Ella Aitta, Valio

What have you studied and what influenced this choice back in the day?

My interest in chemistry and bioscience during high school led me to study biochemistry at the University of Oulu. During my bachelor studies, however, I started to consider other options and applied to the University of Turku for a master’s degree in food development, as I was very interested in food and food products. I had also considered becoming a chef when I was in secondary school. After my master’s studies, I was given the chance to stay on and write my dissertation for a PhD and I took the opportunity, as there was no other job in sight at the time. It was a challenging time in my life, and I almost didn't finish my PhD. However, I managed to squeeze in the articles and studies, and before the dissertation I also found my current job at Valio.

How did you become a professor?

I have always admired scientists and researchers. Already during my biochemistry studies in Oulu, I thought it would be great to become a researcher at Valio, even though I applied for a transfer out of biochemistry studies- This was especially because I would be able to get a job in the corporate world more quickly with a master’s degree and not have to go on to a PhD. I ended up doing a PhD anyway, but when I was working on it, it was clear to me that I would apply for a job outside the academy when I graduated. I applied to Valio for a temporary research position before finishing my thesis, and I was lucky enough to be selected. Working in a company is a bit different from working at a university, as projects have a more concrete goal: innovation, such as a new processing method or a new type of product. Research is also faster-paced, not always aimed at publishing articles but at benefiting the company. There is also a high level of patenting of research innovations, which was completely new compared to academic research.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is that I get to work with the best in the business. Valio has an inspiring atmosphere and innovations are constantly being developed. In addition, I get to see the tangible results of my work and I also get to go on test runs in factories. So, my work is very varied: pilot tests, laboratory tests, research design and reporting, tasting new products, factory trials and other specialist tasks.

What have been the highlights and most important lessons of your career?

The absolute highlight of my career was getting a job in my field at Valio, which had been a cautious dream of mine for a long time. During my PhD studies, I had been very uncertain about whether I would be able to get a job outside the academy that would match my training, so the quick transition to working life was a relief to me. The most important lesson I learned and what brought me to this point is perseverance. The path of a researcher is long and challenging, but it teaches perseverance, organization, planning and resilience, which are perhaps the most important lessons of all.

What do you expect from the future?

I want to be a top researcher in my field. I look forward to a future where I can be part of creating something completely new and innovative. And that whilst I am grocery shopping, I can see the results of my research in the form of new and delicious products.