Aalto University Newshttp://www.aalto.fi/en/current/news/2013-05-18T23:21:17+00:00verkkotoimitus@aalto.fiFeedCreator 1.7.6(BH) (info@mypapit.net)Risto Nieminen appointed Dean of Aalto University’s School of Science2013-05-17T10:25:57+00:002013-05-17T10:25:57+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2bedc29c90b6ebedc11e291c6030f5630d8b6d8b6Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Risto Nieminen – born 1948, D.Sc. (Tech) – has been appointed Dean of Aalto University’s School of Science and a member of the university’s Management Team as of 1 July 2013. He will succeed Kimmo Kaski, who has served as the school’s dean since March 2012.
Risto Nieminen is Distinguished Professor in the School of Science’s Department of Applied Physics, Director of the COMP Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience, and Director of the National Graduate School in Materials Physics. He has previously served as Scientific Director or the Center for Scientific Computing, Director of NORDITA (Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics) in Sweden, and as a professor and head of department at the Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Jyväskylä. He is well-known and respected internationally in his field and has had extensive experience outside Finland, in the United States, Denmark, Great Britain, and elsewhere, and has served in numerous positions of trust during his career. Risto Nieminen received his D.Sc. from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1975.
“I am very happy that we have been able to appoint someone of Risto Nieminen’s stature – a scientist with his roots in Aalto University, with an impressive academic career and extensive international contacts – as the new Dean of the School of Science,” says Aalto University’s President, Tuula Teeri. “Risto Nieminen very much represents the type of world-class expertise that we want to foster and reinforce here at Aalto University.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kimmo Kaski for the valuable contribution that he has made, both as Deputy Dean and Dean of the School of Science.”
The dean of the School of Science is responsible for directing the school’s activities in accordance with Aalto University’s strategy and taking part in the long-term development of the university as a member of its Management Team. The dean is responsible for the overall development and international competitiveness of the school, for allocating its resources within the framework of the university’s overall operating plan and budget, and for recruiting faculty in accordance with Aalto University’s tenure track policies.
For further information, please contact President Tuula Teeri tel. +358 50 512 4194 (Executive Assistant Harriet Jehkonen) president@aalto.fi
]]>Risto Nieminen – born 1948, D.Sc. (Tech) – has been appointed Dean of Aalto University’s School of Science and a member of the university’s Management Team as of 1 July 2013. He will succeed Kimmo Kaski, who has served as the school’s dean since March 2012.
Risto Nieminen is Distinguished Professor in the School of Science’s Department of Applied Physics, Director of the COMP Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience, and Director of the National Graduate School in Materials Physics. He has previously served as Scientific Director or the Center for Scientific Computing, Director of NORDITA (Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics) in Sweden, and as a professor and head of department at the Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Jyväskylä. He is well-known and respected internationally in his field and has had extensive experience outside Finland, in the United States, Denmark, Great Britain, and elsewhere, and has served in numerous positions of trust during his career. Risto Nieminen received his D.Sc. from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1975.
“I am very happy that we have been able to appoint someone of Risto Nieminen’s stature – a scientist with his roots in Aalto University, with an impressive academic career and extensive international contacts – as the new Dean of the School of Science,” says Aalto University’s President, Tuula Teeri. “Risto Nieminen very much represents the type of world-class expertise that we want to foster and reinforce here at Aalto University.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kimmo Kaski for the valuable contribution that he has made, both as Deputy Dean and Dean of the School of Science.”
The dean of the School of Science is responsible for directing the school’s activities in accordance with Aalto University’s strategy and taking part in the long-term development of the university as a member of its Management Team. The dean is responsible for the overall development and international competitiveness of the school, for allocating its resources within the framework of the university’s overall operating plan and budget, and for recruiting faculty in accordance with Aalto University’s tenure track policies.
For further information, please contact President Tuula Teeri tel. +358 50 512 4194 (Executive Assistant Harriet Jehkonen) president@aalto.fi
]]>Teaching at the School of Business more grounded in real work2013-05-17T09:20:07+00:002013-05-17T09:20:07+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2bed2f77fd18cbed211e2b08c6d00080ef9fdf9fdAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Graduates of the School of Business are satisfied with their qualifications and do well in finding employment. The new graduate career report published today supports the reform of teaching in the School of Business, where teaching and learning are being increasingly integrated with real needs in working life. The report looks at the way in which the School of Business’ master's degree graduates of 2007 were integrated into the workforce as well as their employment situation five years later in autumn 2012.
Of the respondents, 23% were very satisfied with their qualification, and a combined 94% were satisfied to some extent (satisfied, quite satisfied or very satisfied). The M.Sc. (Econ. & Bus. Admin.) qualification was generally considered to be a good and respected foundation, opening doors to different kinds of work.
Respondents believed that studying at the university helped them to develop good communication skills in English, a familiarity with business principles, skills in analytical and structured thinking, group work and social skills, data collection skills and a good theoretical background in their own fields. A few critical comments came from the open response fields and focused mainly on requests for studies to be of an even more practical nature.
’For us, the graduate career report is an instrument for the development of our teaching. Based on the previous survey of two years ago, we have focused on the systematic development of skills such as team work, communication and project work,’ says Vice Dean Seppo Ikäheimo, who is responsible for teaching and learning in the School of Business.
’With the results of the latest survey, we plan to give greater emphasis to argumentation skills for negotiation in our teaching of practical skills. We highlight practicality in our teaching and learning in many ways, such as closer collaboration with the business world.’
New bachelor's and master's programmes starting in autumn
The School of Business will be the first of the Aalto University schools to offer the reformed bachelor's and master's degrees. The new degree programmes will begin in autumn 2013. Thanks to the new programmes, students will be offered more opportunities to take courses in other Aalto schools and to develop interdisciplinary skills, which are in increasing demand in working life. The programmes will also include practical career skills, the development of which will be monitored regularly.
The teaching method of analysing and solving real-life business challenges is increasingly being adopted. New bachelor's degree students starting at the School of Business in Helsinki in autumn will learn about Rovio's business operations from the very start of their studies. Students will also get to align theory with practice in several business case studies throughout their degrees and with several different organisations.
’The key thing is that the students learn. The most important is what the students do, not what the teacher does,’ concludes Ikäheimo.
Education and degree reform: Vice Dean Seppo Ikäheimo, Aalto University School of Business, tel. +358 (0)50 505 4990, seppo.ikaheimo@aalto.fi
Career Development Report: Jonna Söderholm, Head of Corporate Relations and Career Services, Aalto University School of Business, tel. +358 (0)40 353 8417, jonna.soderholm@aalto.fi
]]>Graduates of the School of Business are satisfied with their qualifications and do well in finding employment. The new graduate career report published today supports the reform of teaching in the School of Business, where teaching and learning are being increasingly integrated with real needs in working life. The report looks at the way in which the School of Business’ master's degree graduates of 2007 were integrated into the workforce as well as their employment situation five years later in autumn 2012.
Of the respondents, 23% were very satisfied with their qualification, and a combined 94% were satisfied to some extent (satisfied, quite satisfied or very satisfied). The M.Sc. (Econ. & Bus. Admin.) qualification was generally considered to be a good and respected foundation, opening doors to different kinds of work.
Respondents believed that studying at the university helped them to develop good communication skills in English, a familiarity with business principles, skills in analytical and structured thinking, group work and social skills, data collection skills and a good theoretical background in their own fields. A few critical comments came from the open response fields and focused mainly on requests for studies to be of an even more practical nature.
’For us, the graduate career report is an instrument for the development of our teaching. Based on the previous survey of two years ago, we have focused on the systematic development of skills such as team work, communication and project work,’ says Vice Dean Seppo Ikäheimo, who is responsible for teaching and learning in the School of Business.
’With the results of the latest survey, we plan to give greater emphasis to argumentation skills for negotiation in our teaching of practical skills. We highlight practicality in our teaching and learning in many ways, such as closer collaboration with the business world.’
New bachelor's and master's programmes starting in autumn
The School of Business will be the first of the Aalto University schools to offer the reformed bachelor's and master's degrees. The new degree programmes will begin in autumn 2013. Thanks to the new programmes, students will be offered more opportunities to take courses in other Aalto schools and to develop interdisciplinary skills, which are in increasing demand in working life. The programmes will also include practical career skills, the development of which will be monitored regularly.
The teaching method of analysing and solving real-life business challenges is increasingly being adopted. New bachelor's degree students starting at the School of Business in Helsinki in autumn will learn about Rovio's business operations from the very start of their studies. Students will also get to align theory with practice in several business case studies throughout their degrees and with several different organisations.
’The key thing is that the students learn. The most important is what the students do, not what the teacher does,’ concludes Ikäheimo.
Education and degree reform: Vice Dean Seppo Ikäheimo, Aalto University School of Business, tel. +358 (0)50 505 4990, seppo.ikaheimo@aalto.fi
Career Development Report: Jonna Söderholm, Head of Corporate Relations and Career Services, Aalto University School of Business, tel. +358 (0)40 353 8417, jonna.soderholm@aalto.fi
]]>Website renewal at School of Arts, Design and Architecture kicks off with a competition for students and alumni2013-05-16T07:47:05+00:002013-05-16T07:47:05+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2bdfccda3ea78bdfc11e28a6debfb83a6c2ffc2ffAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>A competition is being arranged to find a new concept for the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website. This is a competition aimed specifically at identifying a new concept rather than a ready-made website. The goal is to continue developing the winning competition proposal with its creator new autumn.
’It’s wonderful to be able to do things in a way that allows us to utilise the experts at our school. This operating method is similar to the joint design that we consider so important, and it also illustrates the unique culture that we want to nurture at our school,’ emphasises Dean Helena Hyvönen.
Another target involves using the winning entry’s concept when presenting artistic activities outside the scope of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website, for example, on the Aalto University website and on the Aalto ARTS department websites.
User feedback to support development
The tools for developing websites at Aalto University include usability tests and feedback from users. The website renewal is particularly aimed at improving website usability and updating the identity. Feedback from users has indicated a desire for more visual material.
’We’re looking for a concept that can make the visual competence at ARTS visible. In order to ensure that the visual material on the website is up to date, we need a functional visual content production solution,’ explains Communications Manager Eveliina Olsson, who serves as competition secretary.
Website renewal also extends to department websites
The Aalto University websites (aalto.fi and websites of the schools) are aimed at external stakeholders. The website renewal extends to department websites, too, and the departments of Aalto ARTS have also been asked for requests concerning development of the department websites. Their feedback on the existing websites will be taken into consideration when selecting the winning entry.
Entries in the Aalto ARTS website competition will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Communications Director Hanna Maula (Chair), Professors Pirjo Hirvonen, Marjatta Itkonen and Teemu Leinonen, student members Veera Konsti (TOKYO) and Jere Pääkkönen (Arkkitehtikilta), Concept Designer Teriina Lindblom (alumni), Communications Manager Anne Tapanainen (ARTS) and Head of Aalto Media Eveliina Olsson (Competition Secretary).
The jury will begin its work in September, with announcement of the competition winner(s) being set for October. Practical implementation will begin after that.
The Aalto University website is undergoing a renewal during 2013. This applies to the main Aalto University website and to the school websites. The Aalto University website is aimed at external stakeholders. The largest individual user group is potential students, while other important stakeholders include the academic community, alumni and the so-called general public that is interested in science, research and artistic activities. The Aalto University website has approximately 570 000 hits each month, while the ARTS website receives about 35 000.
]]>A competition is being arranged to find a new concept for the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website. This is a competition aimed specifically at identifying a new concept rather than a ready-made website. The goal is to continue developing the winning competition proposal with its creator new autumn.
’It’s wonderful to be able to do things in a way that allows us to utilise the experts at our school. This operating method is similar to the joint design that we consider so important, and it also illustrates the unique culture that we want to nurture at our school,’ emphasises Dean Helena Hyvönen.
Another target involves using the winning entry’s concept when presenting artistic activities outside the scope of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture website, for example, on the Aalto University website and on the Aalto ARTS department websites.
User feedback to support development
The tools for developing websites at Aalto University include usability tests and feedback from users. The website renewal is particularly aimed at improving website usability and updating the identity. Feedback from users has indicated a desire for more visual material.
