The objective of the InStreams Hub is to produce new scientific knowledge and research-based innovative solutions to promote circular economy. In addition, training of future experts, creating researcher networks and corporate cooperation are also essential.

Established at the University of Oulu in early 2020, InStreams Hub focuses on the utilisation of inorganic industrial sidestreams. This multidisciplinary research hub gathers together several top scientists from different research groups to decide on sensible use of natural resources and tackle the challenges of sustainable industrial production. The objective is to strengthen cooperation between industry and the university, to combine basic research and technology value chains, to increase awareness of the importance of circular economy challenges and to improve the preconditions for a sustainable business analysis to commercialise the research results.

In the future, it is essential to move towards a clean production ecosystem where efforts are made to utilise valuable raw materials in the recycling of materials as efficiently as possible. Therefore, the goal of the InStreams Hub is to produce research data that promotes sustainability and supports decision-making for the needs of circular economy. Research focuses on the understanding and characterisation of materials, sustainable industrial processes and the understanding of their production chain, energy storage (e.g. accumulator research), minimisation of environmental impacts, and the value chains and business models of circular economy.

The number of researchers working on the subject at the University of Oulu is already more than 100. The research hub is directed by Mirja Illikainen, Professor of Circular Economy. The research is part of the strategic study focusing on inorganic sidestreams of the University of Oulu, funded by the Finnish Academy and the university with more than five million euros. We are also committed to promoting the UN sustainable development targets with our studies and training.

The research hub offers high-standard and multi-disciplinary research, as well as infrastructures that enable the research, such as research tools, equipment, materials and services for researchers, business life and enterprises. The operations are supported by the planning of joint development projects, applying for financing and implementation of projects.

The objective is also to offer contract research in cooperation with the students. Enterprises will have inspired workforce in the form of student and course work. Some of the practical work and theses can be carried out to meet the current challenges faced by enterprises. Students may be given a topical practical problem for solving, in which case the enterprise will benefit from the latest research data in its own business environment.

Commercialisation of the research results supports the roll-out of the challenges of circular economy and the solutions found for them. Turning inventions and business ideas into concrete models in support of business operations is essential in terms of continuity.

The purpose of the research hub is also to increase knowledge of circular economy. The hub will arrange various events and corporate visits with an opportunity to network and meet actors in the field from different organisations.