Public Day 9.6.2026 Saalasti hall, at 9-15
Join us for this free, open‑to‑all event—perfect for anyone curious about the topic! No registration needed, just stop by and enjoy.
The Public Day welcomes people of all ages who are interested in sustainability, circular economy, minerals and metals to take part in the day’s various activities.
University research is brought closer to the public to facilitate communication and foster understanding of the need for sustainable development that affects us all.
The mission of the day is to provide an open dialogue platform for visitors and specialists. The topics can be looked from different perspective and we think it can also be fun!
Many interesting and entertaining activities are available during the day.
For example, researchers and other specialists present their work on the circular economy at demonstration points, which provide an excellent opportunity to make questions or study samples with available research equipment.
Guided tours arranged in Linnanmaa campus area offer possibility to learn more about the world of rocks, the purposes for which they are used, their evolution and birth history. You can also bring your own stone for recognisition!
Cultural performances illustrate sustainability in the artistic way. For example, we can admire the journey of ore from the earth's crust to everyday products.
In workshops people can create their own vision on sustainability, how the past time or future would look like with or without mines.
Free buckets, coffee, juice and pancakes prepared by Scouts are served for the first 100 visitors!
These and many more activities are included in the program that is presented detailed below.
You are warmly welcome!
Presenters
1. University of Oulu Rock Tour – Welcome to explore the world of rocks and minerals!
Guided rock tours around the Linnanmaa campus, along with an introduction to geological collections. You are also welcome to bring your own rock samples and have our expert provide insights into them.
Target group: Anyone interested in rocks and minerals
Time: 9–14
Tours start at 10.00, 12.00, and 13.00 from the presentation stand.
Language: Finnish, English
Organizer: Tapio Soukka, Virtual Rock Museum, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu
2. Where Does a Fork Come From? – The Hidden Journey of Everyday Products
Do you know where a fork, smartphone, or electric vehicle really comes from? Discover how natural resources, mining, technology, manufacturing, and recycling are connected to the products we use every day. Join an interactive workshop, explore real mineral samples, and uncover the story behind the materials that make modern life possible.
Programme Description: Where Does a Fork Come From? is an interactive workshop that explores the journey of everyday products from natural resources to manufacturing, use, and recycling. Participants will work together using a whiteboard-based activity and specially designed playing cards to map the connections between raw materials, products, technologies, society, and sustainability.
The workshop encourages discussion about the materials found in familiar objects, where these materials originate, and how they contribute to modern lifestyles, technological development, and the green transition. Visitors can also examine real mineral specimens and everyday items to better understand the link between natural resources and the products around us.
The activity is designed to be engaging and accessible for all participants, and no prior knowledge is required.
Target Audience: Lower and upper secondary school students (ages 13+), families, teachers, and anyone interested in science, technology, sustainability, and everyday products.
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish (English available when needed)
Organiser: University of Oulu, Kerttu Saalasti Institute
Websites: https://agemera.eu/
3. Sustainable development with the tools of chemistry – Batteries, water purification and critical metals
Where do battery chemicals come from, and how are battery cells manufactured? How are critical metals recovered from side streams? How can nutrients and metals be removed from wastewater using materials derived from industrial side streams?
At the Sustainable Chemistry showcase, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of chemistry and find answers to these questions.
Target group: anyone interested in the topic
Time: 9:00–15:00
Presentation languages: Finnish, English
Organisers: Maria Kokko, Jarkko Sulasalmi and Tao Hu,
Research Unit of Sustainable Chemistry
Website:https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/faculties-and-units/faculty-technology/sustainable-chemistry
4. Minerals: Journey from the Earth’s Depths to Everyday Products
Have you ever wondered where the materials in your phone or bike come from? At Xplorer Public Day with Oulu Mining School, you’ll discover the journey minerals take from deep inside the Earth to the things we use every day.
Programme description: Together, we’ll go on a journey to discover how useful materials come from rocks. We’ll explore how geoscientists find places where valuable minerals may be hidden underground and how rocks can be mined. Then, we’ll see what happens after the rocks are mined: how they are crushed and sorted to get the useful material out. Through hands-on activities, you’ll discover how raw rocks can be turned into materials that people use in everyday life.
Target group: Children, adults, and families
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish, English
Organizers: Oulu Mining School, University of Oulu
Websites: https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/faculties-and-units/faculty-technology/oulu-mining-school
5. Let´s draw the world without metals
What kind of world we would have without mines?
Imagine, draw and write your vision on the wall paper, how the world would look today. Would it better or worse, what about the level of civilization.
Let´s create art together!
6. LUT University’s Wheel of Fortune
Separation technology is needed when purifying water or enriching ores. It is also essential for producing food from air and making plastics from wood. Come spin LUT University’s Wheel of Fortune and learn more! The questions on the wheel encourage discussion about sustainable development and how we can promote it together. Participants will be entered into a prize draw, with a prize package including LUT mugs, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Programme description: People rarely think about how dependent humanity is on separation technology processes. All resources essential to human life are produced or refined using them. The research areas of LUT University’s Department of Separation Science include the separation of metals and minerals, water research, biorefining, food technology, and Power-to-X technologies. LUT University is Finland’s largest research unit in separation technology and has access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Separation processes are a central part of chemical engineering. At LUT, students can complete a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in either Finnish or English, followed by a range of Master’s degree programmes.