’We’re looking for a concept that can make the visual competence at ARTS visible. In order to ensure that the visual material on the website is up to date, we need a functional visual content production solution,’ explains Communications Manager Eveliina Olsson, who serves as competition secretary.
Website renewal also extends to department websites
The Aalto University websites (aalto.fi and websites of the schools) are aimed at external stakeholders. The website renewal extends to department websites, too, and the departments of Aalto ARTS have also been asked for requests concerning development of the department websites. Their feedback on the existing websites will be taken into consideration when selecting the winning entry.
Entries in the Aalto ARTS website competition will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Communications Director Hanna Maula (Chair), Professors Pirjo Hirvonen, Marjatta Itkonen and Teemu Leinonen, student members Veera Konsti (TOKYO) and Jere Pääkkönen (Arkkitehtikilta), Concept Designer Teriina Lindblom (alumni), Communications Manager Anne Tapanainen (ARTS) and Head of Aalto Media Eveliina Olsson (Competition Secretary).
The jury will begin its work in September, with announcement of the competition winner(s) being set for October. Practical implementation will begin after that.
The Aalto University website is undergoing a renewal during 2013. This applies to the main Aalto University website and to the school websites. The Aalto University website is aimed at external stakeholders. The largest individual user group is potential students, while other important stakeholders include the academic community, alumni and the so-called general public that is interested in science, research and artistic activities. The Aalto University website has approximately 570 000 hits each month, while the ARTS website receives about 35 000.
]]>Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors - reflections between mathematics and art2013-05-15T12:17:18+00:002013-05-15T12:17:18+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2bd5962f31576bd5911e28f84e102d0ad52285228Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>On Monday, 6 May 2013, an exhibition of the final works of students on the Aalto course Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors, which combines mathematics, architecture, and art, was opened in the foyer of the TUAS building in Otaniemi. On display are a total of six works, which the students designed and built in the spring of 2013.
Participating in the course were students from five Aalto schools. The topic was of most interest to architects, in addition there were also chemists, mathematitions, physicists, as well as students of electrical engineering, industrial design and information networks. The students were also in very different phases of their studies. '
This diversity caused a certain amount of confusion at first, because the groups were composed of very different kinds of people. Respect for the fields of the others became deeper and possibilities for cooperation started to emerge, when the same themes were examined from different angles', observes Kirsi Peltonen, who taught the course, and who also came up with the idea.
Mathematical foundations of music
A good example of the content of the course is the essay by Jukka Eerikäinen and Julian Ilinca on the mathematical foundations of mainstream pop and rock music. Taking centre stage in the essay is the use of mathematical methods in the analysis of the forms of melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Eerikäinen and Ilinca primarily examined what kinds of mathematical phenomena were to be found in the background of pop music, such as symmetries and other mathematical variations.
Experts from different fields
Taking part in the implementation of the course was a multidisciplinary group of experts in different fields from places such as Heureka and Aalto ARTS. Also taking part in the teaching were international stars such as Jeff Weeks and George Hart. Their presentations can be found from Youtube (youtube.com):
The Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors course was arranged for the first time. 'For its implementation got financing for an Aalto course granted by Vice President Martti Raevaara, financial support from the Department of Mathematics, the premises of Design Factory, and the possibility of using the equipment and expertise of the Architecture Workshop in Otaniemi', Kirsi Peltonen says. She is a mathematician herself, and the subjects that she teaches include differential geometry.
]]>On Monday, 6 May 2013, an exhibition of the final works of students on the Aalto course Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors, which combines mathematics, architecture, and art, was opened in the foyer of the TUAS building in Otaniemi. On display are a total of six works, which the students designed and built in the spring of 2013.
Participating in the course were students from five Aalto schools. The topic was of most interest to architects, in addition there were also chemists, mathematitions, physicists, as well as students of electrical engineering, industrial design and information networks. The students were also in very different phases of their studies. '
This diversity caused a certain amount of confusion at first, because the groups were composed of very different kinds of people. Respect for the fields of the others became deeper and possibilities for cooperation started to emerge, when the same themes were examined from different angles', observes Kirsi Peltonen, who taught the course, and who also came up with the idea.
Mathematical foundations of music
A good example of the content of the course is the essay by Jukka Eerikäinen and Julian Ilinca on the mathematical foundations of mainstream pop and rock music. Taking centre stage in the essay is the use of mathematical methods in the analysis of the forms of melody, harmony, and rhythm.
Eerikäinen and Ilinca primarily examined what kinds of mathematical phenomena were to be found in the background of pop music, such as symmetries and other mathematical variations.
Experts from different fields
Taking part in the implementation of the course was a multidisciplinary group of experts in different fields from places such as Heureka and Aalto ARTS. Also taking part in the teaching were international stars such as Jeff Weeks and George Hart. Their presentations can be found from Youtube (youtube.com):
The Crystal Flowers in Halls of Mirrors course was arranged for the first time. 'For its implementation got financing for an Aalto course granted by Vice President Martti Raevaara, financial support from the Department of Mathematics, the premises of Design Factory, and the possibility of using the equipment and expertise of the Architecture Workshop in Otaniemi', Kirsi Peltonen says. She is a mathematician herself, and the subjects that she teaches include differential geometry.
]]>Financial Times: Aalto University Executive Education already among the top one percent2013-05-13T09:16:36+00:002013-05-13T09:16:36+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2bbadcfa48a04bbad11e28ecb050e204776ee76eeAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University Executive Education (Aalto EE), Finland has further strengthened its position in the annual Financial Times Executive Education ranking. Aalto EE improved three positions from last year, with a global ranking of 41st. The Financial Times ranking includes only the top 50 executive education providers. Globally, executive education and MBA programmes are offered by around 4,000 institutes.
Open enrolment and customised programmes are ranked separately in the FT Executive Education ranking. The overall listing is based on the total rating achieved in these two categories. The ranking is derived from open customer feedback and statistics provided by the schools.
- In three years, we have improved our ranking in the customized program listing by 15 positions, and our overall ranking is five positions higher. This is an excellent achievement in a highly competitive global market. This development reflects also our increasing investments in customized programs, says Visiting Professor Pekka Mattila, Group Managing Director of Aalto University Executive Education.
According to the Financial Times, in the customised programme category Aalto EE was particularly valued among corporate customers for value for money, gaining new skills and learning, and for its comprehensive teaching methods and materials. In the open enrolment listing, Aalto EE's strengths lay in the aims achieved among the students and repeat business and growth which are generated by confidential customer relations built over the years.
- We are in a constant competition with the world's leading education providers. Our proven ability to achieve the aims set forms our main strength; this is also a key criterion in the Financial Times ranking. We are an agile challenger in the international executive education market. Thanks to our operating model, we are able to provide high-quality, and at the same time, cost-efficient services, Mattila continues.
The top-three leading international business schools in the ranking remained the same: HEC Paris, Iese Business School and IMD. ESADE, a strategic partner school of Aalto EE, improved its ranking to fourth position.
Now participating for the 13th time, Aalto University Executive Education is ranked under the name Aalto University.
For further information, please contact: Pekka Mattila (Dr. Pol. Sc.), Managing Director, Visiting Professor Aalto University Executive Education Tel.: +358 40 738 7221 pekka.mattila@aaltoee.fi
]]>Aalto University Executive Education (Aalto EE), Finland has further strengthened its position in the annual Financial Times Executive Education ranking. Aalto EE improved three positions from last year, with a global ranking of 41st. The Financial Times ranking includes only the top 50 executive education providers. Globally, executive education and MBA programmes are offered by around 4,000 institutes.
Open enrolment and customised programmes are ranked separately in the FT Executive Education ranking. The overall listing is based on the total rating achieved in these two categories. The ranking is derived from open customer feedback and statistics provided by the schools.
- In three years, we have improved our ranking in the customized program listing by 15 positions, and our overall ranking is five positions higher. This is an excellent achievement in a highly competitive global market. This development reflects also our increasing investments in customized programs, says Visiting Professor Pekka Mattila, Group Managing Director of Aalto University Executive Education.
According to the Financial Times, in the customised programme category Aalto EE was particularly valued among corporate customers for value for money, gaining new skills and learning, and for its comprehensive teaching methods and materials. In the open enrolment listing, Aalto EE's strengths lay in the aims achieved among the students and repeat business and growth which are generated by confidential customer relations built over the years.
- We are in a constant competition with the world's leading education providers. Our proven ability to achieve the aims set forms our main strength; this is also a key criterion in the Financial Times ranking. We are an agile challenger in the international executive education market. Thanks to our operating model, we are able to provide high-quality, and at the same time, cost-efficient services, Mattila continues.
The top-three leading international business schools in the ranking remained the same: HEC Paris, Iese Business School and IMD. ESADE, a strategic partner school of Aalto EE, improved its ranking to fourth position.
Now participating for the 13th time, Aalto University Executive Education is ranked under the name Aalto University.
For further information, please contact: Pekka Mattila (Dr. Pol. Sc.), Managing Director, Visiting Professor Aalto University Executive Education Tel.: +358 40 738 7221 pekka.mattila@aaltoee.fi
]]>New species of truffle found in Finland2013-05-13T06:20:23+00:002013-05-13T06:20:23+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2bb953195c6ecbb9511e2bf40dd7ede925fa15fa1Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>A species of truffle that is considered to be rare has been found for the first time in Finland. Previously it has been thought to exist only in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The truffle was found in Puumala, growing under a pine tree.
The truffle was identified on the basis of its shape, as well as through methods of molecular biology. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis (evolutionary tree) the truffle was identified as a Tuber anniae. Aalto University and the Juva Truffle Center will study the new truffle's edibility and its commercial potential.
Truffle species have spread around Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America. There is extensive variation among truffle species in Europe. Truffles are ecologically symbiotic fungi that can form a symbiotic relationship with trees, including pine, birch, spruce and oak. Truffle research is fairly new in Finland. So far, Aalto University and the Juva Truffle Centre have found only a few wild truffles, including the Tuber foetidum and the Tuber maculatum.
Research with a bioreactor
'Our research today focuses on the development of DNA-based techniques. The aim is to determine the "fingerprint" of the truffles so that the different Finnish species of truffle can be distinguished from each other. This would allow them to be listed according to species on the lists of the Sienikauppa mushroom store. Different truffle species have different prices which are based on a number of factors, including their availability and nutritional value', says Aalto University researcher Salem Shamekh, D.Sc. (Tech.), who is also the director of the Juva Truffle Center.
'We also study the production of the fungal mycelium of the truffles in a bioreactor, as well as the isolation of flavours and antioxidants. We planned to collaborate with Aalto University researchers in organic chemistry, including the group led by Professor Reija Jokela. '
'We have succeeded in implanting truffle spores in Finnish trees (such as the Black Diamond Truffle and the Summer Truffle) which makes it possible to set up a company based on truffles.'
'We are the first research group to have produced truffles in a truffle garden in Finland', Salem Shamekh, D.Sc. (Tech.), says.
More information:
Dr Salem Shamekh Aalto University School of Chemical Technology salem.shamekh@aalto.fi tel. 470 22545
]]>A species of truffle that is considered to be rare has been found for the first time in Finland. Previously it has been thought to exist only in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The truffle was found in Puumala, growing under a pine tree.
The truffle was identified on the basis of its shape, as well as through methods of molecular biology. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis (evolutionary tree) the truffle was identified as a Tuber anniae. Aalto University and the Juva Truffle Center will study the new truffle's edibility and its commercial potential.
Truffle species have spread around Asia, Europe, North Africa and North America. There is extensive variation among truffle species in Europe. Truffles are ecologically symbiotic fungi that can form a symbiotic relationship with trees, including pine, birch, spruce and oak. Truffle research is fairly new in Finland. So far, Aalto University and the Juva Truffle Centre have found only a few wild truffles, including the Tuber foetidum and the Tuber maculatum.
Research with a bioreactor
'Our research today focuses on the development of DNA-based techniques. The aim is to determine the "fingerprint" of the truffles so that the different Finnish species of truffle can be distinguished from each other. This would allow them to be listed according to species on the lists of the Sienikauppa mushroom store. Different truffle species have different prices which are based on a number of factors, including their availability and nutritional value', says Aalto University researcher Salem Shamekh, D.Sc. (Tech.), who is also the director of the Juva Truffle Center.
