Mirka and Åbo Akademi University in New Collaboration

The agreement was signed today (12 June) at the Mirka headquarters in Jeppo, marking a new chapter in an already established and long-standing collaboration. 
The partnership aims to strengthen and expand collaboration in research, education, and innovation, prioritising tangible benefits for society and businesses in Finland and across the globe.

Mirka is a Finnish-based global leader in innovative abrasives and surface treatment solutions. The company is a global leader in the automotive, timber, and composite industries, with a strong commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation.

Mirka and Åbo Akademi University have an established research partnership, including multiple large-scale projects supported by Business Finland’s Veturi programme. 

Their most recent collaboration, the €3 million REMIS project (Recycling of Mineral Side Streams), focuses on advancing the recycling of construction and demolition waste and industrial by-products. The project brings together researchers from Åbo Akademi University in both Vaasa and Turku, working in collaboration with Mirka and other industry partners.

Since 2024, Mirka has also rented laboratory space in Åbo Akademi University’s Aurum facility in Turku, an innovative industrial collaboration that generates mutual benefits.

'This provides Mirka with access to advanced equipment while optimising the utilisation of Åbo Akademi’s research infrastructure. Mirka’s physical presence in our laboratories fosters closer engagement with researchers and students, creating opportunities for collaborative projects including thesis work. It strengthens the workplace relevance of our academic programmes,' says Patrik Henelius, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

The partnership enhances Åbo Akademi University’s interdisciplinary and cross-faculty collaboration with society and industry in Ostrobothnia. It engages students, doctoral researchers, and staff across both Vaasa and Turku.

Mats Sundell, Research and Development Director at Mirka, is pleased that the company is further strengthening its long-standing collaboration with Åbo Akademi University.

'Through this strategic partnership, we aim to bridge industry and academia, working together to tackle future challenges with innovative solutions. We are proud to join Åbo Akademi University’s network of expertise and look forward to a positive collaboration across both the Turku and Vaasa campuses.'

Åbo Akademi University’s Acting Rector, Gunilla Widén, warmly welcomes the strengthened collaboration.

'This partnership marks a significant milestone in Åbo Akademi University’s mission to unite academic excellence with societal impact. It amplifies our investments in Ostrobothnia while driving knowledge creation and innovation with both regional significance and broader societal impact.'

For more information, please contact:

Marko Joas, Vice-rector for Collaboration, Åbo Akademi University
marko.joas@abo.fi
+358 40 072 6125

Mats Sundell, Research and Development Director, Mirka
mats.sundell@mirka.com
+358 40 094 8019