Dr. Markku Kulmala is a world-renowned atmospheric physicist and one of the leading experts in atmospheric aerosols globally. He currently serves as Professor of Aerosol and Environmental Physics at the University of Helsinki and Director of the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR), positions he has held since 1996 and 2017 respectively. Kulmala has been at the forefront of atmospheric research since establishing the Laboratory of Aerosol and Environmental Physics at the University of Helsinki in 1990, later becoming Head of the Division of Atmospheric Sciences in 2001. His career has been marked by prestigious recognition including his appointment as Academician of Science by the Academy of Finland in 2017 and multiple terms as Academy Professor.
Kulmala's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of atmospheric nanoparticles and their role in climate processes, with his work on aerosol formation and growth mechanisms becoming foundational to the field. His development of the SMEAR (Station for Measuring Earth Surface-Atmospheric Relations) network, particularly the SMEAR II station in Hyytiälä that continuously measures over 1,200 variables related to atmosphere, soil, and vegetation, has provided unprecedented long-term data on ecosystem-atmosphere interactions. This research has generated over 133,000 citations, demonstrating its profound impact on atmospheric science and climate research worldwide. His integrative approach examining biosphere-aerosol-cloud-climate interactions has established new frameworks for understanding how natural processes and human activities affect both air quality and climate systems.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Kulmala has played a pivotal role in developing international research infrastructures, hosting the headquarters of the European Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) and coordinating the European Research Infrastructure for the Observation of Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases (ACTRIS). He leads one of the world's most comprehensive long-term atmospheric measurement programs, which he envisions continuing for the next century to provide critical climate data. Kulmala's leadership extends through his ERC Advanced Grants, supervision of numerous doctoral students, and editorial roles in major atmospheric science journals. His current research continues to explore the complex relationships between ecosystems and the atmosphere, with his team's work providing essential insights for climate modeling and air quality policy development worldwide.
