Evaluation Report Publications of the Academy of Finland 1/11

Research profile
The unit works in the field of synthetic organic chemistry with the aim of producing 
biologically active pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. The research is focused on 
enzyme-catalyzed reactions with the application of hydrolases, oxynitrilases and 
peroxidases in kinetic resolutions. This methodology allows for the asymmetric 
formation of C–C, C–N and C–O bonds and is of current interest in organic chemistry.
Research quality
The research of the unit is of a good quality, and the number of articles in refereed 
journals increased remarkably in 2009 and is reasonable for the personnel resources. 
Importantly, publications appear in journals visible for the general readership in 
organic chemistry, for example in Tetrahedron and Organic Letters. Enzyme-
catalyzed reactions are not investigated by other groups in Finland, giving the unit a 
unique research profile.