Finland - Latin America Alumni Network launch
Thursday 8.10.2026, 11:00–13:00 (UTC -03:00)
Finland - Latin America Alumni Network launch
We are launching something new — the first joint Finnish Alumni & Friends Network for Latin America — and we would like you to be part of it. We warmly welcome both alumni and friends of the Finnish universities to join this network and the upcoming event.
Four Finnish universities (Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Helsinki and University of Oulu) have joined forces with the Team Finland Knowledge network to build lasting connections between our alumni and friends across Latin America. The initiative came directly from alumni who saw the potential for closer collaboration across the region.
Our first event takes place online (via Zoom) on Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 11 am (UTC-3). The event shares viewpoints on how innovative (research) collaboration and capacity strengthening across disciplines can tackle global challenges, and what it takes to make collaboration work in practice. The participants also have an opportunity to discuss and plan together the future of the network.
The programme will include career stories from Latin American alumni and a networking session focused on building and developing the network.
The deadline for registration is October 6, 2026.
Register here: https://www.lyyti.in/Finland__Latin_America_Alumni_Network_launch_7505.
Speakers
Dr Pedro Camargo
Professor at the University of Helsinki
Pedro Camargo is a Professor of Inorganic Materials Chemistry at the University of Helsinki, where he leads the Camargo Lab and directs the MATRES master’s programme. Born in Brazil, he has built his research career in Finland since 2019, developing nanomaterials and catalysts for green hydrogen and CO2 conversion. He is Scientific Lead of ReLIGHT, a University of Helsinki spin-out in formation translating this research into low-cost catalysts for water electrolysis. He lives in Espoo with his Finnish wife and their two young children, and speaks openly about what it takes to build both a research career and a family life in a new country.
Tabatha Chavez Matus
Innovation Manager at the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)
Tabatha leads initiatives that advance innovation and responsible mining across the global mining industry. Since joining ICMM in 2022 as Tailings Lead, she has focused on improving tailings and waste management practices, promoting technology adoption, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration. Her backround spans both industry and research, including flotation technologies, geometallurgy, and sustainable mining across different commodities and regions.
Originally from Chile and now based in Finland, Tabatha holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the Federico Santa María Technical University and an MSc in Sustainable Mining and Mineral Resources from the University of Oulu. She also serves on several international technical and advisory boards. In her presentation, Tabatha will share her international study and career journey from Chile to Finland, and discuss her current role at ICMM in advancing a more sustainable future for the mining industry.
Programme
Please find here the Agenda of the event.
- Welcome and Introductions
- Alumni career story: From Chile to Finland- Building an International Career
- Tabatha Chavez Matus, Innovation Manager at ICMM
- Networking activity
- Academic career story: Researcher’s path from Brazil to Finland
- Professor, Dr Pedro Camargo, University of Helsinki
- Building Bridges between Finland and Latin America
- Team Finland Knowledge and Embassies
- Interactive Discussion: Building a Finnish Latin American Alumni Network
- Closing Remarks and Next Steps
The organizer reserves the right to changes.
