Event Experts

Keynote - Dr. Peter Verdegem

Dr Peter J.E. Verdegem (PhD, MSc, MBA) is a scientist and educator with a diverse international background in research, product development and leadership. His academic roots are in the natural sciences: he completed his Master’s degree and later earned a PhD, building a strong foundation in scientific methodology and evidence-based problem-solving.

Over the course of his career, Dr Verdegem has worked in various countries and held roles that combine scientific understanding with practical implementation. His expertise spans nutritional science, health-related product development, scientific communication and cross-cultural leadership. He is known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging and actionable insights for broad audiences.

Dr Verdegem is passionate about education, innovation and bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. His international experience and multidisciplinary background make him a sought-after speaker for events focused on health, wellness, scientific literacy and the future of natural products.

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Markku Ylivaara – Reindeer Herder & Reserve Captain

Markku Ylivaara is a reindeer herder from Finnish Lapland and a Reserve Captain with long experience in northern wilderness skills. He is the author of the Finnish Defence Forces’ Natural Food Guide, drawing on his deep knowledge of traditional food sources and sustainable practices in Arctic conditions.

Markku is also exploring the potential of hemp as animal feed, continuing earlier traditions where hemp played a natural role in livestock nutrition.

Janne Salmela – a specialist in sustainable construction and biocomposites

Janne Salmela has more than a decade of experience in technology development and the implementation of various production processes. His work centers on field-grown fibers—such as materials based on industrial hemp—alongside carbon-sequestration solutions and circular-economy approaches that create a meaningful carbon handprint and support climate goals. Maintaining a clear focus on techno-economic feasibility is essential in his work.

Janne has contributed to multiple industrial development initiatives and joint projects with VTT that have played a key role in advancing Finland’s sustainable industry. The most notable include:

• Foam-forming development environment, which significantly reduced water consumption and drying-energy use in mechanical forest-industry processes, improving efficiency and lowering environmental impact.

• SmartRecovery project, which developed binders for biocomposites derived from forest-industry side streams, enabling new types of sustainable materials and improving resource efficiency.

In addition, Janne is active in sustainable-building networks and promotes initiatives that support ecological solutions, community-oriented development, and social sustainability. His expertise spans both small-scale construction and modular buildings, and he has strong experience in designing and optimizing production processes.