Joensuu is an internationally significant player in both photonics and forest bioeconomy. The photonics field is growing rapidly around the world, and Joensuu is recognised as one of its hubs.
There are more than 350 photonics professionals working in the city, and that number is constantly increasing. Joensuu is also the largest provider of photonics education in Finland.
In Joensuu, the forest bioeconomy field employs more than 6,000 people, of which 600 are in expert and development positions. Experts in the field graduate with almost 20 different degrees.
Let’s meet some people working in forest bioeconomy and photonics.
Markus Soikkeli, Quality Technician, Nanocomp Oy
‘I’m actually a good example of how people from many different backgrounds can end up in the photonics field. I originally graduated as a car painter and had time to try several professions before finding my way to Nanocomp four years ago.
Nanocomp manufactures nano-optical components used in, for example, mobile device displays and pattern recognition.
I started as a Production Quality Inspector and have since become a Quality Technician. Among other things, I am responsible for programming 3D measuring devices and supporting production.
The variability and development of work are the best parts of the field, and I recommend photonics as a field to anyone. This is a constantly evolving setcor, and I am certain there will always be work in it, as long as electronics and LED lights exist!’
Rauno Tanskanen, Forester, City of Joensuu
‘Because I grew up in the countryside, the forest has always been a familiar environment for me. As a little boy, I dreamed of becoming a police officer or working in construction, but I ended up working in forestry.
After graduating as a forestry engineer, I started working as a Forester for the City of Joensuu in 2012. I got a permanent position in 2017. I have been working the same job since then.
The duties of a Forester working for the city are diverse and varied. In addition to forestry, they include planting, clearing and completing special tasks in park areas. I’ve even worked in clearing snow, and right now, I’m working on new posts for putting up name plates for Joensuu’s woodland park.
I appreciate the freedom and fresh air that my work offers. I also don’t need to go to the gym, because my days are spent doing physical labour.
The job is truly varied that gives you a lot of responsibility and freedom while planning your work.’
Anni Lehmuskero, Senior Optics Specialist, Entangly / Professor of Practice, UEF
‘I got excited about photonics already in upper secondary school, and the field is still as promising as it was then.
I wrote my doctoral dissertation on photonics. After that, I have worked abroad as a researcher and later moved on to the industrial side of optical design and product development.
Currently, I work for the Entangly consulting company, where I participate in e.g. optics design, measuring and sales work. In Joensuu, I am in charge of developing the recently opened branch. At the same time, I am a Professor of Practice at the University of Eastern Finland, where I promote photonics education and cooperation between the university and businesses.
Photonics offers extensive opportunities for those interested in engineering, and the studies combine many different areas, such as physics, mathematics and computing.’
Johanna Routa, Research Manager, LUKE
‘In a way, what lead me to forest research was paragliding. My husband and I ran a business that imported paragliders and related equipment. Later, after our children were born, I started thinking about changing my career. I ended up studying forest science at the university in Joensuu.
The forest was the first thing that came to mind. Naturally, my decision was also influenced by the fact that, as the mother of a large family, I needed to find a place to study in Joensuu.
I work at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), where I lead research projects, such as the REpower EU project, which focuses on improving energy security. The research area covers the optimisation of bioenergy and wood fuels. As a research manager, I am responsible for a wide range of forestry, inventory, forest planning and forest cultivation projects.
At LUKE, we do work that is meaningful and produce researched information to support decision-making. The importance of forests is only increasing, and the need for researched information is becoming more pronounced.’
Elina Koistinen, Executive Director, European Optical Society (EOS)
‘I am the Executive Director of the European Optical Society (EOS), and I’m responsible for the activities, event production and projects of an organisation with over 4,000 members.
EOS is an umbrella organisation for European optics and photonics experts and national associations in the field, and it promotes research, education and industrial development in the field.’ EOS organises international conferences and workshops, publishes scientific articles and provides networking opportunities for researchers, students and businesses.
‘To keep growing, the field needs more experts and funding.’ According to Koistinen, Joensuu in particular is an exemplary centre for photonics education and research.
‘Photonics offers huge career opportunities, and the field is very international. This is a great choice for students who want to find employment in technology,’ Koistinen says.
‘Joensuu offers first-rate education in the field. The city is Finland’s leading photonics educator, and several companies in the field are located in the area!’
This material was produced as part of the activities of the City of Joensuu Innovation Ecosystem Agreement (ERDF), co-funded by the European Union and the city of Joensuu.