Raisio plc’s Research Foundation supports scientific research on a public utility basis that is related to the development and utilization of foods, food and feed ingredients made from primarily domestic crops. Research related to the manufacturing processes and product safety of food, food ingredients and feed ingredients are also within the scope of the foundation’s activities.
In recent years, the Foundation has executed its activity by awarding personal salary grants for postgraduate studies aiming at a doctoral degree. In addition, the Foundation awards recognition scholarships to well executed master’s theses.
The Board of Directors of the Research Foundation has decided to award a total of EUR 172,083 in post graduate research grants for 2024. For practical reasons the amount to be awarded in 2024 is 135,210 euros.
At its meeting held on November 24, 2023, the Board of Directors of Raisio plc’s Research Foundation decided to award a total of EUR 172 083 in post graduate research grants for the year 2024. Taking into account possible other research grants and possible doctoral researcher positions under an employment contract at universities, the Research Foundation will distribute EUR 135 210 to six PhD student in 2024.
The grant of the Research Foundation are intended as a salary grant for a doctoral researcher. A doctoral researcher whose PhD topic is once awarded with a research grant of the Foundation has the opportunity to receive a salary grant for a maximum of four years, provided that the studies proceed according to plans. The overall duration of dissertations supported by grants of the Foundation is four years.
Continued postgraduate grants are decided annually on the basis of a separate application.
Based on the public grant application process held in October 2023, 16 new grant applications and five continued grant application were submitted to the Foundation within the deadline. The total amount of funding requested was EUR 478 433.
Raisio plc’s Research Foundation supports scientific research related to the development of foods, food ingredients and their production methods. The Research Foundation also supports research related to safety of food products and commercialization of food products.
In recent years, the Foundation has executed its activity by awarding personal salary grants for postgraduate studies aiming at a doctoral degree. In addition, awards recognition scholarships to well executed master’s theses.
Nazia Deoghare, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki)
PhD research title: Application of legumes for the development of zero-waste, carbon-neutral solutions for the brewing Industry.
The objective of the research of the dissertation is to investigate the potential use of legumes as an alternative to barely in the brewing process. This could lead to new types of nutritious beverages with reduced environmental impact.
Katja Kantanen, Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki
Dissertation title: Reduction of oligosaccharides from meat analogues utilizing fermentation, germination and enzymatic treatment
The dissertation focuses on the effects of fermentation, germination and enzymatic treatment of faba bean on high moisture extrusion and on the content of oligosaccharides like raffinose, stachyose and verbascose and on the structure, physico-chemical and sensorial properties of meat analogues.
Sini Kuosmanen, Department of Food and Nutrition and Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki
PhD research title: Plant-based diets and pulse consumption – Exploring advancing sustainable diets through Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model.
The dissertation deals with the transition towards more plant-based and sustainable diets specifically from the consumer perspective with a special focus on adding legumes, especially domestical faba beans and pea, into diets to partially replace animal proteins. The objective is to find out how plant-based eating and increasing legume consumption could be advanced both on societal and individual levels.
Petri Lassila, Department of Physics, Electronics Research Laboratory, University of Helsinki
The dissertation aims to develop novel solid fats, for the sustainable development of our society. In the work, a technology utilizing ultrasonic standing waves will be used to generate tailorable micrometer level structures in semi -solid lipids.
Anna Puganen, Food Sciences, Department of Life Technologies, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku
PhD research title: Connecting the lipid content and composition to the volatiles and perceived sensory quality in oat samples
The aim of the PhD research is to determine the lipid profiles of different oat lots representing different Finnish oat cultivars and to study the relationship between lipids, volatile compounds and perceived flavour as such and after storage. The goal of this research is to enhance the versatile use of Finnish oat cultivars in food products.
Anton Örn, Laboratory for Molecular Research and Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University
Dissertation title: Synthesis of rare sugars through site-selective epimerization
The thesis work aims to develop a cost effective production method for psicose that is based on the site-selective catalytic epimerization of fructose. The goal can be achieved by studying the materials and mechanisms of the required multiphase catalytic systems in detail.
In 2024 Raisio plc Research Foundation has granted seven scholarships for master’s theses. The value of one scholarship is €500.