Target group: Lower secondary school students (grades 7–9)
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish
Organizer: Department of Separation Science, LUT University
Websites: https://www.lut.fi/en/about-lut/faculties/lut-school-engineering-science/separation-science
7. UEF - University of Eastern Finland
8. University of Applied Sciences Lapland - Identify the Material
Learn to recognize hard materials commonly used in everyday life and technology! Can you tell different metals and rocks apart—and name them correctly?
Program description: Various rock and object samples are examined to identify which metals and stones they represent. When the samples are placed in the correct order, they form an answer word.
Target group: Families with children, school pupils, students, adults
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish, English
Organizer: Lapland University of Applied Sciences / Sustainable Mining Education Alliance
Websites: https://lapinamk.fi/en/homepage/
9. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK)
Welcome to join genuinely international and vibrant university in central of Finland, in Kajaani. KAMK Research Laboratories are a combination of professional grade infrastructure and a team of seasoned, innovative professionals. With over 15 years of experience in the development of wastewater treatment technologies and the implementation of waste management practices for mine sector, we have established a strong foundation in our field.
Program description: Presentation of RDI and educational opportunities in KAMK. Recent projects related to mine sector, presentation of the facilities, and face-to-face open discussion
Target group: professionals, students, and general public
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish, English
Organizer: KAMK, Advanced Geopolymer Technology laboratory
Websites: https://kamk.fi/en/
10. Oulujoen vesistöalueen vesistövisio - Oulujoki River Basin Water Vision
“Vitality, energy, and refreshment from the headwaters of Kainuu to the Oulu River delta.” The goal of the Oulujoki watershed vision is to collaboratively improve water quality, strengthen climate resilience, and safeguard biodiversity throughout the entire Oulujoki river basin. Come join us!
Program description: Water-related information, a quiz, and a raffle
Target audience: All ages
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish
Organizer: Arvovesi 3 project, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
Websites: https://kamk.fi/tutkimus-ja-kehitys-seka-yrityspalvelut/tutkimus-ja-kehitys/projektit/arvovesi-3-oulujoen-vesistoalueen-vesistovision-toimeenpanohanke/
11. Explore the circular economy through play and programming – University of Oulu LUMA Centre activity point for children
At the University of Oulu LUMA Centre’s activity point, children can explore the circular economy and a sustainable future through hands-on activities. Using Sphero indi robots, children learn the basics of programming and reflect on how the circular economy appears in everyday life. In addition, visitors can test their knowledge with a light quiz at the stand.
The University of Oulu LUMA Centre is part of the nationwide LUMA Centre Finland network, which aims to support the teaching and learning of science, mathematics, and technology among children and young people, and to inspire engagement with these subjects also in their free time.
Target group: Children and families
Organizer: LUMA Centre, University of Oulu
Time: 9–15
Language: Finnish, English
Website: www.luma.fi
12. Super Fab Lab Oulu – Digital Fabrication & Circular Innovation
Meet Super Fab Lab Oulu, a digital fabrication laboratory at the University of Oulu dedicated to innovation, prototyping, and sustainable making.
At our booth, we will:
· Present the activities and opportunities of Super Fab Lab Oulu
· Run live demonstrations with a compact laser cutter
· Showcase recycled PLA materials and circular fabrication processes
Discover how digital tools, open innovation, and responsible material use come together to support education, research, and sustainable product development.
Target group: All interested in digital fabrication
Organizer: Super FabLab Oulu team
Time: 9-15
Language: Finnish, English
Websites: https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/fab-lab-oulu
13. Sponsor: Feasib Ltd
Feasible solutions - Expert and laboratory services for a cleaner future for the needs of industry and the public sector
We provide expert services, sampling and laboratory services to industry and the public sector. Our premises are located in Ylivieska and Nivala. Feasib Oy is a Finnish SME.
Target group: All interested in the topic
Time: 9-15
Websites: https://feasib.com/home-page/
14. Sponsor: MINEARC project
The Minearc (Mining Innovation Exchange through Arctic Regional Collaboration) project aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on critical raw materials in the mining sector, as well as skills that promote sustainable and responsible mining.
The demand for critical raw materials will increase significantly, as will the technologies required for the clean energy transition, such as renewable energy production, the battery industry, and electric cars.
Minearc is funded by the United States Department of State and implemented by a consortium comprising Oulu Mining School of the University of Oulu, Finland as the coordinator, and Technical University of Luleå (LTU), Sweden and Mining Finland.
Target group: All interested in topic
Time: 9-15
Organizer: MINEARC project
Websites: https://www.oulu.fi/en/news/mining-innovation-exchange-through-nordic-collaboration-minearc-project-launched-united-states
15. Pegasus Science Library
At the library’s stand, visitors can explore the services the library offers to researchers and students. Pick up a reading tips list and a bookmark! Children can enjoy recycling-themed coloring pages. At the stand, visitors can also browse literature related to mining and the environment from the Pegasus Science Library’s collections.
Target group: Children and adults; students, researchers, and others interested in the topic.
Time: 9–14 (or possibly until 15:00)
Language: Finnish, English
Organizer: University of Oulu Library
Websites: https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/library/contact-and-library-hours
16. Hot pancakes prepared by Tervapartio scouts
Welcome to enjoy delicious pancakes at the Tervapartio pancake café! We offer pancakes with jam and juice from 9:00 to 15:00 for the first one hundred visitors! Coffee is served at Saalasti hall.
Sponsors:
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