University of Kuopio established a new department "BioMater Centre" starting on 1st March 2005. The BioMater Centre offers research services and equipment for all faculties in the university and also for companies.

Originally, BioMater Centre was founded in 2000 to coordinate and enhance projects in materials research at the University of Kuopio. The Centre is cooperating with several researchers from different departments, companies and research organisations. The main aim was to develop and modernize the research equipment, to develop education and research, and to help companies to utilize know-how and equipment available at the University.

Companies and research groups can carry out their own analysis using the equipment available at the BioMater-Centre or they can rely on the experts actively using these techniques. We also provide support for independent working.

More extensive cooperation is possible in joint projects. The primary target of these projects is to solve specific research and development problems of companies. In 2001 started for example pilot projects in development of wood products, diagnostic to reveal cartilage degeneration and healthcare of tissues surrounding artificial joints.

It is typical in these projects that different theses are made in cooperating with companies and research groups. It is worth valuating the co-operation possibilities in the BioMater Centre before searching the funding and planning the project.

13.2.2008 A.K.