University of Eastern Finland
Vilma Liikonen: Whole grains, tryptophan metabolism, and psychological distress
Anni Kuosmanen: The effect of oat bran on perceived satiety and physiological responses
University of Turku
Carla Vecenâncio da Silva: Sensory characteristics and phenolic profile of the first-generation interspecific hybrid strawberries
Zeynep Özturk: Functional screening of beneficial strains and consortia to maximize healthy fermentation potential
University of Helsinki
Katri Mäyrä: Body weight changes of a dairy cow and their relationship to milk production, rumination and metabolism
Tuuli Markkanen: Development of sustainable practices for using lake sediment as growing medium for grass production
Enni Ala-Kurikka: Effect of fermentation on sorghum phenolic compounds
At its meeting held on November 28, 2022, the Board of Directors of Raisio plc’s Research Foundation has decided to award a total of EUR 112,000 in post graduate research grants for 2023. The grants are intended as a salary grant for a doctoral student. A doctoral student whose PhD topic is once awarded with a research grant of the Foundation has the opportunity to receive a salary grant for a maximum of four years, provided that the studies proceed according to plans. Continued postgraduate grants are decided annually on the basis of a separate application.
Based on the public grant application process held in October 2022, 12 new grant applications and one continued grant application were submitted to the Foundation within the deadline. The total amount of funding requested was € 273 333 €.
New grants
Anna Puganen, Food Sciences, Department of Life Technologies, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku
PhD research title: Connecting the lipid content and composition to the volatiles and perceived sensory quality in oat samples
The aim of the PhD research is to determine the lipid profiles of different oat lots representing different Finnish oat cultivars and to study the relationship between lipids, volatile compounds and perceived flavour as such and after storage. The goal of this research is to enhance the versatile use of Finnish oat cultivars in food products.
Sini Kuosmanen, Department of Food and Nutrition and Department of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki
PhD research title: Plant-based diets, legume consumption and the practices of eating – a practice-theoretical approach to advancing sustainable diets.
The dissertation deals with the transition towards more plant-based and sustainable diets specifically from the consumer perspective with a special focus on adding legumes, especially domestical faba beans and pea, into diets to partially replace animal proteins. The objective is to find out how plant-based eating and increasing legume consumption could be advanced both on societal and individual levels.
Nazia Deoghare, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki)
PhD research title: Application of legumes for the development of zero-waste, carbon-neutral solutions for the brewing Industry.
The objective of the research of the dissertation is to investigate the potential use of legumes as an alternative to barely in the brewing process. This could lead to new types of nutritious beverages with reduced environmental impact.
Continued grants:
Anton Örn, Laboratory for Molecular Research and Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University
Dissertation title: Synthesis of rare sugars through site-selective epimerization
The thesis work aims to develop a cost effective production method for psicose that is based on the site-selective catalytic epimerization of fructose. The goal can be achieved by studying the materials and mechanisms of the required multiphase catalytic systems in detail.
In 2023 Raisio plc Research Foundation has granted seven scholarships for master’s theses. The value of one scholarship is €500.
University of Eastern Finland
Moona Partanen, master’s theses: Comparison of the sensory properties and odour-active compounds of commercial fish proteins.
Katarina Sulkula, master’s theses: Effects of high-pressure processing on the in vitro protein digestibility and sensorial properties of hot and cold-smoked rainbow trout
University of Turku
Telma Kuuslampi, master’s theses: The impact of ripeness of an apple to the infectivity and pathogenicity of the Colletotrichum micro fungi during the storage
Pihla Pyykkönen, master’s theses: Metabolomics of Baltic Sea bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) with 1H NMR spectroscopy
University of Helsinki
Elina Kovasin, master’s theses: Optimization of process hygiene in a beverage factory
Maiju Pajula, master’s theses: Body weight changes of dairy cow and their relationship to health problems during successive lactation
Annika Söderholm-Emas, master’s theses: Modelling the effect of adding grain legumes to Finnish crop rotations
At its meeting held on November 29, 2021, the Board of Directors of Raisio plc’s Research Foundation has decided to award a total of EUR 82,800 in post graduate research grants for 2022. The grants are intended as a salary grant for a doctoral student. A doctoral student whose PhD topic is once awarded with a research grant of the Foundation has the opportunity to receive a salary grant for a maximum of four years, provided that the studies proceed according to plans. Continued postgraduate grants are decided annually on the basis of a separate application.