'We also study the production of the fungal mycelium of the truffles in a bioreactor, as well as the isolation of flavours and antioxidants. We planned to collaborate with Aalto University researchers in organic chemistry, including the group led by Professor Reija Jokela. '
'We have succeeded in implanting truffle spores in Finnish trees (such as the Black Diamond Truffle and the Summer Truffle) which makes it possible to set up a company based on truffles.'
'We are the first research group to have produced truffles in a truffle garden in Finland', Salem Shamekh, D.Sc. (Tech.), says.
More information:
Dr Salem Shamekh Aalto University School of Chemical Technology salem.shamekh@aalto.fi tel. 470 22545
]]>Young people rank Aalto University as Finland's best-known university2013-05-08T10:58:53+00:002013-05-08T10:58:53+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b7ce45b20e3ab7ce11e2b8c989c99fc2f902f902Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University did well in the Korkeakoulujen imago 2013 study, in which the market research company Taloustutkimus asked Finnish young people about their opinions concerning Finnish institutions of higher education.
Aalto University again got excellent results in the annual Taloustutkimus survey on the prevailing images that people have of Finnish institutions of higher education. Responding to the survey were young people in continental Finland under the age of 30. The study examined the images of the various institutions based on different factors. A total o f 17 universities were examined.
The young respondents ranked Aalto University in first place in several areas. The respondents saw Aalto University as the best-known university in Finland.
The respondents also felt that academic degrees from Aalto University are the most highly valued in working life. Top marks also came for being a pioneer, for the university's positive media visibility, for standing out from other institutions of higher education, and for being visible in the social media.
Respondents ranked Aalto University in second place among all of the institutions of higher education included in the survey in terms of reputation as a place to study, the quality of teaching and availability of international contacts.
The Taloustutkimus survey had about 2 000 respondents.
]]>Aalto University did well in the Korkeakoulujen imago 2013 study, in which the market research company Taloustutkimus asked Finnish young people about their opinions concerning Finnish institutions of higher education.
Aalto University again got excellent results in the annual Taloustutkimus survey on the prevailing images that people have of Finnish institutions of higher education. Responding to the survey were young people in continental Finland under the age of 30. The study examined the images of the various institutions based on different factors. A total o f 17 universities were examined.
The young respondents ranked Aalto University in first place in several areas. The respondents saw Aalto University as the best-known university in Finland.
The respondents also felt that academic degrees from Aalto University are the most highly valued in working life. Top marks also came for being a pioneer, for the university's positive media visibility, for standing out from other institutions of higher education, and for being visible in the social media.
Respondents ranked Aalto University in second place among all of the institutions of higher education included in the survey in terms of reputation as a place to study, the quality of teaching and availability of international contacts.
The Taloustutkimus survey had about 2 000 respondents.
]]>Twenty years of open teaching2013-05-08T10:50:26+00:002013-05-08T10:50:26+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b7cafedb83ccb7ca11e289b9bfaa81b2b40fb40fAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>The Open University of Aalto University was launched in 2011, but its history dates back 20 years.
Helsinki School of Economics offered its first Open University courses in May 1993. The same year also saw the beginning of Open University instruction at the Helsinki University of Technology. The first open courses at the University of Art and Design Helsinki were held already in 1989.
'The open teaching at Aalto University focuses on economics. last year 81 per cent of credit units that were earned came from studies in economics, 11 per cent from technical studies, and 8 per cent from art and design. A total of 7570 registrations were received for all courses', explains Leena Ylä-Anttila, senior planning officer at the Open University.
Additional skills for work, a path to a degree
Ylä-Anttila says that many students study a secondary subject at the Open University as part of some other degree, or they study to gain more competence for working life.
The Open University is also a channel for work on a degree. Each year between 15 and 30 students, whose course grades are high enough, are admitted to studies aimed at achieving a degree. The courses of the Open University correspond to teaching at the university aimed at getting a degree, and the quality is constantly monitored.
'A study is currently under way comparing examination scores of the degree side and those of the open courses. There should not be very much variation there.'
According to Ylä-Anttila, more than 30 per cent of students at the Open University have completed an academic degree, but there are also those with just a comprehensive school background. This lack of prior university studies can be a challenge for teachers, but many teachers nevertheless find teaching at the Open University to be meaningful.
'Those who study at the Open University often have work experience. They want to talk to their teachers and to bring their own examples into the teaching.'
Queueing and filling forms
Leena Ylä-Anttila, who is now on part-time retirement, started her work as the head of training at the Open University of the Helsinki School of Economics in 1993 when the first courses were starting.
'The Open University at the Helsinki School of Economics was founded as the result of negotiations between the Ministry of Education and institutions of higher education. Education was one of the key remedies for the recession of the early 1990s and state funding became available for various training programmes', she explains.
The first courses at the Open University were summer courses which were advertised in the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. Those wanting to sign up for teaching had to queue up at the office of the Open University, fill out a form and pay 200 markka in cash into the cash box.
'The queue from the office, which was located at Hieteniemenkatu 7 at the time, extended all the way to Hietaniemi Cemetery', Ylä-Anttila recalls.
Toward the end of the 1990s telephone registration was introduced, but even then the fee had to be paid in person. In the past two years registration has been electronic, and payment of the fees has been possible via on-line banking.
Open University will celebrate it's twenty years of teaching with coffee and cake on 21 May between 15 and 16.30 at the Main lobby of the School of Business' Main Building. Welcome!
]]>The Open University of Aalto University was launched in 2011, but its history dates back 20 years.
Helsinki School of Economics offered its first Open University courses in May 1993. The same year also saw the beginning of Open University instruction at the Helsinki University of Technology. The first open courses at the University of Art and Design Helsinki were held already in 1989.
'The open teaching at Aalto University focuses on economics. last year 81 per cent of credit units that were earned came from studies in economics, 11 per cent from technical studies, and 8 per cent from art and design. A total of 7570 registrations were received for all courses', explains Leena Ylä-Anttila, senior planning officer at the Open University.
Additional skills for work, a path to a degree
Ylä-Anttila says that many students study a secondary subject at the Open University as part of some other degree, or they study to gain more competence for working life.
The Open University is also a channel for work on a degree. Each year between 15 and 30 students, whose course grades are high enough, are admitted to studies aimed at achieving a degree. The courses of the Open University correspond to teaching at the university aimed at getting a degree, and the quality is constantly monitored.
'A study is currently under way comparing examination scores of the degree side and those of the open courses. There should not be very much variation there.'
According to Ylä-Anttila, more than 30 per cent of students at the Open University have completed an academic degree, but there are also those with just a comprehensive school background. This lack of prior university studies can be a challenge for teachers, but many teachers nevertheless find teaching at the Open University to be meaningful.
'Those who study at the Open University often have work experience. They want to talk to their teachers and to bring their own examples into the teaching.'
Queueing and filling forms
Leena Ylä-Anttila, who is now on part-time retirement, started her work as the head of training at the Open University of the Helsinki School of Economics in 1993 when the first courses were starting.
'The Open University at the Helsinki School of Economics was founded as the result of negotiations between the Ministry of Education and institutions of higher education. Education was one of the key remedies for the recession of the early 1990s and state funding became available for various training programmes', she explains.
The first courses at the Open University were summer courses which were advertised in the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. Those wanting to sign up for teaching had to queue up at the office of the Open University, fill out a form and pay 200 markka in cash into the cash box.
'The queue from the office, which was located at Hieteniemenkatu 7 at the time, extended all the way to Hietaniemi Cemetery', Ylä-Anttila recalls.
Toward the end of the 1990s telephone registration was introduced, but even then the fee had to be paid in person. In the past two years registration has been electronic, and payment of the fees has been possible via on-line banking.
Open University will celebrate it's twenty years of teaching with coffee and cake on 21 May between 15 and 16.30 at the Main lobby of the School of Business' Main Building. Welcome!
]]>Masters of Aalto is open – see the future of art, business and technology2013-05-07T08:01:37+00:002013-05-07T08:01:37+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b6ec57fce656b6ec11e2a7d4d7e2570ce8fee8feAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University's Masters of Aalto event (MoA) opens on Wednesday, 8 May in Helsinki's Sörnäinen neighbourhood. The memorable collection, which is open until 26 May, has more than 70 Master’s theses and works of graduates from all of the fields at Aalto University.
This time the theme of the annual event is Dreams Made Real. The thematic concept of the exhibition is the work of designer and Aalto University alumnus Arni Aromaa.
In their works, the students at Aalto University ponder the rapidly-changing world. They put forward interesting angles and open-minded visions for solutions to global problems. The works reflect hope and enthusiasm on the threshold of new possibilities.
Masters of Aalto is being held in the Kruununmakasiini building at the corner of Hämeentie and Lautatarhankatu in Helsinki. The 121-year-old building, owned by the City of Helsinki, has served as a state granary and warehouse, and is now opening to the public for the first time.
In addition to the exhibition, Aalto University invites the public to take part in seminars and events. Information on other events can be found at the website of moa.aalto.fi.
16 May: The seminar Me and We examines the role of creativity: how the creative process changes with the speed of change in the world. Is there room for creativity, and how should creativity be supported? People pondering the subject include Senior Design Specialist Paula Bello of KONE Corporation and CEO Kigge Hvid of the Danish organisation Index: Design to Improve Life.
14 May:Topics of the international seminar Co-creating sustainable opportunities for all include urbanisation, changing business models, social entrepreneurship and the building of a sustainable future.
21 May: The seminar Designing well-being – developing public services examines topics such as the role of design in the equation involving growing needs and diminishing resources. Good design is based on a realistic view of reality, and on what kinds of impacts new solutions might have. The seminar is in Finnish.
18–19 May: The ARTS Exposed sales event showcases a collection of new works by alumni of the Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture, as well as the school's own classics. On sale are more unique works and small-series production than ever before. Examples of the collection include fashion illustrations by the young Johanna Härkönen as well as the established Minni Havas (Minni F. Ronya). There are unique works and small-series production from Veera Kujala (Raivio & Kulju) and from the young Matias Liimatainen, who is finishing his studies in ceramics and glass design. Also taking part in the event are furniture designers, such as Mikko Paakkanen, POIAT and StudioHH from Lahti. Visual artist Jenni Rope brings her paintings, as well as comic strips and art books of her own publishing house to ARTS Exposed.
During the event, there will also be a sales point for the products of designers and a café run by students.
The main partner of the Masters of Aalto event is the City of Helsinki. Other partners: Antalis, DMP, Elisa, Experq, Hjelt Foundation, Martela, RGB, Teurastamo, Teknos, Unigrafia, Viinitie
The Masters of Aalto event 8–26 May, 2013, Kruununmakasiini, Hämeentie 39, Helsinki. The exhibition is open on weekdays 12–20, and on weekends 12–18. Admission is free.
]]>Aalto University's Masters of Aalto event (MoA) opens on Wednesday, 8 May in Helsinki's Sörnäinen neighbourhood. The memorable collection, which is open until 26 May, has more than 70 Master’s theses and works of graduates from all of the fields at Aalto University.
This time the theme of the annual event is Dreams Made Real. The thematic concept of the exhibition is the work of designer and Aalto University alumnus Arni Aromaa.
In their works, the students at Aalto University ponder the rapidly-changing world. They put forward interesting angles and open-minded visions for solutions to global problems. The works reflect hope and enthusiasm on the threshold of new possibilities.
Masters of Aalto is being held in the Kruununmakasiini building at the corner of Hämeentie and Lautatarhankatu in Helsinki. The 121-year-old building, owned by the City of Helsinki, has served as a state granary and warehouse, and is now opening to the public for the first time.
In addition to the exhibition, Aalto University invites the public to take part in seminars and events. Information on other events can be found at the website of moa.aalto.fi.
16 May: The seminar Me and We examines the role of creativity: how the creative process changes with the speed of change in the world. Is there room for creativity, and how should creativity be supported? People pondering the subject include Senior Design Specialist Paula Bello of KONE Corporation and CEO Kigge Hvid of the Danish organisation Index: Design to Improve Life.
14 May:Topics of the international seminar Co-creating sustainable opportunities for all include urbanisation, changing business models, social entrepreneurship and the building of a sustainable future.
21 May: The seminar Designing well-being – developing public services examines topics such as the role of design in the equation involving growing needs and diminishing resources. Good design is based on a realistic view of reality, and on what kinds of impacts new solutions might have. The seminar is in Finnish.
