Doctoral studies offer an unforgettable experience and a strong foundation for a future career. Doctoral students develop deep expertise in their field, learn to apply scientific research methods independently and critically, and contribute new scientific knowledge. At LUT University, doctoral degrees can be pursued in technology, business administration, and social sciences.
Doctoral studies broadened Pia Adibe’s worldview
Pia Adibe earned her doctoral degree in business administration in December 2025. In May, she will travel to Lappeenranta to receive her doctoral hat and sword at LUT's formal conferment ceremony.
“The doctoral conferment ceremony crowns a journey I've been on my entire life, studying alongside my work. Symbolically, it marks a kind of crossroads that I’ve been dreaming of for years,” Adibe says.
“My doctoral studies were a natural continuation of my master's studies, which sparked my interest in research as a possible career path. They greatly broadened my worldview – I was able to explore multiple epistemological and ontological perspectives and develop my own way of interpreting reality in a scientific way.”
Adibe found the international arts-based innovation and process philosophy courses particularly rewarding. She is also grateful for the work she did alongside her research, such as teaching, mentoring students, and leading projects, which have proven valuable for her career.
”In my dissertation, I examined collaborative innovation spaces and collective leadership in the emergence of ecosystems in the context of the data economy, using narrative research methods. In this approach, the foundations of human action and the meaning of phenomena are constructed through storytelling. I feel fortunate to be able to continue working on this topic. I’m currently employed as a specialist at Laurea University of Applied Sciences in its RDI unit, where I lead projects, including a data economy initiative focused on developing the digitalisation of order-to-delivery chains in the construction industry,” Adibe adds.
Tobias Wesselborg works with critical metals recovery in the chemical industry
Tobias Wesselborg has a doctorate in technology and returned to his home country, Germany, after completing his dissertation. He now works as a project process engineer for H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders, in the company’s research and development department.
“My duties cover tungsten chemicals and the black mass recycling project. I lead a group of four laboratory technicians who carry out solvent extraction experiments. Here, I can draw on my experience in hydrometallurgical separation processes from my doctoral studies and deepen my skills in process development, scale-up, and process design,” says Wesselborg.
In his dissertation, Wesselborg developed two novel alternative processing routes for lithium, nickel, and cobalt recovery from battery waste. Recovering valuable metals from lithium-ion battery waste leachate will become increasingly important, as the EU lacks primary sources of many critical raw materials needed for the ongoing shift toward electrification.
“A doctorate is often required for a position in R&D, and it opened a lot of doors for me. I hope to continue my work in the field of industrial hydrometallurgy in the future. I look forward to helping tackle challenges surrounding critical raw materials. Being a team lead gives me insights and inspires me to exchange ideas and find new solutions with my group.”
Wesselborg had previously spent an Erasmus semester at LUT, so the doctoral studies offered him a chance to come back to Finland and pursue a doctorate abroad.
”Besides the scientific work at LUT University, I enjoyed the beautiful Finnish nature and wilderness. I made lots of trips around Finland, visited many national parks, and appreciated the great hiking infrastructure. At the conferment ceremony, I’m expecting to see many of my former colleagues, professors, and friends and having a great time together at the event.”
Iben Bolund Nielsen values skills that last a lifetime
Iben Bolund Nielsen has a doctorate in business administration and is originally from Denmark. In her dissertation, she examined the circular economy and its business models, barriers, and drivers. The research skills she developed – such as analysing, evaluating, arguing, and presenting knowledge – will remain applicable and relevant for the rest of her life.
“Besides a lot of in-depth academic learning, my doctoral studies at LUT provided me with the insights and knowledge to think critically, question, discuss, and evaluate information in a broader context,” says Nielsen.
“I expect to continue learning from academia and contributing research on the circular economy from an empirical evidence aspect since I have access to a large number of companies through work. Last week, I had an abstract accepted for an oral presentation at the Nordic Academy of Management conference in August.”
Nielsen currently leads the Circular Food Innovation Team at the Danish Technology Institute's food technology department. Her team supports companies in the food production value chain in making better use of their raw materials and extracting value from side streams through upcycling. The team looks at the technical aspects as well as the business models.
Nielsen is excited about the conferment ceremony. To her, it feels like the perfect way to celebrate the end of a doctoral journey together with others who have gone through the same experiences: the struggles, small victories, frustrations, and bonding moments.
“The ceremony means a great deal to me. It will show the world that I’ve successfully completed this journey of advanced academic study. It will be an emotional moment, with all the formality of the doctoral hat and sword, each carrying meaning for everyone who has earned them, but with plenty of individuality and fun too,” Nielsen concludes.
