Susanna Mäkinen Steps Into the Role of Project Coordinator

We’re excited to share that Susanna Mäkinen, Head of Biology at Solar Foods, is stepping into the role of Project Coordinator for HYDROCOW. With over 15 years of experience in strain engineering and a key role in the project from day one, Susanna brings both scientific expertise and continuity to this new leadership position. Read Susanna’s reflections on this transition and her vision of the project below.

I’m honored to share that I will be taking on the role of coordinator for the Hydrocow venture from June 16th onwards, following the outstanding leadership of Arttu Luukanen (SVP, Space and Defence). His experience and determination have been instrumental in shaping the project’s foundation, and I’m deeply grateful for his dedication to the project. However, as Solar Foods’ Space and Defense activities are gearing up a notch – while simultaneously Hydrocow is entering deeper into the depths of microbial engineering – a change in roles is timely. I expect the hand-over to proceed smoothly since I have been hands-on in the project from day one and weekly meetings with Arttu help the information flow.

My career has centered around strain engineering and precision fermentation was a big part of it for over 15 years. Protein production in microbial platforms is very familiar to me, but this transition also marks an exciting new chapter for me personally. Going forward, I will take on more responsibility for project management in addition to my more familiar tasks as a scientist. Over the past 20 months in Hydrocow, we’ve made substantial progress in our efforts to get closer to a more sustainable source for milk proteins. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in biotechnology and take on this new role to facilitate the exiting journey.

In the coming months, I hope to foster an atmosphere of

· Interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that insights from all corners of our project are integrated and our collaborative spirit in the consortium continues to thrive.

· Innovation, by creating space for bold ideas. Our innovation strength lies in the diversity of expertise we bring together.

· Courage, especially as we move toward more complex phases of the project. Subjecting one’s findings to peer-review requires confidence but is key to science.

I’m excited about the next project phases and look forward to the discoveries and breakthroughs that lie ahead. To our team, supporters and partners: thank you for your trust and let’s keep building the future of biotechnology—together.

Susanna Mäkinen, Head of Biology at Solar Foods, Project Coordinator