Based on the public grant application process held in October 2021, 13 grant applications were submitted to the Foundation within the deadline. The total amount of funding requested was € 276,668.
The grants for 2022 were distributed as follows:
Katja Kantanen, Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki
Dissertation title: Reduction of oligosaccharides from meat analogues utilizing fermentation, germination and enzymatic treatment
The dissertation focuses on the effects of fermentation, germination and enzymatic treatment of faba bean on high moisture extrusion and on the content of oligosaccharides like raffinose, stachyose and verbascose and on the structure, physico-chemical and sensorial properties of meat analogues.
Anton Örn, Laboratory for Molecular Research and Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University
Dissertation title: Synthesis of rare sugars through site-selective epimerization
The thesis work aims to develop a cost effective production method for psicose that is based on the site-selective catalytic epimerization of fructose. The goal can be achieved by studying the materials and mechanisms of the required multiphase catalytic systems in detail.
Enni Mannila, Food Chemistry and Food Development, Department of Life Technologies, Faculty of Technology, University of Turku
Title of the PhD work: Oats in a gluten-deficient diet – metabolic, microbiomic and postprandial responses in metabolically challenges volunteers.
The PhD work studies effects of long-term oat consumption on blood count and metabolic products in blood circulation, perceived gut well-being, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, plasma antioxidative capacity, inflammation markers and changes in postprandial responses.
In 2022 the Board of Directors of the Foundation has granted seven scholarships for master’s theses. The value of one scholarship is €500.
University of Eastern Finland
Tella Jokinen, master’s theses: Elintarvikkeiden säilyvyys: Sinisen valon vaikutus hiivojen ja homeiden kasvuun kinkkuvoileipäkakun pinnalla
Mikael Smolander, master’s theses: Höyryllä ja kuumalla kiertoilmalla kypsennyksen vaikutus kanatuotteiden kypsennyshävikkiin, aistinvaraisiin ominaisuuksiin ja säilyvyyteen
University of Turku
Iida Ikonen, master’s theses: Reducing antinutrients in faba bean (Vicia Faba) with lactic acid fermentation
Master’s theses: Inhibition of starch retrogradation by soluble soybean polysaccharides with different molecular weights and degrees of esterification
University of Helsinki
Annika Johansson, master’s theses: Validation of selection tools for leaf blotch resistance in Finnish spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding program
Olli Pitkänen, master’s theses: Prosessoitu härkäpapu rypsin korvaajana lypsylehmien ruokinnassa ja pötsisuojattu metioniini sen täydentäjänä
Fabio Tuccillo, master’s theses: Characterization of the volatile profile of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) protein concentrate, isolate, and flour before and after high moisture extrusion
General topics related to Foundation and scholarships:
tutkimussaatio(at)raisio.com
Research Foundation Representative:
Ingmar Wester
ingmar.wester(at)raisio.com
Tel. 050 601 32
Chairman of the Board: Pasi Flinkman, CEO, Raisio plc
Professor Maija Tenkanen, University of Helsinki
Professor Tapio Salmi, Åbo Akademi
Doctor of Science in Food technology, Chief Innovation Officer Reetta Andolin, Raisio plc
Doctor of Science (Bioprocess technology), Emilia Nordlund, VTT
Certified Board Member, member of Board of Directors, Ann-Christine Sundell, Raisio plc
Controller
Raisio Oyj:n Tutkimussäätiö sr / Raisio plc Research Foundation (Business ID 0138294-4)
Mailing address: c/o Raisio Oyj, PO Box 101, FI-21201 RAISIO, Finland
Visiting address: Raisionkaari 55, 21200 Raisio, Finland
Telephone +358 2 443 2111
E-mail: tutkimussaatio(at)raisio.com
Contact person in matters regarding the register
Eva Jaakkola
Address: Raisio plc, PO Box 101 (Raisionkaari 55), FI-21201 Raisio, Finland
Tel. +358 2 443 2110
E-mail: tutkimussaatio(at)raisio.com
Purpose and legal basis for processing personal data
Grant applications, grant and scholarship receivers form a register according to Data Protection legislation. The personal data will be used for processing the applications for grants and for the awarded grants and scholarships. In case the applicant does not provide the requested personal data, the data controller in unable to accept or process the applications.
