Behind every complex research project is a framework of coordination that helps everything run smoothly. In Flex-CPT, Work Package Zero (WP0) fills that role. While it operates away from the lab bench, WP0 ensures that the consortium stays organized, connected, and focused as the project progresses. It plays a crucial role in enabling the entire consortium to function effectively and stay coordinated.
The day-to-day work of WP0 is led by Merja Kangasjärvi, an experienced project manager from the University of Vaasa. WP0 oversees administrative coordination, internal communication, and common dissemination for all 17 partner organizations. It also manages the relationship between the project and Business Finland, monitors milestones, deliverables and international collaboration to ensure that the right communication channels are in place to support technical collaboration.
“We aim to keep everyone informed of the project-level activities, and all we do serves everyone and helps the consortium to achieve its goals,” Kangasjärvi says. “Even though we’re not participating in the scientific content, our work enables the others to focus on it.”
Kangasjärvi has been involved with most of the organizations in the Flex-CPT consortium since 2020, when they began working together during the preparation of the previous CPT project. That long-standing collaboration has created a strong foundation of trust and shared purpose. “The most rewarding part is working with this great consortium,” Kangasjärvi says. “It brings together top-level, diverse expertise, and what makes it truly successful is how seamlessly that expertise turns into genuine collaboration. Everyone is deeply committed and actively engaged in every aspect of the project.”
A key element of WP0’s success has been the working relationship between Kangasjärvi and the Project Leader, Professor Maciej Mikulski from the University of Vaasa. Their roles have been clearly divided to ensure efficient leadership: Mikulski focuses fully on scientific direction, while Kangasjärvi is responsible for coordination and operations. “This approach has proven highly effective and allows the consortium to be led in a clear and efficient way” she notes.
The start of the project was particularly busy. WP0 was responsible for establishing the steering group, project committee, and internal work package structures, organizing the kick-off meeting, and initiating the Consortium Agreement process. It also launched the project website and early visibility materials. Despite the pace, Kangasjärvi describes the early phase as successful. “It’s been a fast-paced start and will remain active through the entire project, but everything is running smoothly, and no challenge has been beyond our ability to handle.”
Her background reflects deep experience in managing complex, multidisciplinary projects. Kangasjärvi holds a master’s degree in economics and has been working at the University of Vaasa since 1998. Over the years, she has managed dozens of energy-related research and development projects, covering a wide range of topics including electricity market development, small-scale energy production, household-level demand response, sustainable driving, and energy efficiency in public buildings. For over six years, she also led the “Energy and Regional Development” team at the university.
Since 2020, her focus has been on the operational side of large research consortia. She works within the Efficient Powertrain Solutions research group at the School of Technology and Innovations, where she also manages the financial balance of a complex portfolio of ongoing projects and personnel.
Merja Kangasjärvi, WP0 Leader, University of Vaasa
Although WP0 does not produce scientific outcomes directly, it provides the administrative backbone for Flex-CPT. The success of the consortium depends not only on technical progress, but also on clear coordination and communication across all partners—something that WP0 ensures from start to finish.
