Karlström is a tenured Professor of Circular Economy (D.Tech.) in the Industrial Engineering and Management group at the University of Turku. 

His research explores industrial symbiosis, circular ecosystems, and sustainable business models, integrating life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and digitalization strategies. Collaborating with 20+ industrial partners across diverse sectors, he aims to bridge academic research with practical, implementable solutions that advance the circular economy.

Karlström has long experience of university teaching and developing teaching material for doctoral researchers, masters leverl student and bachelor student. 

He is responsible for courses including Material Flows and Circular Economy, Sustainable Decision Making, Industrial Symbiosis, and Circular Economy in the Maritime Cluster, and co-responsible for Materials and Environment and Life-Cycle Management of Materials.