18–19 May: The ARTS Exposed sales event showcases a collection of new works by alumni of the Aalto University's School of Arts, Design and Architecture, as well as the school's own classics. On sale are more unique works and small-series production than ever before. Examples of the collection include fashion illustrations by the young Johanna Härkönen as well as the established Minni Havas (Minni F. Ronya). There are unique works and small-series production from Veera Kujala (Raivio & Kulju) and from the young Matias Liimatainen, who is finishing his studies in ceramics and glass design. Also taking part in the event are furniture designers, such as Mikko Paakkanen, POIAT and StudioHH from Lahti. Visual artist Jenni Rope brings her paintings, as well as comic strips and art books of her own publishing house to ARTS Exposed.
During the event, there will also be a sales point for the products of designers and a café run by students.
The main partner of the Masters of Aalto event is the City of Helsinki. Other partners: Antalis, DMP, Elisa, Experq, Hjelt Foundation, Martela, RGB, Teurastamo, Teknos, Unigrafia, Viinitie
The Masters of Aalto event 8–26 May, 2013, Kruununmakasiini, Hämeentie 39, Helsinki. The exhibition is open on weekdays 12–20, and on weekends 12–18. Admission is free.
]]>Aalto University Magazine explores the theme of creativity2013-05-07T07:12:32+00:002013-05-07T07:12:32+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b6e57c21ad34b6e511e2bd062f02d5b13d203d20Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>The just-released issue 07 of Aalto University Magazine looks at what is needed for fresh ideas to emerge and for creativity to flourish.
Design director Ville Kokkonen of Artek, Professor Pertti Hakonen of the O.V. Lounasmaa Laboratory and CEO Antti Stén of game development firm Boomlagoon talk about where their ideas emanate from, while Nando Malmelin, who heads a research project on creative leadership at the School of Business, explores the management of creativity.
Professor Emeritus Kari Uusikylä's column examines threats to creativeness and how to protect your personal creativity.
Award-winning designer Arni Aromaa recounts his long journey as an entrepreneur in the Who column. He is also the curator of the Masters of Aalto exhibition, which opens on 8 May. A report on the creation of the exhibition is included in this issue.
Pick up your copy of Aalto University Magazine at a campus distribution point or from your School's communications unit.
]]>The just-released issue 07 of Aalto University Magazine looks at what is needed for fresh ideas to emerge and for creativity to flourish.
Design director Ville Kokkonen of Artek, Professor Pertti Hakonen of the O.V. Lounasmaa Laboratory and CEO Antti Stén of game development firm Boomlagoon talk about where their ideas emanate from, while Nando Malmelin, who heads a research project on creative leadership at the School of Business, explores the management of creativity.
Professor Emeritus Kari Uusikylä's column examines threats to creativeness and how to protect your personal creativity.
Award-winning designer Arni Aromaa recounts his long journey as an entrepreneur in the Who column. He is also the curator of the Masters of Aalto exhibition, which opens on 8 May. A report on the creation of the exhibition is included in this issue.
Pick up your copy of Aalto University Magazine at a campus distribution point or from your School's communications unit.
]]>Innovations shine at PdP Gala2013-04-30T06:54:01+00:002013-04-30T06:54:01+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b162bcfc1b60b16211e28c9cb5149b5993f993f9Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>The annual Product Development Project (PdP) culminated on Friday 26 April at the Design Factory when students presented the prototypes they had developed for the course. The gala was swarming with people: 189 students had participated in the PdP course this academic year.
The PdP course began in the autumn. During the long winter, students searched for information, conducted background research for their projects and carried out practical experiments that contributed to the successful functionality of the designed products.
Sponsor companies described the needs for the products developed on the course and the prototypes were then designed in student groups of approximately 10 people. The course spawned a total of 19 prototypes.
There was a colourful array of products on display, including a new generation concept for composting, a smart rifle which helps reduce hunting accidents, safety flooring designed for the elderly and a plan for improved city cycling.
Hygiene for the touch screen
Some of the products developed on the PdP course were available to try out in practice at the Design Factory. The Team Arcticum group sponsored by Nordic Hug developed a product which anyone who needs to constantly wipe a sticky touch screen with their sleeve will appreciate.
It is a device for public spaces – such as offices or hotel lobbies – for dispensing a cleaning agent designed for touch screens. Instead of using chemicals or alcohol, which may damage the screen, the cleaning agent is made from arctic cloudberries.
The cleaning agent is a Nordic Hug invented product, but the students developed a device that dispenses it. Paper saturated with the cleaning agent comes out of the device when you wave your hand in front of it. The prototype was produced using an ADDLAB 3D printer.
’There is demand for this sort of product because touch screens have 16 times as much bacteria as you find on a toilet seat. Touch screens are also increasing all the time,’ explains mechanical engineering student Tik Ho Lee.
Lee is one of the ten Team Arcticum members. The team consists of of seven students from Aalto University and three from the Stockholm Royal Institute of Technology.
PdP courses have been organised since 1997, and so far there have been a total of 189 projects. The course is organised by the School of Engineering.
]]>The annual Product Development Project (PdP) culminated on Friday 26 April at the Design Factory when students presented the prototypes they had developed for the course. The gala was swarming with people: 189 students had participated in the PdP course this academic year.
The PdP course began in the autumn. During the long winter, students searched for information, conducted background research for their projects and carried out practical experiments that contributed to the successful functionality of the designed products.
Sponsor companies described the needs for the products developed on the course and the prototypes were then designed in student groups of approximately 10 people. The course spawned a total of 19 prototypes.
There was a colourful array of products on display, including a new generation concept for composting, a smart rifle which helps reduce hunting accidents, safety flooring designed for the elderly and a plan for improved city cycling.
Hygiene for the touch screen
Some of the products developed on the PdP course were available to try out in practice at the Design Factory. The Team Arcticum group sponsored by Nordic Hug developed a product which anyone who needs to constantly wipe a sticky touch screen with their sleeve will appreciate.
It is a device for public spaces – such as offices or hotel lobbies – for dispensing a cleaning agent designed for touch screens. Instead of using chemicals or alcohol, which may damage the screen, the cleaning agent is made from arctic cloudberries.
The cleaning agent is a Nordic Hug invented product, but the students developed a device that dispenses it. Paper saturated with the cleaning agent comes out of the device when you wave your hand in front of it. The prototype was produced using an ADDLAB 3D printer.
’There is demand for this sort of product because touch screens have 16 times as much bacteria as you find on a toilet seat. Touch screens are also increasing all the time,’ explains mechanical engineering student Tik Ho Lee.
Lee is one of the ten Team Arcticum members. The team consists of of seven students from Aalto University and three from the Stockholm Royal Institute of Technology.
PdP courses have been organised since 1997, and so far there have been a total of 189 projects. The course is organised by the School of Engineering.
]]>Satu Maaranen wins first prize at Hyères Fashion Festival competition2013-04-29T11:26:25+00:002013-04-29T11:26:25+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b0bfa0640cc2b0bf11e2b5e529c3ea0849a849a8Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Master of Arts Satu Maaranen, who graduated from the Department of Design of the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, has won the Grand Prix at the Hyères Fashion Festival with her collection for women. The prize is worth EUR 15 000. The inspiration for Maaranen's Garment in Landscape collection was landscape and its artistic interpretation. In addition, the prize includes EUR 3 000 from the Ra concept store and a collection to be produced in cooperation with Petit Bateau. The top fashion houses are interested in Maaranen and her collection.
The judges were unanimous in their view that Satu Maaranen’s collection was superior. They were also unanimous in their decision of the winner.
“Satu Maaranen’s work with the material that she uses completely convinced us. Her use of colours is also strong”, said Felipe Oliveira Baptista, the head of the panel of judges.
“Aalto University has made it to the top tier of the most internationally interesting fashion schools! Aalto University is the first school whose students have won this competition in two consecutive years. Our success is the result of persevering and goal-oriented teaching and development of education. We give our students creative freedom, support, and encouragement, but much is also demanded of them”, says Professor Pirjo Hirvonen, Head of the Department of Design.
One of the most prestigious competitions in the field
The event, which has been held at the famous Villa Noailles in Hyères on the French Riviera already since the early 1980s, is considered one of the world's most prestigious competitions in the field. The contest is organised by the same producers and casting directors who are behind shows put on by large fashion houses such as Chanel and Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week.
Each year the panels of judges in the competition are composed of some of the most influential international figures in the fashion business. This year, the panel was presided over by Felipe Oliveira Baptista. The works in the competition were showcased on three different days in three different shows to fashion professionals, experts, and the public at large.
The competition has served as a springboard for many international names in design, such as Viktor & Rolf, the main designer of Thierry Mulger Romain Kremer, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, and Henrik Vibskov.
Satu Maaranen was chosen as one of the ten finalists, who had been chosen from among 355 entries. The 28e Festival International de Mode & de Photographie Hyères 2013 took place on 26-29 April 2013 in Villa Noilles, France.
Prize in 2012 as well
In 2012, three young clothing design students from the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture won the main prize at the Hyères Fashion Festival. At that time second-year students Siiri Raasakka, Tiia Sirén and Elina Laitinen won the Grand Prix for their men's fashion collection, whose fundamental idea was an imaginary urban tribe of nomads. Now the three had been invited to display a collection that they had been working on in the past year called “The Voice of Unheard”, which the head of the festival Jean-Pierre Blanc said was “full of creative energy” and ready for commercialisation. The collection will be displayed again at the Paris Men’s Fashion Week in the summer of 2013
Winning collection at Näytös13 show
Satu Maaranen's collection will be included in the Näytös 13 show on 24 May 2013 at 18:00in Suvilahti, Helsinki. The show, which is organised each spring, showcases to the public the new collections designed by students who are graduating from the school's Degree Programme in Fashion and Clothing Design.
Photos: Aleksi Niemelä
Further information Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture Tuomas Laitinen, Lecturer, tel. +358 40 952 6024 Anne Tapanainen, Communications Manager tel. +358 50 434 7911
]]>Master of Arts Satu Maaranen, who graduated from the Department of Design of the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, has won the Grand Prix at the Hyères Fashion Festival with her collection for women. The prize is worth EUR 15 000. The inspiration for Maaranen's Garment in Landscape collection was landscape and its artistic interpretation. In addition, the prize includes EUR 3 000 from the Ra concept store and a collection to be produced in cooperation with Petit Bateau. The top fashion houses are interested in Maaranen and her collection.
The judges were unanimous in their view that Satu Maaranen’s collection was superior. They were also unanimous in their decision of the winner.
“Satu Maaranen’s work with the material that she uses completely convinced us. Her use of colours is also strong”, said Felipe Oliveira Baptista, the head of the panel of judges.
“Aalto University has made it to the top tier of the most internationally interesting fashion schools! Aalto University is the first school whose students have won this competition in two consecutive years. Our success is the result of persevering and goal-oriented teaching and development of education. We give our students creative freedom, support, and encouragement, but much is also demanded of them”, says Professor Pirjo Hirvonen, Head of the Department of Design.
One of the most prestigious competitions in the field
The event, which has been held at the famous Villa Noailles in Hyères on the French Riviera already since the early 1980s, is considered one of the world's most prestigious competitions in the field. The contest is organised by the same producers and casting directors who are behind shows put on by large fashion houses such as Chanel and Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week.
Each year the panels of judges in the competition are composed of some of the most influential international figures in the fashion business. This year, the panel was presided over by Felipe Oliveira Baptista. The works in the competition were showcased on three different days in three different shows to fashion professionals, experts, and the public at large.
The competition has served as a springboard for many international names in design, such as Viktor & Rolf, the main designer of Thierry Mulger Romain Kremer, Felipe Oliveira Baptista, and Henrik Vibskov.
Satu Maaranen was chosen as one of the ten finalists, who had been chosen from among 355 entries. The 28e Festival International de Mode & de Photographie Hyères 2013 took place on 26-29 April 2013 in Villa Noilles, France.
