The Circular Materials Bioeconomy Network (CIMANET) is a doctoral education network that spans nine Finnish universities. Coordinated by Aalto University, this multidisciplinary consortium provides funding to more than 60 PhD students with the aim of uncovering future industrial innovations and solutions. The good news for wood construction is that three interconnected doctoral projects at Tampere University and Aalto University are recipients of this support.

Read the article in Finnish here.

Since 2021, Tampere University’s researchers in industrial wood construction have striven for close cooperation with other research groups in structural engineering, architecture, and real estate development. Through CIMANET, Tampere University’s practice-oriented research gained a significant boost from Aalto University’s expertise in biomaterials, leading to three new doctoral dissertation projects starting in early August 2024.

1. PhD candidate Shaghayegh Elahi is investigating the possibilities of mycelia – the root-like structures of fungi – in industrial wood construction products. Compression-moulded mycelia show potential in suite demanding construction products due to its good material properties. Abroad, scientists have already studied the use of mycelia in brick-like building elements and acoustic panels, among other applications. The research at Tampere University delves into leveraging this material’s strength and stiffness in load-bearing and non-load-bearing wooden structures. Professor Sami Pajunen is supervising.
2. At Aalto University, Professor Lauri Rautkari is supervising a study that inspects the growth of mycelia, the optimisation of their material properties, and potentially even the addition of new properties. PhD candidate Kimiya Tajik began this research in August after completing her master’s degree at Tampere University.
3. The third project, managed by Professor Markku Karjalainen, explores wood fibre-based thermal insulation in the context of low-carbon industrial wood construction, looking at potential new uses for the products and their environmental effects. By investing in the research and development of wood fibre insulation products and their potential uses and by increasing the production and export of these products, Finland can improve the added value from its forests. A particular focus of the study is the fire safety of wood fibre-based products, as it currently limits usage in multi-storey construction in many countries. Architect Jami Järvinen is conducting the research as part of his doctoral studies.

Read more: Graduate School of Industrial Timber Construction | Tampere Universities (tuni.fi) CIMANET Doctoral Education Network | Aalto University