The Award of Finnish Chemical Societies to Neste’s Senior Vice President, Technology & Innovation, D.Sc. (Tech.), MBA Lars Peter Lindfors
The Board of the Chemistry Congress Foundation for Finland has awarded the 2026 Chemical Societies’ Award to Senior Vice President, Technology & Innovation Doctor of Science (Technology), Lars Peter Lindfors of Neste Corporation, in recognition of his outstanding contributions as a leader in the development of renewable transportation fuels.
Lars Peter Lindfors has had a distinguished career as a researcher and leader in chemistry and chemical engineering, particularly in the development of renewable transportation fuels. His long career at Neste has progressed from researcher to Vice President of Research and ultimately to Senior Vice President, Technology & Innovation. He has also been responsible for, among other things, the strategy and engineering functions at Neste.
Neste began developing renewable fuels early on - already 30 years ago - with a bold and forward-looking approach. Through persistent effort, the company has become a global leader in the production of transportation fuels made from renewable, renewable bio-based raw materials. Lindfors’ contribution as a developer of this demanding field of chemistry and technology has been significant.
Lars Peter Lindfors has received recognition both in Finland and internationally. In 2014, he was named Finland’s Technology Leader of the Year, and in 2015 he was awarded the Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland. He has been elected a member of both the Finnish Academy of Technical Sciences and the Swedish Academy of Technical Sciences in Finland. He also has extensive experience in board and advisory roles ranging from publicly listed companies to start-ups, as well as foundations and associations.
The award was presented to Lars Peter Lindfors at the Chemical Days event on April 15, 2026.
The Chemical Societies’ Award is granted alternately to representatives of universities/research institutes and industry. In selecting the recipient, attention is paid to their contributions to promoting the visibility and understanding of chemistry, as well as their active involvement in chemical societies. Lars Peter Lindfors has prominently highlighted the importance of chemistry to society in various contexts and has consistently participated in events organized by universities and scientific societies when invited.
The award sculpture, State of Matter, was created by sculptor and designer Matias Karsikas. For Karsikas, chemistry is understood as the science that studies the composition, properties, and transformations of matter. The piece is supported by a base made of organic material - oak. Platinum and gold seeping from the wood represent metals. From the sculpture emerges colorful, clear, bubbling glass, which can be interpreted as a change in the state of matter or as a flame. The production of the work involved glassblower Jenni Sorsa and wood artisan Juhani Marjanen.
More information:
Kemian Päivien Säätiö: Heleena Karrus, kps@kemianseura.fi 050 5571894
Neste media service: tel. +358 800 94025, media@neste.com (weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET) .
