This was the second time the conference was hosted in Turku – the first event in 2021 took place online due to the pandemic. The 2025 summer edition marked the organizers’ first in-person event in Turku, with the earlier virtual conference providing a solid foundation for smooth planning and a successful experience.
The event was chaired by Professor Juha-Pekka Salminen, Professor of Natural Compound Chemistry and President of the Organizing Committee from the University of Turku.
An International Audience and High-Quality Scientific Content
Participants travelled to Turku from Europe, North and South America, and Asia. The scientific quality of the program received wide praise, featuring over 100 oral presentations and numerous high-level keynote speeches together with over 80 poster presentations.
The presentation topics spanned the whole range of polyphenol sciences from their significance in plants and plant-based foods to their synthesis, analytics and bioactivities as well as positive effects on human and animal health.
The conference took place at the Turku City Theatre, with guests staying at the nearby Hotel Marina Palace. Many attendees appreciated the opportunity to enjoy a scenic walk along the beautiful riverside between the hotel and the conference venue.
International visitors were particularly impressed by Turku’s welcoming atmosphere and logistical ease. The gala dinner at the historic Turku Castle left a lasting impression, as did the vibrant riverside area.
The conference received excellent feedback from participants, with comments such as:
“Attending the International Conference on Polyphenols (ICP2025) in Turku was a truly enriching experience. The event was neatly organized, with every aspect—from registration to session logistics—handled with precision. The crew was incredibly friendly and supportive, making international participants feel comfortable and welcome. Time management was excellent, with sessions starting and ending as scheduled. The hosts were warm and professional, creating a positive and engaging environment throughout the conference.”
Ruisrock and the Archipelago as Added Attractions
The conference coincided with the legendary Ruisrock festival, giving participants a unique chance to experience the atmosphere of a Finnish summer. Turku and its archipelago were also actively promoted to attendees, with many choosing to extend their stay in the region for a family holiday after the event.
Juha-Pekka Salminen and Maarit Karonen.
Seamless Organization and Strong Local Collaboration
Professor Salminen expressed great satisfaction with the event:
"Having already hosted a successful online edition and working again with our trusted local partners, we knew we could rely on everything running smoothly."
Technical arrangements were provided by Rajupaja, and the event was organized in collaboration with Certia Events and Visit Turku Archipelago.
“We received valuable advice from Visit Turku Archipelago regarding the practical arrangements for both conferences, and our collaboration proved truly invaluable.”
Text: Heli Nieminen
Photos: Niko Kotiranta