University of Vaasa strengthens research and development activities with new appointments

– The new Directors of Research and Development support our strategic goal of strengthening the university’s position in national and international innovation networks, while deepening collaboration with global academic research partners. Our most important strategic mission is to serve businesses and society through high-quality research that delivers rapid and tangible impact in driving economic growth. These new experts will play a key role at this interface: they will support the development of research initiatives and the acquisition of external funding in close cooperation with the university community and the surrounding ecosystem, enhance our research environments, and increase the visibility and impact of our research outcomes, says MinnaMartikainen, Rector of the University of Vaasa.

Henri Karimäki holds extensive experience in leading research and development activities, fostering innovation, and managing complex projects. In his previous roles, he has gained in-depth knowledge of research collaboration with universities from both corporate and research institute perspectives. He joins the University of Vaasa from Epec Oy, where he has worked as a Senior Project Manager since 2023. In his current role, Karimäki has been responsible for various system development projects, particularly in the context of electrified working machines and vehicles for clients. Prior to his position at Epec, he held various roles in technology research and development at companies and institutions such as Wärtsilä, PowerCell Sweden AB, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Karimäki will begin in his role as Director of Research and Development at the University of Vaasa on 26 May 2025.

– I’m looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and our new stakeholders, and to deepening my understanding of the University of Vaasa’s research strengths and capabilities. I believe there is still significant untapped potential in R&D collaboration between universities and the business sector – an area where I see great opportunities to apply my expertise and experience, says Karimäki.

Jan Segerstam brings the University over 25 years of experience in development of business and international product development and research collaboration as well as leading industrial transformation processes. He joins the University of Vaasa from the international technology solution provider Volue, where he has served as the Vice President of Strategy and Business Development since 2023. In his current role at Volue, Segerstam has been responsible for development of international strategy and the development of the energy sector service business. Previously, he has held executive and leadership positions in business and service development and energy sector development projects at companies such as Enerim Oy and Empower Oy. In addition, he has extensive experience of board and working group roles within national and international energy and industrial development cooperation bodies. Segerstam will begin in his role as Director of Research and Development at the university on 1 June 2025.

– As we are experiencing significant change in our society and business environment, the value of academically independent, science-based expert work is immense. Reliable knowledge, experimental research, and solution-oriented building of future environments are key strengths of an independent and dynamically managed university environment like the University of Vaasa, Segerstam states.

– With the addition of new experts, our research capabilities and networks are further strengthened, creating excellent conditions for advancing the university’s strategic focus areas. The research landscape of the energy transition in Vaasa, combined with an ecosystem-based operating model where close collaboration with companies plays a central role, forms a strong and attractive environment for research and innovation, says Mika Grundström, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Vaasa.