Aku Heinonen Appointed Director of Science and Innovations
PhD, Adjunct Professor Aku Heinonen has been appointed Director, Science and Innovations at the Geological Survey of Finland GTK for the term 1 November 2026 to 31 July 2031.
The Director of Science and Innovations is responsible for the strategic leadership and impact of GTK’s research and innovation activities. The role includes leading the development of scientific expertise, the renewal of research activities and research infrastructure, and ensuring that research supports GTK’s strategic objectives while delivering solutions for customers, society and industry.
A key responsibility is to promote high-quality research and create the conditions for successful research and innovation activities by developing national and international partnerships with universities, research organisations, companies, and other stakeholders. The Director of Science and Innovations reports to the Director General and is a member of the Director General’s Management Group.
Aku Heinonen has worked at GTK since 2022 as Head of RDI and served as Deputy Director, Science and Innovations during 2023–2025 and again since August 2026, after the previous Director, Science and Innovations was appointed Director General of GTK. Prior to joining GTK, Heinonen worked as a researcher and university lecturer at the University of Helsinki. He is Adjunct Professor of Petrology at the University of Helsinki and serves as a member of the Governing Board of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (DG JRC) and participates in several national and international geoscience networks.
“Aku Heinonen has strong expertise, extensive networks and the ability to lead GTK’s research and innovation activities with determination. This is important as we strengthen cooperation with companies and continue to develop into an even more impactful and international research institution,” says Saku Vuori, Director General of GTK.
“Geological expertise and research play a significant role in addressing current challenges related to raw materials and the environment. The demand for geological expertise is greater than ever. It is extremely exciting to advance research and expertise in our field together with our experts as well as our national and international partners and customers,” says Aku Heinonen.
Further information
Saku Vuori, Director General
Tel. +358 29 503 0216
saku.vuori@gtk.fi
Aku Heinonen, Director, Science and Innovations
Tel. +358 29 503 0109
aku.heinonen@gtk.fi
