About VERIFIN

VERIFIN is an institute in the Department of Chemistry under the Faculty of Science in the University of Helsinki.

VERIFIN was established in 1994, as continuation of the Chemical Weapons (CW) research project working since 1973. Operations of VERIFIN are mainly funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. VERIFIN supports the disarmament of chemical weapons by development of identification methods for chemical warfare agents (CWA).

Or­gan­is­a­tion chart

Gov­ern­ing board 1.4.2022–31.3.2026

Activities and financial matters of VERIFIN are guided and controlled by the Governing Board

  • Kai Sauer
    Undersecretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Chairman
  • Sasu Tarkoma
    Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Vice-chairman
  • Ilkka Kilpeläinen
    Professor, Head of the Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki
  • Ville Lahelma
    Desk Officer, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
  • Marjo Berglund
    Head of the Finance Department, University of Helsinki
  • Risto Hakoila
    Financial Director, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
  • Tero Ylitalo
    Brigadier general, Chief of Planning, The Finnish Defence Forces
  • Matti Kuula
    Laboratory manager (IT) / Chemist, VERIFIN
  • Paula Vanninen
    Professor, Director of VERIFIN, VERIFIN
  • Pirjo Mulari
    University of Helsinki, Board secretary