Prize in 2012 as well
In 2012, three young clothing design students from the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture won the main prize at the Hyères Fashion Festival. At that time second-year students Siiri Raasakka, Tiia Sirén and Elina Laitinen won the Grand Prix for their men's fashion collection, whose fundamental idea was an imaginary urban tribe of nomads. Now the three had been invited to display a collection that they had been working on in the past year called “The Voice of Unheard”, which the head of the festival Jean-Pierre Blanc said was “full of creative energy” and ready for commercialisation. The collection will be displayed again at the Paris Men’s Fashion Week in the summer of 2013
Winning collection at Näytös13 show
Satu Maaranen's collection will be included in the Näytös 13 show on 24 May 2013 at 18:00in Suvilahti, Helsinki. The show, which is organised each spring, showcases to the public the new collections designed by students who are graduating from the school's Degree Programme in Fashion and Clothing Design.
Photos: Aleksi Niemelä
Further information Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture Tuomas Laitinen, Lecturer, tel. +358 40 952 6024 Anne Tapanainen, Communications Manager tel. +358 50 434 7911
]]>Scientists reach the ultimate goal - controlling chirality in carbon nanotubes2013-04-29T10:11:54+00:002013-04-29T10:11:54+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b0b5379f4454b0b511e2af86e97bf444e2c4e2c4Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>An ultimate goal in the field of carbon nanotube research is to synthesise single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with controlled chiralities. Twenty years after the discovery of SWNTs, scientists from Aalto University in Finland, A.M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute RAS in Russia and the Center for Electron Nanoscopy of Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have managed to control chirality in carbon nanotubes during their chemical vapor deposition synthesis.
Carbon nanotube structure is defined by a pair of integers known as chiral indices (n,m), in other words, chirality.
– Chirality defines the optical and electronic properties of carbon nanotubes, so controlling it is a key to exploiting their practical applications, says Professor Esko I. Kauppinen, the leader of the Nanomaterials Group in Aalto University School of Science.
Over the years, substantial progress has been made to develop various structure-controlled synthesis methods. However, precise control over the chiral structure of SWNTs has been largely hindered by a lack of practical means to direct the formation of the metal nanoparticle catalysts and their catalytic dynamics during tube growth.
– We achieved an epitaxial formation of Co nanoparticles by reducing a well-developed solid solution in CO, reveals Maoshuai He, a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University School of Chemical Technology.
– For the first time, the new catalyst was employed for selective growth of SWNTs, adds senior staff scientist Hua Jiang from Aalto University School of Science.
By introducing the new catalysts into a conventional CVD reactor, the research team demonstrated preferential growth of semiconducting SWNTs (～90%) with an exceptionally high population of (6,5) tubes (53%) at 500 °C. Furthermore, they also showed a shift of the chiral preference from (6,5) tubes at 500 °C to (7, 6) and (9, 4) nanotubes at 400 °C.
– These findings open new perspectives both for structural control of SWNTs and for elucidating their growth mechanisms, thus are important for the fundamental understanding of science behind nanotube growth, comments Professor Juha Lehtonen from Aalto University.
This work is financially supported by the CNB-E project in Aalto University through the Multidisciplinary Institute of Digitalization and Energy (MIDE) program and the Aalto Energy Efficiency program project (MOPPI). This work made use of facilities at Nanomicroscopy Center of Aalto University in Finland and at the Center for Electron Nanoscopy at the Technical University in Denmark sponsored by the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation.
]]>An ultimate goal in the field of carbon nanotube research is to synthesise single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with controlled chiralities. Twenty years after the discovery of SWNTs, scientists from Aalto University in Finland, A.M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute RAS in Russia and the Center for Electron Nanoscopy of Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have managed to control chirality in carbon nanotubes during their chemical vapor deposition synthesis.
Carbon nanotube structure is defined by a pair of integers known as chiral indices (n,m), in other words, chirality.
– Chirality defines the optical and electronic properties of carbon nanotubes, so controlling it is a key to exploiting their practical applications, says Professor Esko I. Kauppinen, the leader of the Nanomaterials Group in Aalto University School of Science.
Over the years, substantial progress has been made to develop various structure-controlled synthesis methods. However, precise control over the chiral structure of SWNTs has been largely hindered by a lack of practical means to direct the formation of the metal nanoparticle catalysts and their catalytic dynamics during tube growth.
– We achieved an epitaxial formation of Co nanoparticles by reducing a well-developed solid solution in CO, reveals Maoshuai He, a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University School of Chemical Technology.
– For the first time, the new catalyst was employed for selective growth of SWNTs, adds senior staff scientist Hua Jiang from Aalto University School of Science.
By introducing the new catalysts into a conventional CVD reactor, the research team demonstrated preferential growth of semiconducting SWNTs (～90%) with an exceptionally high population of (6,5) tubes (53%) at 500 °C. Furthermore, they also showed a shift of the chiral preference from (6,5) tubes at 500 °C to (7, 6) and (9, 4) nanotubes at 400 °C.
– These findings open new perspectives both for structural control of SWNTs and for elucidating their growth mechanisms, thus are important for the fundamental understanding of science behind nanotube growth, comments Professor Juha Lehtonen from Aalto University.
This work is financially supported by the CNB-E project in Aalto University through the Multidisciplinary Institute of Digitalization and Energy (MIDE) program and the Aalto Energy Efficiency program project (MOPPI). This work made use of facilities at Nanomicroscopy Center of Aalto University in Finland and at the Center for Electron Nanoscopy at the Technical University in Denmark sponsored by the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation.
]]>Aalto University, Google and Cursor to enhance Kotka-Hamina region’s economic competitiveness2013-04-29T09:25:32+00:002013-04-29T09:25:32+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2b0aebd44d9e0b0ae11e2abd8371f42f42f022f02Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University, Cursor and Google are launching a joint programme to enhance the competitiveness of the companies in the Kotka-Hamina region by leveraging the internet. The programme focuses especially on the gaming and tourism industries. The globally-acclaimed Startup Sauna will be brought to the region.
The joint programme will address the region’s challenges at several different levels. The activities consist of workshops and events targeted at raising awareness and improving the skills of SMEs and public organizations related to their use of the internet. Special emphasis will be put on two strategic focus areas of the regional economy - travel and tourism, and the gaming industry.
Over the next 12 months Aalto University will bring entrepreneurship programmes, like the globally-acclaimed Startup Sauna to the Kotka-Hamina region, to help spread the growth entrepreneurship mindset and create new companies. In particular it will be strengthening the Venture Gym acceleration programme around the growing Playa Game Industry Hub, as well as the Kaakko135 travel and tourism initiative. Aalto University will provide high level speakers to events, mentors and coaches for acceleration programmes, and moderate networking events to strengthen industry ties.
With financial support of Google, Aalto University and the Kotka-Hamina Regional Development Company Cursor will take care of organising the activities. First events will take place by mid-June, with the majority of the programme in operation during the autumn of 2013.
A 2011 McKinsey study revealed that internet economy counts for more than 20% of GDP growth in mature markets - and that three quarters of the internet value is created in industries outside high tech. Although Finland enjoys high internet penetration and strong broadband access, Finnish business uses the internet less than businesses in other comparable developed countries. Out of 20 countries surveyed by the Boston Consulting Group Finnish business ranked a low 17th in their internet engagement.
– One of the key elements of the mission of Aalto University is to support competitiveness throughout Finland, not just in the capital region. We believe that by cooperating with leading companies, like Google, we can help make a positive impact on job creation and growth in regions like Kotka-Hamina, said Hannu Seristö, Vice President of Aalto University.
– Google has built one of the world’s most modern data centres in Hamina and this new programme is another sign of our commitment to the Kotka-Hamina region as it makes the transition from traditional industries to the internet industries. Our consumers are already online but many of the businesses are not and we need to help them to take most out of the internet, said Anni Ronkainen, Google Country Manager, Finland.
– We are excited about this new partnership and it’s a natural continuation to Google’s initial investment in Hamina. The partnership strengthens the ongoing regional development activities by adding significant expertise from Aalto University and Google. We look forward to the upcoming activities and the impact they bring to the region’s strive for renewing its economy, said Hannu Karavirta, Chief Executive, Cursor Oy.
More information:
Will Cardwell, Senior Advisor, Global Alliances, Aalto University will.cardwell@aalto.fi, +358 40 514 1325
]]>Aalto University, Cursor and Google are launching a joint programme to enhance the competitiveness of the companies in the Kotka-Hamina region by leveraging the internet. The programme focuses especially on the gaming and tourism industries. The globally-acclaimed Startup Sauna will be brought to the region.
The joint programme will address the region’s challenges at several different levels. The activities consist of workshops and events targeted at raising awareness and improving the skills of SMEs and public organizations related to their use of the internet. Special emphasis will be put on two strategic focus areas of the regional economy - travel and tourism, and the gaming industry.
Over the next 12 months Aalto University will bring entrepreneurship programmes, like the globally-acclaimed Startup Sauna to the Kotka-Hamina region, to help spread the growth entrepreneurship mindset and create new companies. In particular it will be strengthening the Venture Gym acceleration programme around the growing Playa Game Industry Hub, as well as the Kaakko135 travel and tourism initiative. Aalto University will provide high level speakers to events, mentors and coaches for acceleration programmes, and moderate networking events to strengthen industry ties.
With financial support of Google, Aalto University and the Kotka-Hamina Regional Development Company Cursor will take care of organising the activities. First events will take place by mid-June, with the majority of the programme in operation during the autumn of 2013.
A 2011 McKinsey study revealed that internet economy counts for more than 20% of GDP growth in mature markets - and that three quarters of the internet value is created in industries outside high tech. Although Finland enjoys high internet penetration and strong broadband access, Finnish business uses the internet less than businesses in other comparable developed countries. Out of 20 countries surveyed by the Boston Consulting Group Finnish business ranked a low 17th in their internet engagement.
– One of the key elements of the mission of Aalto University is to support competitiveness throughout Finland, not just in the capital region. We believe that by cooperating with leading companies, like Google, we can help make a positive impact on job creation and growth in regions like Kotka-Hamina, said Hannu Seristö, Vice President of Aalto University.
– Google has built one of the world’s most modern data centres in Hamina and this new programme is another sign of our commitment to the Kotka-Hamina region as it makes the transition from traditional industries to the internet industries. Our consumers are already online but many of the businesses are not and we need to help them to take most out of the internet, said Anni Ronkainen, Google Country Manager, Finland.
– We are excited about this new partnership and it’s a natural continuation to Google’s initial investment in Hamina. The partnership strengthens the ongoing regional development activities by adding significant expertise from Aalto University and Google. We look forward to the upcoming activities and the impact they bring to the region’s strive for renewing its economy, said Hannu Karavirta, Chief Executive, Cursor Oy.
More information:
Will Cardwell, Senior Advisor, Global Alliances, Aalto University will.cardwell@aalto.fi, +358 40 514 1325
]]>The co-operation negotiations at the three departments of the School of Electrical Engineering have been completed2013-04-26T12:08:13+00:002013-04-26T12:08:13+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2ae69f85abf6eae6911e288497b59437911ea11eaAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>The School of Electrical Engineering has completed the co-operation negotiations on the Department of Electrical Engineering, the Department of Electronics and the Department of Automation and Systems Technology. The negotiations were started because of the potential merger of these departments to one large department and the impact it may have on the personnel. Also the reorganisation of research groups and services, research infrastructure and facility issues were discussed.
The negotiation parties were unanimous of the considered decision that the merger of the three departments will continue. Preparations for the merger of the three departments will be continued after the co-operation negotiations. The aim is to make a proposal for the Aalto University Foundation Board meeting in June. The merger with necessary restructuring and changes will be carried out locally during the year 2013.
The departments are now located in three separate buildings. The long-term objective is to have a more compact structure with workplaces preferably in one building, or two at the most.
It was agreed that the need to reduce permanent other academic personnel is 10 persons. The School will offer support and training for job search for the affected personnel.
Further information
Representative of the school, professor Jorma Kyyrä jorma.kyyra@aalto.fi tel. 050 563 9146
]]>The School of Electrical Engineering has completed the co-operation negotiations on the Department of Electrical Engineering, the Department of Electronics and the Department of Automation and Systems Technology. The negotiations were started because of the potential merger of these departments to one large department and the impact it may have on the personnel. Also the reorganisation of research groups and services, research infrastructure and facility issues were discussed.
