The Faculty of Mathematics and Science is building the future
The Faculty of Mathematics and Science, the largest unit at the University of Jyväskylä, is renowned for its internationally recognised research and high-quality education in science and mathematics. This autumn, the faculty celebrates its 60th anniversary.
“The faculty’s strength derives from its rich and multisectoral research environment, which provides prerequisites for significant scientific advancements and international top expertise,” says Dean Mikko Mönkkönen. “We are trendsetters in multidisciplinary research and promote innovative development at the interfaces of new scientific fields.”
The fact that the faculty currently has ten researchers funded by the European Research Council (ERC) is an indicator of its top-class research.
“This is an excellent proof of international research expertise and our faculty’s attractiveness among top researchers,” says Mönkkönen.
Science builds a better future
The Faculty of Mathematics and Science generates expertise and new knowledge to inform decision-making processes, addressing essential global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion and human health. The faculty’s multidisciplinary approach, combining mathematical thinking, scientific research, and technological development, enables the creation of innovative solutions for local and international needs.
“Education and research play a key role in overcoming big challenges in society,” says Mönkkönen. “Our faculty produces reliable information and nurtures responsible professionals who change the world, both now and in the future.”
The faculty’s societal impact is spearheaded by planetary well-being, safety and health as well as advanced materials and technologies.
Planetary well-being – a mission that matters
The focus of planetary well-being is on creating an integrated future in terms of resource wisdom, sustainable nature and climate, and securing the long-term needs of humans and nature.
“We are international pioneers, working across faculty borders to calculate the carbon and biodiversity footprints of organisations in collaboration with various organisations,” says Janne Kotiaho, Professor of Ecology and the operative director of the School of Resource Wisdom (JYU.Wisdom) at the University of Jyväskylä.
Research and practical protection measures go hand in hand
The faculty’s work also supports biodiversity preservation. For instance, the Konnevesi Research Station is home to Finland’s only institutional nursery for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. This work plays a vital role in protecting this species and preserving the diversity of aquatic ecosystems.
“The reproduction of the mussel has become more difficult due to changes in the natural habitats,” says Professor Jouni Taskinen, Director of the Research Station. “At the Research Station, however, we can promote the reproduction of this endangered species in laboratory conditions, particularly when natural reproduction is no longer possible. This approach combines scientific knowledge with practical measures to preserve the diversity of aquatic ecosystems.”
Safety and health – practically oriented research together with companies
Cooperation with companies makes it possible to bring solutions into practice. In the field of safety and health, for instance, scientists are developing biobased and safe materials that can be used to prevent virus infections. For example, a research team led by Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology Varpu Marjomäki is developing biobased antivirals. This research uses raw materials sourced from Finnish forests to kill viruses on various surfaces and on the skin.
“We are working with several companies to develop these kinds of functional materials. Biobased solutions of natural origin are also of high interest to corporations, and we have an opportunity here to set trends,” rejoices Professor Varpu Marjomäki.
In cooperation with Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), the faculty has designed a new type of portable multipurpose radiation detector that can detect almost all types of ionising radiation. This device could be useful for industrial and medical radiologists, authorities, the nuclear industry, first-response operators, and defence industries, among others.
Advanced materials and technologies – transforming waste into highly refined products
The principles of sustainable development, responsibility and climate change control are appearing with increasing frequency in corporate strategies, product development and everyday choices. Innovative 3D metal scavengers developed at the faculty enable the recycling of metals, and a JYU-based start-up company called Weeefiner Ltd has commercialised this technology.
“The 3D metal scavengers that we have developed can clean metal-containing water and enable the recycling of heavy metals,” says Professor of Circular Economy Ari Väisänen. “For example, the Finnish Defence Forces are interested in this technology, which can be used to screen out heavy metals from waters at shooting ranges. However, it can also be used to recycle metals, some of which are needed in industry.”
New master’s degree programmes in technology provide expertise for future challenges
The faculty is also updating its educational provision in response to the changing needs of society.
“Along with these reforms, we are producing competent professionals who are capable of solving current challenges and building a sustainable future,” says Vice Dean for Education Maija Nissinen.
Two new master’s degree programmes in technology will start in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science in 2026. The safety technology programme is unique and cannot be studied anywhere else. No other programme integrates scientific learning with safety issues in such a holistic way. The statistics and data science programme educates experts in analysing complex phenomena and supporting data-based decision-making. This field offers excellent career prospects, as the quantity of data sets is constantly growing and professionals are needed to process them.
“The new technology degree programmes provide opportunities for closer cooperation with companies, research institutes and other organisations. They open up new possibilities to combine research and practice,” says Juha Karvanen, Professor of Statistics at the University of Jyväskylä.
Building a future for six decades
The faculty is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. During this milestone year, we will highlight the faculty’s achievements and people behind them. At the same time, we look back on the faculty’s impressive history, which has laid a strong foundation for the future. The main celebration will take place on 6 November 2025.
