Mikko Sipil\u00e4\u2019s research focuses on the formation of atmospheric particles. Studying the first steps of atmospheric particle formation is challenging in terms of measurement technology, and the development of measurement techniques is a cross-cutting feature of Sipil\u00e4\u2019s work. Sipil\u00e4 is a leading developer of measurement equipment in his field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet research run its full course to make the most of it\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mikko Sipil\u00e4 and his research team were the first to report a direct experimental observation of the particle formation mechanism outside the laboratory, and he is one of the world\u2019s leading atmospheric scientists. Sipil\u00e4 is highly experienced and skilled in field observations and has also led many measurement campaigns. In recent years, measurements have been carried out at the particularly challenging research stations in the Antarctic and Arctic regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI want my work to help humankind solve its major problems, such as climate change and species extinction. I hope that my work on atmospheric research, mainly on particulates and various vapours in the atmosphere, will at least partly produce significant knowledge to help understand the causes and consequences of global change and contribute to solving the problems,\u201d Sipil\u00e4 says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sipil\u00e4\u2019s research has considerable social impact. The results of his research have been put to use in a wide variety of ways, and he has participated, among other things, in establishing three spin-off companies producing services and measurement equipment. Sipil\u00e4 says that he actively strives to generate impact. As such, the results of his research may be difficult to apply, but when they are adopted in global climate models, for example, they have social impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Sipil\u00e4, research can sometimes lead to surprising opportunities. \u201cIn my case, they have been measurement techniques and technical solutions that have had new application areas. For example, when we discovered that the methods we had developed for detecting rare atmospheric compounds revealed explosives with unprecedented accuracy, I decided to find out whether our methods would be suitable to prevent the misuse of explosives. This work led to the establishment of a company focusing on improving civil aviation safety,\u201d Sipil\u00e4 explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDeveloping your research at university to the point where it can be turned into a business is a long road. In my own career, I\u2019ve been supported by the freedom of research and the long-term funding of the Academy of Finland, which makes it possible to launch new projects. It\u2019s a good idea to let research run its full course to make the most of its opportunities. It can bring us a better environment, increased security or new jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In research, Sipil\u00e4 appreciates the freedom to become interested in new things and make discoveries. \u201cSuccess is possible when you realise that there are no ready answers and no ready practices or models when you\u2019re working on something completely new.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mikko Sipil\u00e4 obtained a PhD in physics at the University of Helsinki in 2010. He received Academy Research Fellow funding in 2016. He currently works as Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki. Sipil\u00e4 leads a research team and, since 2020, heads the University of Helsinki\u2019s V\u00e4rri\u00f6 Sub-Arctic Research Station in Salla. Sipil\u00e4 was awarded an ERC Starting Grant in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n See Academy of Finland news here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n