Our alum Soilikki Kotanen: Chemical industry offers opportunities for world healing
Product development is detective work
Soilikki Kotanen works as an RDI Director at Kiilto, a Finland-based company specialising in chemical solutions. Kiilto develops and manufactures products for construction, industrial adhesives, fireproofing, professional hygiene and consumer use. Soilikki leads product development for construction, industrial adhesives and fireproofing at Kiilto.
In her role, Soilikki is responsible for the translating Kiilto's strategic objectives into product development, along with overseeing product development research lines and their funding. She is also in charge of the company’s product development team of 40 people, some of whom report directly to Soilikki or work directly under her leadership. Soilikki is also a member of the company's executive team.
Despite the rather hefty workload and busy days, Soilikki enjoys her everyday life.
“I’ve enjoyed working at Kiilto and in product development a lot. The work is interesting as I like to brainstorm, think strategically and reflect on the future. It is also nice to contribute to finding solutions to distinct challenges. I am a big fan of detective stories, and to me, solving chemical mysteries resembles the work of Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot,” Soilikki says.
The work is interesting as I like to brainstorm, think strategically and reflect on the future. It is also nice to contribute to finding solutions to distinct challenges. I am a big fan of detective stories, and to me, solving chemical mysteries resembles the work of Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot."
Soilikki Kotanen
Before joining Kiilto, Soilikki worked as a materials specialist and a senior design engineer at Nokia and Microsoft for almost ten years.
Chemistry is everywhere
The future outlook for the chemical industry involves many interesting developments. One strong theme that Kiilto is also currently exploring in its ‘SUPER Healthy Buildings’ project is eco-friendly built environments. The aim is to develop low-carbon or even carbon-negative solution, which is a challenging goal for the construction sector.
“We are firm believers in ecosystems, as the circular economy requires many collaborators in order to work. I strongly believe in multidisciplinary work, which also requires focus on the interfaces between different sectors to ensure that everyone speaks the same language. Legislation also has an important role to play, as it guides the way that companies operate,” Soilikki notes.
Alongside her daily work, Soilikki defended her doctoral dissertation in the autumn of 2024. Her topic was isocyanate-free polyurethane in adhesive applications. Polyurethane is a multi-purpose material used as an adhesive and in shoe soles, for example. The use of isocyanates has been restricted, however, as they have been found to carry potentially adverse health effects.
“Alternative chemistry is not without its problems, and also the ultimate goal of my own research is to improve user safety. Chemistry is everywhere, so we play a key role in solving many challenges.”
Solid professional foundations and lifelong friends
A graduate in materials chemistry, Soilikki feels that Tampere University provided her with a strong foundation for a career. Another possible field for her would have been psychology, as Soilikki is a people person.
“The technical field swept me along, however, and I really enjoyed my student years. The instruction was good and I felt confident about my preparedness for working life.”
The technical field swept me along, however, and I really enjoyed my student years. The instruction was good and I felt confident about my preparedness for working life."
Soilikki Kotanen
Soilikki also found lasting friendships at the University. A close-knit group of seven fellow students still meet once a month and go on trips together. They have made a three-week trip to Australia, and a celebratory trip to the island of Kos to mark the 20th anniversary of their studies together.
“I’m proud of my background as a Tampere University alum, it’s part of my identity. I believe that I have made a few crucial decisions in my life, and applying to Tampere was one of them. I have not regretted it for a moment.”
Who
Name: Soilikki Kotanen
Degree and major: Doctor of Science (Tech.), Master of Science (Tech.), materials chemistry
Graduation year: 2024, 2002
Current work: RDI Director, Kiilto Group
Text: Tiina Leivo