden room with large windows and hanging lights.

From polymer technology to international research centres – Chemical engineering alum of the year Petri Lehmus

Petri Lehmus, Vice President of Research and Development at Neste Corporation, has been named alum of the year by the School of Chemical Engineering. Throughout his career, he has led international research centres, built the success story of Neste’s renewable business and advanced chemical engineering research and education at Aalto University.

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Juha-Pekka Pitkänen

Food out of thin air and green electricity – School of Chemical Engineering Alum of the Year Juha-Pekka Pitkänen

Alum of the Year Juha-Pekka Pitkänen draws on everything he has learned at Otaniemi when he does his work.

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A portrait of Reetta Kaila from Wärtsilä looking off-camera

Alumna of the Year 2021 Reetta Kaila has built a career that lives up to her values

Reetta Kaila, D.Sc. (Tech.), has been selected as the Alumna of the Year 2021 of the School of Chemical Engineering. Kaila, who is the Director of Sustainable Fuels and Environment at Wärtsilä Energy, is on a mission to reduce emissions and create a sustainable society.

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Doctor of Technology Anu Kaukovirta

Anu Kaukovirta has been selected as the School of Chemical Engineering's Alumnus of the Year 2020

As a sign of her significant career and role in our society, Doctor of Technology Anu Kaukovirta has been selected as the School of Chemical Engineering's Alumnus of the Year 2020. She has worked as both a researcher and a director in industry and research institutes and throughout her career has been in close contact with her school. Currently, Anu works at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) as Vice President of Research.

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Kristiina Kruus ja Kari Knuutila

Alumnus of the year Kari Knuutila: Aalto University looks far into the future

According to the Alumnus of the year of the School of Chemical Engineering, in industry one can see sustainable development become business.

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Photo: Helena Seppälä

Marita Niemelä Alumna of the Year 2018 of the School of Chemical Engineering

Curiosity and constant learning are the driving forces for the Vice President, Engineering and Technology at Neste Engineering Solutions Oy.

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Alumnus of the Year, Niklas von Weymarn. The award was presented by Dean Janne Laine. (Photo: Helena Seppälä)

Niklas von Weymarn is the first Alumnus of the Year of the School of Chemical Engineering

The title was presented to von Weymarn as a recognition for his significant achievements in his career and for his continuous collaboration with the School of Chemical Engineering.

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