The negotiation parties were unanimous of the considered decision that the merger of the three departments will continue. Preparations for the merger of the three departments will be continued after the co-operation negotiations. The aim is to make a proposal for the Aalto University Foundation Board meeting in June. The merger with necessary restructuring and changes will be carried out locally during the year 2013.
The departments are now located in three separate buildings. The long-term objective is to have a more compact structure with workplaces preferably in one building, or two at the most.
It was agreed that the need to reduce permanent other academic personnel is 10 persons. The School will offer support and training for job search for the affected personnel.
Further information
Representative of the school, professor Jorma Kyyrä jorma.kyyra@aalto.fi tel. 050 563 9146
]]>Results of the Master's admissions 2013 have been published2013-04-26T05:33:36+00:002013-04-26T05:33:36+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2ae32d78e1c36ae3211e29a1553575a29ac65ac65Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Results of the Master's admissions at Aalto University have been published on 26 April 2013.
Please note that the list contains only the names of those applicants who have given the permission to publish their admission decision on the web site.
The applicants can also check their own admission results in the online application system apply.aalto.fi.
A formal letter of acceptance will be sent to the admitted students by mail.
Please note that the list contains only the names of those applicants who have given the permission to publish their admission decision on the web site.
The applicants can also check their own admission results in the online application system apply.aalto.fi.
A formal letter of acceptance will be sent to the admitted students by mail.
]]>Artificial blood vessels and tissues using a 3D printer2013-04-25T09:19:20+00:002013-04-25T09:19:20+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2ad89366ed3eead8911e2830de32321d7729c729cAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University School of Chemical Technology and BIT Research Centre are collaborating on a project called ArtiVasc 3D, funded under the European Community´s 7th Framework Programme. This ambitious venture aims to manufacture artificial vascularised skin using 3D printing technology.
Artificial skin is intended primarily as a model for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries partly allowing reduction of tests on animals. Furthermore, it has potential to be used to develop skin grafts in the treatment of burn injuries and associated trauma.
Artificial tissue consists of polymers
The new polymer-based materials that artificial tissues consist of play a crucial role. Academy Professor Jukka Seppälä from Aalto University heads the work package for materials.
’Our goal is to develop biopolymers in which skin-like tissues can be produced,’ he says.
An enormous challenge facing the development of materials is to manage to acquire the right properties for them. For the materials to be able to be printed out using 3D technology, they need to be both liquid and quick to harden. In addition, the resulting tissue must be elastic and appropriate for use with the human body.
’The materials being developed divide into three main groups,’ says Minna Malin from the Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology, who is involved in the project. ’These are light-hardening polymers, thermoplastics, and hydrogels. Each has its own part to play in the designed tissue model.’
Blood vessels printed out using inkjet technology
Jouni Partanen, head of Aalto University BIT Research Centre, is one of the world’s leading developers of 3D technology. The technology helps make it possible to manufacture a tissue model that resembles original human tissues or blood vessels.
It is a challenging process to design and produce viable vascularisation. Vessels with a diameter of hundreds of micrometres are manufactured using inkjet technology, whereas smaller capillaries are produced using high resolution two-photon laser technology.
After that, the vessel structure is enclosed in a surrounding network consisting of a hydrogel combined with a fleece of nano sized e-spun fibres, which function as growing media for different types of cells. The vessel structure allows for an optimal metabolism of the artificial skin and a ready supply of nutrients.
The project started in 2011 and is due to end in October 2015. In all, 16 partners from around Europe are involved in this multidisciplinary undertaking. Aalto University is contributing to a total of five work packages in the project. Its biggest role is in the development and characterisation of new materials and in the creation of model files for the 3D printing technology.
Lic.Sc. (Tech.) Minna Malin Aalto University School of Chemical Technology Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology minna.malin@aalto.fi
Academy Professor Jukka Seppälä Aalto University School of Chemical Technology Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology jukka.seppala@aalto.fi
]]>Aalto University School of Chemical Technology and BIT Research Centre are collaborating on a project called ArtiVasc 3D, funded under the European Community´s 7th Framework Programme. This ambitious venture aims to manufacture artificial vascularised skin using 3D printing technology.
Artificial skin is intended primarily as a model for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries partly allowing reduction of tests on animals. Furthermore, it has potential to be used to develop skin grafts in the treatment of burn injuries and associated trauma.
Artificial tissue consists of polymers
The new polymer-based materials that artificial tissues consist of play a crucial role. Academy Professor Jukka Seppälä from Aalto University heads the work package for materials.
’Our goal is to develop biopolymers in which skin-like tissues can be produced,’ he says.
An enormous challenge facing the development of materials is to manage to acquire the right properties for them. For the materials to be able to be printed out using 3D technology, they need to be both liquid and quick to harden. In addition, the resulting tissue must be elastic and appropriate for use with the human body.
’The materials being developed divide into three main groups,’ says Minna Malin from the Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology, who is involved in the project. ’These are light-hardening polymers, thermoplastics, and hydrogels. Each has its own part to play in the designed tissue model.’
Blood vessels printed out using inkjet technology
Jouni Partanen, head of Aalto University BIT Research Centre, is one of the world’s leading developers of 3D technology. The technology helps make it possible to manufacture a tissue model that resembles original human tissues or blood vessels.
It is a challenging process to design and produce viable vascularisation. Vessels with a diameter of hundreds of micrometres are manufactured using inkjet technology, whereas smaller capillaries are produced using high resolution two-photon laser technology.
After that, the vessel structure is enclosed in a surrounding network consisting of a hydrogel combined with a fleece of nano sized e-spun fibres, which function as growing media for different types of cells. The vessel structure allows for an optimal metabolism of the artificial skin and a ready supply of nutrients.
The project started in 2011 and is due to end in October 2015. In all, 16 partners from around Europe are involved in this multidisciplinary undertaking. Aalto University is contributing to a total of five work packages in the project. Its biggest role is in the development and characterisation of new materials and in the creation of model files for the 3D printing technology.
Lic.Sc. (Tech.) Minna Malin Aalto University School of Chemical Technology Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology minna.malin@aalto.fi
Academy Professor Jukka Seppälä Aalto University School of Chemical Technology Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology jukka.seppala@aalto.fi
]]>Surface structure controls liquid spreading2013-04-23T14:19:45+00:002013-04-23T14:19:45+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2ac20d8e70a20ac2011e28f1015d0868da028a028Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Researchers at Aalto University have developed a purely geometric surface structure that is able to stop and control the spreading of liquids on different types of surfaces. The structure has an undercut edge that works for all types of liquids, irrespective of their surface tension.
By using the edges, liquid droplets can be confined and patterned on the surface in defined forms, such as circles.
’Patterning liquids into well-controlled circles is essential in applications such as the production of lenses that begin in liquid form and are then cured. Circular-patterned edges enable the production of lenses of different sizes and different curvatures, while preserving the perfectly circular form of the lens,’ says doctoral candidate Ville Liimatainen who is a member of the micro- and nanorobotics research group.
According to the method developed by researchers, the effect of the edge structure on controlling liquids is based purely on geometry. The chemical properties of the surface are not altered in any way during the production process, so the structure can be used on many different materials, such as silicon, glass or metal.
Like an aqueduct without walls
With the help of the structure, liquid can also be guided by the edges in a desired direction on the surface. The structure can even be used to guide surface microflows. They can be used in lab-on-a-chip applications, where chemical reactions between liquids, for example, are studied in a "laboratory" built on a tiny chip.
’These kinds of measurements often involve the guidance of very small fluid flows in microchannels. The channels we designed are like aqueducts without walls. In those channels, liquids with low surface tension spread even without the help of gravity,’ explains Liimatainen.
’In the future, we could be able to use these types of surfaces for applications such as guiding rainwater on the outside of buildings,’ he illustrates.
Controlling liquid spreading is also critical in droplet-based microfluidics, in channels using capillary action, in the screening of biological samples and in the self-assembly of microchips.
The research was conducted by Ville Liimatainen and Veikko Sariola, under the supervision of Docent Quan Zhou. It is published in the latest edition of the Advanced Materials scientific journal.
Liimatainen, V., Sariola, V. and Zhou, Q. (2013), Controlling Liquid Spreading Using Microfabricated Undercut Edges. Adv. Mater., 25: 2275–2278. doi: 10.1002/adma.201204696. Link to the article (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
More information
Docent Quan Zhou Head of the micro- and nanorobotics research group Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering quan.zhou@aalto.fi Tel. +358 40 855 0311
]]>Researchers at Aalto University have developed a purely geometric surface structure that is able to stop and control the spreading of liquids on different types of surfaces. The structure has an undercut edge that works for all types of liquids, irrespective of their surface tension.
By using the edges, liquid droplets can be confined and patterned on the surface in defined forms, such as circles.
’Patterning liquids into well-controlled circles is essential in applications such as the production of lenses that begin in liquid form and are then cured. Circular-patterned edges enable the production of lenses of different sizes and different curvatures, while preserving the perfectly circular form of the lens,’ says doctoral candidate Ville Liimatainen who is a member of the micro- and nanorobotics research group.
According to the method developed by researchers, the effect of the edge structure on controlling liquids is based purely on geometry. The chemical properties of the surface are not altered in any way during the production process, so the structure can be used on many different materials, such as silicon, glass or metal.
Like an aqueduct without walls
With the help of the structure, liquid can also be guided by the edges in a desired direction on the surface. The structure can even be used to guide surface microflows. They can be used in lab-on-a-chip applications, where chemical reactions between liquids, for example, are studied in a "laboratory" built on a tiny chip.
’These kinds of measurements often involve the guidance of very small fluid flows in microchannels. The channels we designed are like aqueducts without walls. In those channels, liquids with low surface tension spread even without the help of gravity,’ explains Liimatainen.
’In the future, we could be able to use these types of surfaces for applications such as guiding rainwater on the outside of buildings,’ he illustrates.
Controlling liquid spreading is also critical in droplet-based microfluidics, in channels using capillary action, in the screening of biological samples and in the self-assembly of microchips.
The research was conducted by Ville Liimatainen and Veikko Sariola, under the supervision of Docent Quan Zhou. It is published in the latest edition of the Advanced Materials scientific journal.
Liimatainen, V., Sariola, V. and Zhou, Q. (2013), Controlling Liquid Spreading Using Microfabricated Undercut Edges. Adv. Mater., 25: 2275–2278. doi: 10.1002/adma.201204696. Link to the article (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
More information
Docent Quan Zhou Head of the micro- and nanorobotics research group Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering quan.zhou@aalto.fi Tel. +358 40 855 0311
]]>New fatigue model leads to more durable ships2013-04-23T10:57:40+00:002013-04-23T10:57:40+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2ac049dbc1d58ac0411e29d4981bfdb93625b625bAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Heikki Remes at the Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics, has developed a model making it possible to determine how fatigue sets in with various welded steel materials. The model allows for the development of lighter structures, and as a consequence, more energy-efficient ships.
– By utilising modern manufacturing technology and new materials, it is possible to achieve more efficient structures than the ones that currently exist. In addition, better physical models are needed to ensure structural strength, Heikki Remes says.
At present the fatigue measurements used by classification societies are based on the average quality of the weld. The same design guideline is used both with traditional and more advanced structures. However, through the development of manufacturing technology, it is possible to achieve characteristics for welded joints that are significantly better than average. With the models that have been developed, it is possible to consider the difference between traditional and advanced structural joints and the impact on fatigue resistance.
The study has been published in the International Journal of Fatigue. The findings of the study can be used extensively in establishing models for fatigue endurance of various developed welded steel structures. The goal is to predict fatigue endurance more accurately and to utilise material in the final product more efficiently.
The work is linked with a project of the Academy of Finland on fatigue in thin sandwich panel structures and with the BESST EU project to promote the competitiveness of the European shipbuilding industry. Also under preparation are national development projects within the Finnish Metals and Engineering Competence Cluster (FIMECC). The work also supports the national maritime industry research strategy commissioned by the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries.
The research has received funding from the Academy of Finland, Tekes, STX Europe, and the Finnish Maritime Foundation, Light project – Finnish Metals and engineering Competence Centre
Further information: Heikki Remes, D.Sc. (Tech.), Senior University Lecturer Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics Tel: +358 407025268 Email: heikki.remes@aalto.fi
]]>Heikki Remes at the Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics, has developed a model making it possible to determine how fatigue sets in with various welded steel materials. The model allows for the development of lighter structures, and as a consequence, more energy-efficient ships.
