UEF Research Center for Sustainable Circular Economy (UEF CECE) Celebrates Three Years of Impactful Research, Education, and Societal Engagement

The University of Eastern Finland’s Research Center for Sustainable Circular Economy (UEF CECE) is celebrating its third anniversary, marking a period of remarkable growth, vibrant collaboration, and concrete societal impact. Since its establishment, CECE has evolved into a multidisciplinary hub uniting researchers from the Business School, Law School, and Geographical and Historical Studies within UEF to advance knowledge and accelerate sustainability transitions across Finland and internationally. 

Over the past three years, CECE has strengthened its research ecosystem through programs developed in partnership with academics, agencies, and industry, supporting research projects that explore circular economy solutions for plastics and microplastics, critical raw materials, sustainability transformations, and social entrepreneurship. These collaborations extend across national and international networks, reflecting CECE’s ongoing commitment to co-creating actionable knowledge with public, private, and third-sector partners.

In addition to research excellence, CECE has made significant contributions to public dialogue and community engagement. Its popular Circular Economy Morning Coffee sessions—weekly discussions featuring researchers and practitioners—have attracted wide participation and fostered open exchanges on timely sustainability topics. Complementing these informal dialogues, the Center has hosted numerous webinars and public events, further solidifying its role as a trusted source of expertise on circular economy issues. 

CECE’s academic output continues to grow through high-quality books, book chapters, and peer‑reviewed journal articles. The Center’s researchers, including its expanding cohort of ten PhD researchers, actively share their work in international and national arenas, contributing presentations at scientific conferences and being invited as speakers in academic and public forums. These activities enhance CECE’s visibility and strengthen its global partnerships.

To support the next generation of experts, CECE organizes an annual PhD workshop and contributes to a wide range of teaching activities, including the launch of a new international master’s program focused on sustainable leadership development, designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to navigate complex sustainability transitions.

“CECE was founded to catalyze sustainability transformations through multidisciplinary research, partnerships, and education. As we celebrate our third year, we are proud of the community we have built and the tangible impact our work is having in academia, policy, industry, and society,” says Director Professor Hanna Lehtimäki.

Looking ahead, CECE remains dedicated to advancing research that supports a just and sustainable circular economy. By producing context‑sensitive and impactful actionable knowledge and fostering collaborations across sectors and disciplines, the Center continues to play an essential role in shaping sustainable resource societies.