On Thursday, 16 April 2026, at the association’s Annual Meeting held in connection with the Pulp & Beyond event, three recognition awards were presented for significant contributions to the field and to the Finnish Forest Products Engineers’ Association (PI).
The prestigious Lampén Medal, awarded for distinguished, broad-based technical and scientific work in the field, was received by Professor Herbert Sixta.
Herbert Sixta is an internationally acclaimed researcher and educator, who has had a long and successful career both in the academia and industry. Professor Sixta received his PhD in Physical Chemistry in 1982 and finalised his habilitation at Graz University of Technology in 1995. After 25 years in demanding industrial and academic roles in Austria, in 2007 he joined Aalto University and hold there a prominent professorship in chemical pulping technology over 15 years.
Professor Herbert Sixta has contributed several acclaimed publications, also in collaboration with PI, and his research on regenerated cellulose fibres and their processing has been frequently awarded, latest in 2022 with the prestigious Marcus Wallenberg Prize.
The Association’s Plaquette of Merit for distinguished work in the field was awarded to was awarded to Professor Martti Toivakka and M. Sc. (Tech.), Master of Arts, Sirpa Välimaa.
Martti Toivakka has for a long time served in key roles both in research and education related to paper and board coating, converting and nanomaterial technologies. Professor Toivakka received his doctoral degree in chemical engineering in 1998. He has been Professor at Åbo Akademi University since 2003 and since then made major contributions in research work and developing the degree programmes. Professor Toivakka has a wide international network and he is a frequently asked speaker, reviewer or advisory board member in several conferences worldwide. He is highly respected by his research colleagues, companies in the field as well as by students and has always also had time for supporting PI in many different ways.
Sirpa Välimaa has given major contributions for the technological development and renewal of the Finnish forest industry. Sirpa Välimaa has made a versatile and impactful career in different roles related to innovative pulp and packaging products, dissolving pulp and man-made textiles, as well as sustainable processes and engineering solutions.
With her deep knowledge base and outstanding communication skills, Sirpa Välimaa has served for a long time as a premium advocate not only for her own organisations, but for the entire forest industry. Besides her demanding work roles, she has also had time for mentoring young future talents, being a perfect role model for young engineers and fostering our students’ belief in the future.
Our warmest congratulations to all recipients of the recognition awards!