– By utilising modern manufacturing technology and new materials, it is possible to achieve more efficient structures than the ones that currently exist. In addition, better physical models are needed to ensure structural strength, Heikki Remes says.
At present the fatigue measurements used by classification societies are based on the average quality of the weld. The same design guideline is used both with traditional and more advanced structures. However, through the development of manufacturing technology, it is possible to achieve characteristics for welded joints that are significantly better than average. With the models that have been developed, it is possible to consider the difference between traditional and advanced structural joints and the impact on fatigue resistance.
The study has been published in the International Journal of Fatigue. The findings of the study can be used extensively in establishing models for fatigue endurance of various developed welded steel structures. The goal is to predict fatigue endurance more accurately and to utilise material in the final product more efficiently.
The work is linked with a project of the Academy of Finland on fatigue in thin sandwich panel structures and with the BESST EU project to promote the competitiveness of the European shipbuilding industry. Also under preparation are national development projects within the Finnish Metals and Engineering Competence Cluster (FIMECC). The work also supports the national maritime industry research strategy commissioned by the Federation of Finnish Technology Industries.
The research has received funding from the Academy of Finland, Tekes, STX Europe, and the Finnish Maritime Foundation, Light project – Finnish Metals and engineering Competence Centre
Further information: Heikki Remes, D.Sc. (Tech.), Senior University Lecturer Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Applied Mechanics Tel: +358 407025268 Email: heikki.remes@aalto.fi
]]>ADD CAFE could change your world2013-04-23T10:03:05+00:002013-04-23T10:03:05+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2abfcfdaa87fcabfc11e2a7eb911a1ea345b445b4Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>To the joy of all the cappuccino lovers in Otaniemi, a cafe was opened at the Aalto Digital Design Laboratory (ADDLAB) at the end of January.
The cafe has the same objective as the laboratory: to bring people together. While ADDLAB provides a meeting place for people interested in digital product development and manufacturing technology, ADD CAFE welcomes anyone who happens to be in the neighbourhood. Random encounters can result in success stories.
ADD CAFE represents a new type of learning environment thinking and it is part of the Aalto University Library Learning Hub network. The spaces belonging to the network are adaptable and easy to approach, and they provide you with the opportunity to use the campus in an entirely new way.
Good ideas are often born over a cup of coffee
Cafes and studying have gone hand in hand for ages so it is justified to ask the founders of ADD CAFE what makes it so special.
Kivi Sotamaa, the director of ADDLAB, says that the team decided that there was no room for compromises during the design phase: the cafe should be made as good as possible. For this reason, the interior of the cafe has been invested in and the coffee drinks served are made using an Italian espresso machine, a masterpiece of engineering in itself.
The coffee beans, the most essential raw material of the cafe, are sourced through a carefully selected partner company. Hannes Kallioinen and Heikki Sjöman, the ‘fathers’ of the cafe, say that they spent days performing background work and trying to find the best coffee in town by visiting cafes in the Helsinki metropolitan area in the summer of 2012.
The heart of ADD CAFE is nevertheless formed by the people who pop in, either to enjoy a moment of refreshment or attend an event. Naturally, the role played by staff should not be forgotten either.
According to Hannes Kallioinen, the Aalto University Student Union is responsible for running the cafe and a group of approximately ten students mainly from the School of Engineering will work as part-time baristas during the term.
People and ideas need meeting places
The long opening hours of ADD CAFE will probably please a lot of people, but the challenging part may prove to be finding the place: the cafe is located in the remotest corner of a yard surrounded by buildings in the K block of Puumiehenkuja. Although the location may seem difficult to find, it has been strategically selected.
‘ADDLAB is a design-driven laboratory for applied research, and its credibility is largely based on the know-how in fields such as materials research and mechatronics that is available in the immediate vicinity of the laboratory,’ says Kivi Sotamaa. The fact that the Department of Engineering Design and Production is nearby is extremely important to the operation of ADDLAB.
The activities organised at the laboratory constantly take on new dimensions. Recent events include Build It, a 3D-printing hackathon organised in collaboration with Aalto Entrepreneurship Society, and the ADD METAPHYSICS publication series was also freshly introduced.
Heikki Sjöman sums up the idea of ADDLAB, its cafe and the Learning Hubs by saying that a change in our culture and way of thinking requires people and meeting places and platforms.
The terrace of the cafe will open once the temperatures rise after the First of May and the cheerful buzz of conversation from the terrace will no doubt attract people to visit the ADD CAFE and enjoy its delicacies.
ADD CAFE is open until June Mon–Fri at 8 am – 6 pm. On Monday 29 April ADD CAFE arranges a Pre First of May event.
]]>To the joy of all the cappuccino lovers in Otaniemi, a cafe was opened at the Aalto Digital Design Laboratory (ADDLAB) at the end of January.
The cafe has the same objective as the laboratory: to bring people together. While ADDLAB provides a meeting place for people interested in digital product development and manufacturing technology, ADD CAFE welcomes anyone who happens to be in the neighbourhood. Random encounters can result in success stories.
ADD CAFE represents a new type of learning environment thinking and it is part of the Aalto University Library Learning Hub network. The spaces belonging to the network are adaptable and easy to approach, and they provide you with the opportunity to use the campus in an entirely new way.
Good ideas are often born over a cup of coffee
Cafes and studying have gone hand in hand for ages so it is justified to ask the founders of ADD CAFE what makes it so special.
Kivi Sotamaa, the director of ADDLAB, says that the team decided that there was no room for compromises during the design phase: the cafe should be made as good as possible. For this reason, the interior of the cafe has been invested in and the coffee drinks served are made using an Italian espresso machine, a masterpiece of engineering in itself.
The coffee beans, the most essential raw material of the cafe, are sourced through a carefully selected partner company. Hannes Kallioinen and Heikki Sjöman, the ‘fathers’ of the cafe, say that they spent days performing background work and trying to find the best coffee in town by visiting cafes in the Helsinki metropolitan area in the summer of 2012.
The heart of ADD CAFE is nevertheless formed by the people who pop in, either to enjoy a moment of refreshment or attend an event. Naturally, the role played by staff should not be forgotten either.
According to Hannes Kallioinen, the Aalto University Student Union is responsible for running the cafe and a group of approximately ten students mainly from the School of Engineering will work as part-time baristas during the term.
People and ideas need meeting places
The long opening hours of ADD CAFE will probably please a lot of people, but the challenging part may prove to be finding the place: the cafe is located in the remotest corner of a yard surrounded by buildings in the K block of Puumiehenkuja. Although the location may seem difficult to find, it has been strategically selected.
‘ADDLAB is a design-driven laboratory for applied research, and its credibility is largely based on the know-how in fields such as materials research and mechatronics that is available in the immediate vicinity of the laboratory,’ says Kivi Sotamaa. The fact that the Department of Engineering Design and Production is nearby is extremely important to the operation of ADDLAB.
The activities organised at the laboratory constantly take on new dimensions. Recent events include Build It, a 3D-printing hackathon organised in collaboration with Aalto Entrepreneurship Society, and the ADD METAPHYSICS publication series was also freshly introduced.
Heikki Sjöman sums up the idea of ADDLAB, its cafe and the Learning Hubs by saying that a change in our culture and way of thinking requires people and meeting places and platforms.
The terrace of the cafe will open once the temperatures rise after the First of May and the cheerful buzz of conversation from the terrace will no doubt attract people to visit the ADD CAFE and enjoy its delicacies.
ADD CAFE is open until June Mon–Fri at 8 am – 6 pm. On Monday 29 April ADD CAFE arranges a Pre First of May event.
]]>Doctoral dissertation brings novel perspective to measuring marketing performance2013-04-22T13:30:17+00:002013-04-22T13:30:17+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2ab50c5c3d28cab5011e2b5cadf28348e8dbf8dbfAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Marketing performance is a multidimensional phenomenon, the control of which requires simultaneous use of multiple performance indicators. In practice, the sets of marketing metrics and control systems used by companies differ substantially from one another. Additionally, the performance implications of using different types of control systems vary from firm to firm: different control systems provide the best results for different types of businesses.
These are some of the findings of the dissertation research conducted by Johanna Frösén, M.Sc. (Econ.), at Aalto University School of Business. The research explores the use of marketing metrics, as well as the practices of measuring marketing performance and marketing control in Finnish companies.
Effectiveness of different forms of marketing control varies across business contexts
The research identifies five distinct profiles of performance measurement among Finnish companies, each focusing on different dimensions of marketing performance. All profiles are typically linked to specific types of industries, company size or market.
The findings of the research particularly underscore the multidimensionality and contextuality in marketing performance and its measurement. No universal 'best practices' for marketing performance measurement or marketing control exist - rather, both need to be carefully adapted to the individual firm's objectives, strategy, and business environment.
In addition to formal performance measurement, there are also other, complementary tools for a firm to control its marketing. Surprisingly, especially for small businesses, formal performance measurement is sometimes not even necessary – having a right kind of corporate culture may in some specific cases well suffice for controlling the relationship between the company and its markets.
For managers, the study provides new tools for developing a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s marketing performance, as well as practical guidelines for developing comprehensive systems for marketing performance measurement and control.
Dissertation defense
The doctoral dissertation of Johanna Frösén, M.Sc. (Econ.), titled Marketing Metrics, Marketing Performance Measurement, and Marketing Control, in the field of marketing will be examined at Aalto University School of Business on Friday, 26th of April 2013 starting at 12 noon.
Professor David Stewart from Loyola Marymount University, representing one of today’s most distinguished scholars and experts in the field of marketing, serves as the opponent at the defense. Professor Stewart has published more than 200 scientific peer-reviewed articles, authored several books and served as chief editor for several top scientific journals in marketing. Today he is Editor in Chief for the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing and President’s Professor of Marketing at Loyola Marymount University in California. In addition to his academic work, Professor Stewart also acts as founding Director and Chair of the American Marketing Accountability Standards Board.
Professor Henrikki Tikkanen, Head of the Department of Marketing at Aalto University will act as the custos.
Representatives of the media may request free copies of the dissertation from the Aalto University School of Business Communications Unit at viestinta-biz@aalto.fi or by telephone at +358 50 566 5673.
]]>Marketing performance is a multidimensional phenomenon, the control of which requires simultaneous use of multiple performance indicators. In practice, the sets of marketing metrics and control systems used by companies differ substantially from one another. Additionally, the performance implications of using different types of control systems vary from firm to firm: different control systems provide the best results for different types of businesses.
These are some of the findings of the dissertation research conducted by Johanna Frösén, M.Sc. (Econ.), at Aalto University School of Business. The research explores the use of marketing metrics, as well as the practices of measuring marketing performance and marketing control in Finnish companies.
Effectiveness of different forms of marketing control varies across business contexts
The research identifies five distinct profiles of performance measurement among Finnish companies, each focusing on different dimensions of marketing performance. All profiles are typically linked to specific types of industries, company size or market.
The findings of the research particularly underscore the multidimensionality and contextuality in marketing performance and its measurement. No universal 'best practices' for marketing performance measurement or marketing control exist - rather, both need to be carefully adapted to the individual firm's objectives, strategy, and business environment.
In addition to formal performance measurement, there are also other, complementary tools for a firm to control its marketing. Surprisingly, especially for small businesses, formal performance measurement is sometimes not even necessary – having a right kind of corporate culture may in some specific cases well suffice for controlling the relationship between the company and its markets.
For managers, the study provides new tools for developing a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s marketing performance, as well as practical guidelines for developing comprehensive systems for marketing performance measurement and control.
Dissertation defense
The doctoral dissertation of Johanna Frösén, M.Sc. (Econ.), titled Marketing Metrics, Marketing Performance Measurement, and Marketing Control, in the field of marketing will be examined at Aalto University School of Business on Friday, 26th of April 2013 starting at 12 noon.
Professor David Stewart from Loyola Marymount University, representing one of today’s most distinguished scholars and experts in the field of marketing, serves as the opponent at the defense. Professor Stewart has published more than 200 scientific peer-reviewed articles, authored several books and served as chief editor for several top scientific journals in marketing. Today he is Editor in Chief for the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing and President’s Professor of Marketing at Loyola Marymount University in California. In addition to his academic work, Professor Stewart also acts as founding Director and Chair of the American Marketing Accountability Standards Board.