Categories of personal data and content of the register
The register contains the following personal data:
Personal ID is requested to ascertain the legal rights of the applicant and the Foundation. The Foundation is also legally responsible for informing the personal ID’s of the persons who have been awarded grants to the Finnish Tax Administration as part of the annual notice about awarded grants, as well as to the Farmess’ Social Insurance Institution (MELA) in order to arrange the obligatory MYEL insurance in case the criteria for such an insurance are met.
The grant applicant gives consent to the publication of his or her name on Raisio plc’s Research Foundation’s website and in the communication channels used by Raisio plc (e.g. television, radio, press articles, newsletters and news, social media channels) if the grant is awarded. On a separate form, the scholarship recipient gives consent to the publication of his or her name on Raisio plc’s Research Foundation’s website and in the communication channels described above used by the Foundation or Raisio plc.
The use of a possible electronic form also stores technical user data that is not stored in connection with personal data.
Sources of information
Personal data is received from the applicant or his/her representative. Information about processing the application and its status are provided by the Raisio plc’s personnel involved in the process.
Transfer or disclosure of personal data
Data may be disclosed to Raisio plc under the data prcocessing agreement in place between Raisio plc and the Foundation. The data controller is obliged by law to disclose the data about the awarded grants and the personal ID’s of the grant receivers to the Finnish Tax Administration and to the Farmess’ Social Insurance Institution (MELA) in order to arrange the obligatory MYEL insurance in case the criteria for such an insurance are met.
The data conroller informs the awarded grants to all grant receivers. Apart from this, personal data may only be disclosed based on the data subject’s consent or, if the receiving party is otherwise entited under law to receive the personal data.
The information is not transferred or disclosed outside the EU or European Economic Area (EEA).
Storage period of personal data
Personal data is retained for the duration of the project for which the grant was awarded and until the data controller does not require the data to review its operations and assess of its performance.
Information on the recipients of grants/scholarships awarded can be seen on the Foundation’s website and on any social media pages, for three years after the grant/scholarship has been awarded and in the case of the grant recipient until the doctoral degree has been completed.
Copies of applications for grants awarded shall be kept for a maximum period of 10 years.
Data from other applications are stored for one (1) week after the Foundation has processed the applications.
At the end of the retention period, the controller will dispose of the data about the subject securely.
The names of applicants with degree values, grants awarded or negative decisions will remain part of the Foundation’s Board minutes for an indefinate period. This information is not public and will not be disclosed to third parties unless otherwise provided by law or official order.
Principles for the protection of personal data
Personal data is stored in systems that can only be accessed by the employees with the right to process the data based on their work duties are entitled to use the personal data. All persons processing the data are bound by confidentiality.
Manual material is kept in a locked space protected by access control system. The data in electronic form is protected by user firewalls, passwords and other technical means. Databases and their backups are stored in a locked space and may be accessed only by named individuals.
Data subject’s rights
The data subject’s rights under the applicable personal data legislation are:
All requests concerning the verification etc. should be sent in writing to the person responsible for the register. The data subject must prove his/her identity in an acceptable way. The controller will reply in writing within a time frame of the personal data legislation (as a rule, within one month), even if the data subject’s claim is not accepted.
The data subject has the right to file a complaint with the supervisory authority if the data subject considers that his/her information has not been processed in accordance with this Privacy Statement or with current personal data regulations: Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman, P.O. Box 800, 00521 FI-Helsinki, Finland; tel: +358 29 56 66700; tietosuoja(at)om.fi.
Changes
The data controller reserves the right to change this Privacy Statement in order to develop its business operations or in case the legislation changes.
Privacy statement updated on September 28, 2021
In 2018, Raisio plc’s Research Foundation decided to donate funds to the University of Turku to a professorship in the Food Chemistry and Food Development Unit of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The new professorship focuses on the study of the plants cultivated in Finland, supports the export of Finnish foods that are based on sustainable development, and promotes well-being by advancing the development of healthy foods.
The donation covers the basic funding of the professorship for the first five years, i.e., 2019–2023. The University of Turku appointed PhD Kati Hanhineva for the position.
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