Evaluation Report Publications of the Academy of Finland 1/11

Research profile
The main research of the unit is focused on polysaccharide chemistry, especially on 
hemicelluloses. Such carbohydrates have been isolated, analysed and structurally 
modified with possible applications as thin films and the stabilisation of emulsions. 
The unit is also interested in the enzymatic production and in vitro fermentation of 
oligosaccharides. A clear strategy for future projects is provided. The unit also 
engages in research on analysis of minerals and trace elements. This topic, quite far 
from the current main activities of the unit, is pursued by only one university lecturer.
Research quality
The research is of good quality and the output in terms of publications has increased 
steadily during the last few years. At the same time, the number of PhD students and 
fundraising increased remarkably after the recruitment of the group leader from VTT 
to UH in 2002. The unit’s results have been published in good but rather specialised 
journals. However, the research output of the trace element analysis is not visible.
Research environment
The research environment at the Viikki Campus is very good. The unit has all 
necessary facilities for preparative work with various instruments such as HPLC, 
GC-MS, HPSEC (high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography 
mass spectrometry, high-pressure size exclusion chromatography). High-field NMR 
is available in the core unit at the Campus. A clear disadvantage is the separation of 
the unit into three different buildings.
Research networking and interaction
The unit has strong collaborations both within Finland and in Europe. The PhD 
students of the unit are involved in two national graduate schools. The unit’s