Mari Koppanen

Mari Koppanen is a Research Fellow at Oslo National Academy of the Arts, specializing in fungal-based biomaterials and sustainable design practices. She holds a PhD and has developed innovative applications for natural materials like amadou, bacterial cellulose, and pea pod peels through interdisciplinary projects.

• Key collaborators: Estelle Bourdet (textile design), Romanian artisans
• Supported by: Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike), Asko Foundation, CHEMARTS at Aalto University

Her research intersects traditional craftsmanship with modern material science, focusing on:

• Biodegradable composites
• Fungal material systems
• Waste valorization
• Cultural preservation through design
• Eco-functional product design

Recent publications demonstrate expertise in:

• Amadou material processing (2025)
• Fungal composite lighting design (2024)
• Lichen-dyed bacterial cellulose fashion (2023)
• Polypore-inspired furniture (2021)
• Historical material documentation (2023)

Notable awards include Best Master’s Thesis Project of 2019 at Oslo National Academy of the Arts and Designers’ Saturday Best Talents 2019 First Prize.