The Young Researcher Award to Muhammad Mujtaba (Ph.D.)

The Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion has awarded the 2025 Young Researcher Award to VTT Research Scientist Muhammad Mujtaba. He has become known for his long-term work on developing bio-inspired biodegradable materials, bio-based functional coatings, and cellulose-based nanocomposites. These solutions have the potential to significantly impact carbon footprints and human health in the near future.

Despite his young age, 33-year-old Muhammad Mujtaba has already conducted pioneering research for many years. He has authored 48 peer-reviewed scientific articles and, according to a ranking compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier, has twice been listed among the world's top two percent of most-cited scientists.

Mujtaba’s research has taken him around the world, but for the past four years, he has been based in Finland. He first worked at the Aalto University and University of Helsinki, and now continues as a researcher at VTT. Alongside his active roles in several research projects focused on bio-based materials and sustainable solutions, Mujtaba leads the CELLIGHT project at VTT, which explores how cellulose could replace titanium dioxide.

Titanium dioxide is a mineral recently classified as harmful and potentially carcinogenic, mined in countries such as Australia, China, and South Africa. It is widely used across industries, including in paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Its use raises both environmental concerns due to mining activities and potential health risks for consumers.

In addition to his cellulose research, Mujtaba also investigates the development of other bio-inspired materials as bio-based solutions, particularly for packaging materials. One key focus is chitin, a biopolymer derived from marine waste such as shells of shellfish. Mujtaba focuses on understanding of chitin's structural variations and its potential for developing innovative, sustainable materials with applications spanning from food packaging to biomedical.

“When properly tuned, bioactive chitosan-based films and coatings could improve food preservation, extend shelf life, and reduce food waste, directly promoting sustainable consumption and production”.

Childhood Experiences Sparked a Research Career

Mujtaba discovered his passion for research after his bachelor’s studies when he was first introduced to the academic way of conducting scientific investigations.

“It was truly exciting to explore interesting topics together with others, see the world, and be part of something that brings such a rewarding and inspiring feeling,” Mujtaba shares.

Growing up in a farming family in a rural village in Pakistan, Mujtaba was already as a child curious about how nature works.

“The elders and farmers in our community often discussed the downsides of pesticides, the health risks, and their impact on soil and water. These conversations stayed with me and gradually grew into a deeper interest in developing bioinspired functional materials as sustainable alternatives and bio-based solutions.”

Nothing Happens Without Collaboration

Mujtaba has received special recognition for his ability to build connections not only between researchers and universities but especially between the academic world and industry. Collaboration with companies is crucial when the solutions being developed are so closely tied to commercial products.

“If academia and industry don’t meet, no real-world solutions can be achieved,” Mujtaba states.

Working with leading industrial partners helps ensure that the solutions scale, are commercially viable, and can be applied to real sustainability challenges.

Mujtaba considers his openness and broad network to be among his strengths.

“Collaboration is absolutely essential—no one can achieve this alone,” Mujtaba emphasizes.

Also the Chair of the Grant Committee, Jorma Kyyrä, praises the impact of Mujtaba’s work as well as the breadth and quality of his publication record.

“Sustainable development and technologies for a cleaner world have been important themes in our selections. First and foremost, we assess the quality and impact of the research. We want to highlight young researchers who have achieved something significant in their field,” Kyyrä explains.

Finding Clarity in Nature

Throughout his more than ten-year research career, Mujtaba has experienced both highs and lows.

“Every day is a struggle in research. When something isn’t working, I step away for a while and come back to it later. That often helps,” he explains. He is motivated by his constant thirst for knowledge and the idea that the breakthrough might come as soon as tomorrow.

Being a researcher is not something one can switch off—research is a 24/7 occupation. Voluntarily, of course, but the mind keeps working on the subject continuously.

“The best ideas usually come in the bathroom or in the afternoons,” Mujtaba laughs. “As the day winds down, thinking becomes more relaxed, and solutions tend to emerge better than in the rush of midday.”

Mujtaba finds the best way to completely disconnect from work is by walking in the forest.

“The silence of a Finnish forest helps me view research challenges from a new perspective—nature brings clarity in a way that nothing else can.”

The Young Researcher Award may be awarded by The Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion to a young researcher in the field of technology. The recipient of the award must have accomplished significant scientific research results, created notable technological innovations, and/or worked closely with the business sector. Additionally, the research must have significance from a sustainable development perspective. The recipient is expected to provide evidence of research work after completing their dissertation.

The award may be given to a person who is 35 years old or younger during the current calendar year. The award prize amount is 10,000 euros.