Neste is making donations to three Finnish universities. This funding is intended to foster groundbreaking catalysis research and strengthen long-term academic expertise across three areas: catalysis engineering (Åbo Akademi University), catalysis chemistry (University of Eastern Finland), and catalysis modeling (University of Jyväskylä).
The recipients were selected by paying particular attention to pioneering work in different but complementary areas of catalysis research, spanning from modeling to preparation and engineering.
“Fostering research on catalysis is also essential for the expansion of Neste’s current and future raw material base, supporting the use of waste and residues from a wide variety of streams as raw materials. There is extensive catalysts research and development in Finland, and we wish to support the valuable work of the research teams and strengthen competence building in catalysis further,” says Lars Peter Lindfors, Senior Vice President, Technology and Innovation at Neste.
Catalysts support the expanding use of diverse raw materials
Neste refineries produce renewable and fossil fuels for road transportation, aviation, marine, and industrial uses, as well as renewable and circular solutions for the polymers and chemicals industries.
Catalysts are essential in refining renewable, recycled, and fossil raw materials. Catalysts accelerate and direct chemical reactions during the refining process and transform various raw materials into a diverse range of high-quality fuel products. As an example, one of these chemical processes at the refinery is hydrotreatment, during which impurities – such as sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen – are removed from raw materials.
Neste in brief
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for mitigating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. The company is the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, enabling its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste refines waste, residues and other renewable raw materials to high-quality renewable fuels at its refineries located on three continents. The company’s annual renewable fuels production capacity will be increased to 6.8 million tons in 2027. Neste has high standards for sustainability and the company has consistently been recognized by several leading sustainability indices. In 2024, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 20.6 billion. Read more: neste.com.
Photo caption: The event organized for the donations provided the leaders of the university research teams – professors Karoliina Honkala, Dmitry Murzin, Tapio Salmi, and Mika Suvanto – an opportunity to discuss the opportunities to enhance both the catalysis-related competence development and research. In the photo from the left Lars Peter Lindfors, Senior Vice President, Technology and Innovation at Neste; Mika Suvanto, Head of Department of Chemistry and Sustainable Technology, Professor at University of Eastern Finland; Teija Laitinen, Manager R&D Partnerships at Neste; Karoliina Honkala, Professor of Chemistry at University of Jyväskylä; Tapio Salmi, Professor of Chemical Reaction Engineering at Åbo Akademi University; Petri Lehmus, Vice President, Research & Development at Neste; and Dmitry Murzin, Professor of Chemical Technology at Åbo Akademi University. Photo: Neste
