A.I. Virtanen Prize 2025 to Professor Kari Rissanen for the development of supramolecular chemistry and nanochemistry

The A.I. Virtanen Prize is one of the most significant scientific recognitions in Finland. Named after Academician and Professor Artturi Ilmari Virtanen, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1945, it is awarded in the field of chemistry every eighth year.

Professor Kari Rissanen from the University of Jyväskylä was awarded the A.I. Virtanen Prize in recognition of his significant scientific, educational and social contributions and impact. He received the Prize at a festive event held at the University of Helsinki on 10 December 2025. Rissanen is honoured by this recognition.

“I am really happy, yet a bit surprised to receive the prize,” says Professor Rissanen. “It is a great honour to be recognised for work that has been my passion for decades.” 

A pioneer in supramolecular chemistry

Kari Rissanen has worked as a professor of organic chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Jyväskylä since 1995. He has enjoyed a long career researching supramolecular chemistry, nanochemistry and X-ray crystallography, and is the most significant pioneer in this field in Finland. His internationally renowned research team has achieved several internationally notable scientific breakthroughs in supramolecular crystallography and the research of molecular interactions.

“Recently, my research has focused on investigating intermolecular interactions, which provide a basis for the design and synthesis of supramolecules and nanoscale structures,” says Rissanen. “One particularly interesting area is the study of halogen bonding, which my research team has been investigating since 2007. The new molecules we have developed based on halogen bonding can be used as a new type of reagent in several chemical reactions.” 

Rissanen has played a central role in developing supramolecular and nanochemistry in Finland. His extensive international networks and expertise in supramolecular chemistry and X-ray crystallography have established a robust foundation for successful chemistry research at the University of Jyväskylä. 

Several awards and recognitions

Rissanen has received international recognition and awards in the past. These include the highly regarded Alexander von Humboldt Research Award, which recognises major achievements throughout a research career, and the Nanotech Finland Award, granted by the FinNano Programme in recognition of his contributions to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology in Finland. He has also been a member of Academia Europæa since 2008 and has received the Magnus Ehrnrooth Prize in Chemistry.

The President of Finland previously granted Rissanen the Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland and the First Class Knight of the White Rose of Finland to Rissanen for his academic achievements. He is also an honorary doctor of Tallinn University of Technology, in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of supramolecular chemistry and X-ray crystallography. Rissanen worked as an academy professor for two terms (2008–2017).

“I am grateful for the recognition I’ve received, and it’s great that my work is appreciated,” says Rissanen. “These awards and recognitions demonstrate the importance of cooperation and the support of the scientific community throughout this journey. Thank you to everyone who has been involved, and let’s continue to promote science and search for new discoveries together.”