Professor Henrikki Tikkanen, Head of the Department of Marketing at Aalto University will act as the custos.
Representatives of the media may request free copies of the dissertation from the Aalto University School of Business Communications Unit at viestinta-biz@aalto.fi or by telephone at +358 50 566 5673.
]]>Aalto publishes first sustainability report2013-04-19T09:24:24+00:002013-04-19T09:24:24+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2a8d2ed013beea8d211e2a6dda967614195c195c1Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University has published its first Sustainability Report, which was compiled according to the international ISCN standard. In January 2013, Aalto University became the first Finnish university to join the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN).
Aalto University has published its first Sustainability Report, which was compiled according to the international ISCN standard. In January 2013, Aalto University became the first Finnish university to join the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN).
The report is divided into three parts. The first section examines the direct impacts of the campus and its buildings, such as energy consumption, water use and waste processing. The second part addresses campus planning: renovation, transportation and procurement must take environmental and social aspects into consideration. The third section reviews the university’s activities and goals in relation to teaching, research and social impact.
According to ISCN instructions, Aalto University has set targets for responsibility and outlined methods for monitoring their realisation.
- The report gives us and our stakeholders an overall picture of sustainability so that we can work towards our goal: to integrate sustainability and responsibility in all teaching and research by 2015 and to be Finland’s leading sustainable development university campus in 2020, states Meri Löyttyniemi, Aalto University’s senior advisor for sustainability.
]]>Aalto University has published its first Sustainability Report, which was compiled according to the international ISCN standard. In January 2013, Aalto University became the first Finnish university to join the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN).
Aalto University has published its first Sustainability Report, which was compiled according to the international ISCN standard. In January 2013, Aalto University became the first Finnish university to join the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN).
The report is divided into three parts. The first section examines the direct impacts of the campus and its buildings, such as energy consumption, water use and waste processing. The second part addresses campus planning: renovation, transportation and procurement must take environmental and social aspects into consideration. The third section reviews the university’s activities and goals in relation to teaching, research and social impact.
According to ISCN instructions, Aalto University has set targets for responsibility and outlined methods for monitoring their realisation.
- The report gives us and our stakeholders an overall picture of sustainability so that we can work towards our goal: to integrate sustainability and responsibility in all teaching and research by 2015 and to be Finland’s leading sustainable development university campus in 2020, states Meri Löyttyniemi, Aalto University’s senior advisor for sustainability.
]]>Aalto University´s websites out of service during 19 – 21 April 20132013-04-18T09:11:35+00:002013-04-18T09:11:35+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2a807f8230a8ca80711e28a20f77bd3a6c65dc65dAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Aalto University IT is working to improve the university's data center capacity. The project includes shutting down the old data center and deploying a new datacenter. The goal is to increase the capacity to meet the current needs and to improve service reliability.
During the service break out of service are:
external networked services and web sites: school and department web sites and other sites executed with university’s systems.
We're aiming at keeping the main site aalto.fi up despite the service break.
internal web services and sites: Inside, Into, WebOodi, Noppa, wikis and blogs)
computer classrooms and Aalto desktop workstations
system interfaces (personal disc spaces, integrations, databases)
network storage drives
home directories, Unix-servers
VPN (virtual private network)
During the service break, contact information for the university personnel will be available at the Aalto People -site (people.aalto.fi). University's social media channels for ex. Facebook and Twitter, and other channels will not be affected by the service break.
Most services are expected to function normally by Monday morning on 22 April. Some services may still have services breaks after this.
]]>Aalto University IT is working to improve the university's data center capacity. The project includes shutting down the old data center and deploying a new datacenter. The goal is to increase the capacity to meet the current needs and to improve service reliability.
During the service break out of service are:
external networked services and web sites: school and department web sites and other sites executed with university’s systems.
We're aiming at keeping the main site aalto.fi up despite the service break.
internal web services and sites: Inside, Into, WebOodi, Noppa, wikis and blogs)
computer classrooms and Aalto desktop workstations
system interfaces (personal disc spaces, integrations, databases)
network storage drives
home directories, Unix-servers
VPN (virtual private network)
During the service break, contact information for the university personnel will be available at the Aalto People -site (people.aalto.fi). University's social media channels for ex. Facebook and Twitter, and other channels will not be affected by the service break.
Most services are expected to function normally by Monday morning on 22 April. Some services may still have services breaks after this.
]]>Decision making in scientific peer review unravelled with mathematical modelling2013-04-18T06:41:17+00:002013-04-18T06:41:17+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2a7f2f9318b02a7f211e2acbf0367f12bdf53df53Aalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Professor Mikko Alava and undergraduate Tuomo Hartonen of Aalto University Department of Applied Physics have modelled the work processes and human decision making in scientific peer review with the help of statistical physics. Their study will improve understanding of how actions of reviewers and editors during the review work correlate with the decisions to publish or reject article manuscripts. The article presenting their research is now published in the renowned journal Nature Scientific Reports.
Peer review is one of the most pivotal guarantees of advancement in scientific knowledge and its objectivity. In practice, it comprises sending article manuscripts to journals, extensive commentary reading, corrections and suggestions, correspondence and decision making from scientists, reviewers and editors alike.
In their Nature Scientific Reports article, Alava and Hartonen show that the time reviewers spend on working on a manuscript is clearly dependant on the perceived quality of the manuscript and on the decision whether to publish or to reject it in the end.
Alava and Hartonen study peer review as a series of dynamic processes, in which the reviewers’ work phases and the decision making that comes with it must be modelled simultaneously. They have studied the life span of over 10 000 manuscripts in two physics journals all the way from submission to the final verdict of publication or rejection.
The work patterns and decision making are included in a mathematical model that takes heed of the varying tasks during the review process. Review work is always occurs in circumstances, in which many concomitant tasks and priorities mix. Alava and Hartonen call this the Deadline-effect: important tasks are completed amidst a constant friction caused by competitive tasks as a time limit approaches. Here decision making must be modelled as stochastic processes, that is, to mathematically manage the unpredictable randomness of task completion.
The amount of time that reviewers and editors take to process submitted articles depends on the perceived quality of the manuscripts. Prominent and poor manuscripts take a lot less time and work phases to go through peer review than the average majority. A manuscript that seems good at first glance features in the data, which Alava and Hartonen have analysed, as a stream of decisions markedly unaffected by the Deadline-effect and pressure.
Final verdicts made on manuscripts still define the statistics of peer review processes to such an extent that their integrity remains intact in the study. Alava and Hartonen conclude that expert reviewers make their decisions based on educated and informed guesses rather than on subjectively biased judgments.
Professor Mikko Alava mikko.alava@aalto.fi tel. +358 50 413 2152 Aalto University School of Science Department of Applied Physics
]]>Professor Mikko Alava and undergraduate Tuomo Hartonen of Aalto University Department of Applied Physics have modelled the work processes and human decision making in scientific peer review with the help of statistical physics. Their study will improve understanding of how actions of reviewers and editors during the review work correlate with the decisions to publish or reject article manuscripts. The article presenting their research is now published in the renowned journal Nature Scientific Reports.
Peer review is one of the most pivotal guarantees of advancement in scientific knowledge and its objectivity. In practice, it comprises sending article manuscripts to journals, extensive commentary reading, corrections and suggestions, correspondence and decision making from scientists, reviewers and editors alike.
In their Nature Scientific Reports article, Alava and Hartonen show that the time reviewers spend on working on a manuscript is clearly dependant on the perceived quality of the manuscript and on the decision whether to publish or to reject it in the end.
Alava and Hartonen study peer review as a series of dynamic processes, in which the reviewers’ work phases and the decision making that comes with it must be modelled simultaneously. They have studied the life span of over 10 000 manuscripts in two physics journals all the way from submission to the final verdict of publication or rejection.
The work patterns and decision making are included in a mathematical model that takes heed of the varying tasks during the review process. Review work is always occurs in circumstances, in which many concomitant tasks and priorities mix. Alava and Hartonen call this the Deadline-effect: important tasks are completed amidst a constant friction caused by competitive tasks as a time limit approaches. Here decision making must be modelled as stochastic processes, that is, to mathematically manage the unpredictable randomness of task completion.
The amount of time that reviewers and editors take to process submitted articles depends on the perceived quality of the manuscripts. Prominent and poor manuscripts take a lot less time and work phases to go through peer review than the average majority. A manuscript that seems good at first glance features in the data, which Alava and Hartonen have analysed, as a stream of decisions markedly unaffected by the Deadline-effect and pressure.
Final verdicts made on manuscripts still define the statistics of peer review processes to such an extent that their integrity remains intact in the study. Alava and Hartonen conclude that expert reviewers make their decisions based on educated and informed guesses rather than on subjectively biased judgments.
Professor Mikko Alava mikko.alava@aalto.fi tel. +358 50 413 2152 Aalto University School of Science Department of Applied Physics
]]>Scientists seek new knowledge of the impacts of ice in the Antarctic2013-04-17T10:45:26+00:002013-04-17T10:45:26+00:00http://www.aalto.fi/en/midcom-permalink-1e2a74be9e24346a74b11e2b9b8956c44d4365e365eAalto-www <verkkotoimitus@aalto.fi>Doctoral students Mikko Suominen from the School of Engineering and Jakke Kulovesi from the School of Electrical Engineering were invited to be part of an annual voyage organised by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs. Antarctic research and service vessel S. A. Agulhas II transports scientists to the South African research base and back. The representatives of Aalto University joined some 60 other scientists on the expedition, including meteorologists, marine scientists and geologists.
Measurements of the ice and the vessel
Mikko Suominen’s research themes were associated with the ice loads to which the vessel hull is subjected and the study of ice conditions. In particular, he was hoping to gather more information about the impacts of various ice conditions on ice loads.
In practice, he collected research data using sensors installed on the vessel, by visual observation of the ice field and by measuring ice strengths.
The sensors placed on the vessel collected data on the loads that ice-breaking placed on the hull and the loads to which ice blocks subjected the propeller shaft. Visual observations focused on ice thickness and the extent of sea surface that was covered by ice.
Ice strength was measured from ice blocks that Suominen, with the assistance of three other persons, collected from around the vessel. The foursome was lowered by a crane onto the ice, and a chain saw was used to cut off the blocks. The blocks were hoisted onto the vessel, where their flexural and compressive strength was measured using instruments that had been shipped to the vessel from Finland before departure.
Researchers from Aalto University have previously collected similar data in the Baltic Sea and in laboratory conditions. The data collected on the expedition to the Antarctic will now allow Suominen to compare the ice loads caused by multiannual ice, first-year ice and ice formed in the laboratory in strictly controlled conditions.
Researchers collecting data.
Ice thickness measured by a stereo camera
Jakke Kulovesi’s research is related to measuring ice thickness and developing machine vision algorithms for the automation of such measurements. For the purposes of his research, stereo camera equipment was installed on the side of the vessel on a metre-long rod to film the ice under the vessel as it progressed. The edge of the ice turned up as the vessel ploughed into it, making it possible to use images from calibrated stereo cameras and machine vision techniques to measure its thickness.
According to Kulovesi’s estimates, the ice thickness varied from 60 centimetres to at least four metres.
’In the thickest areas, the entire edge of the ice cannot be seen, which makes its real thickness difficult to estimate,’ he says.
The goal of Kulovesi’s research is to develop an automatic method for measuring ice thickness based on imaging methods.
The thickness data collected will also be used in Suominen’s research. For example, he intends to compare the thickness data to the ice load data measured on the vessel at the same time.
Collecting the samples.
Antarctica was bathed in light
Aalto University’s contacts with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs go back to the building of S.A. Agulhas II in Finland. STX Finland Rauma Shipyard handed over the 135-metre vessel to the South African Department of Environmental Affairs in April 2012.
The vessel headed out to the Antarctic from Cape Town. The voyage to the continent took a week and a half. The vessel sailed between various research bases and also visited South Georgia Island and the South Sandwich Islands before its return voyage. The southernmost point of the voyage lay beyond the 70th parallel south. While the vessel was stuck in the ice for a day or two at times, it returned to Cape Town as scheduled in late February, the delays caused by the ice having been anticipated. During the voyage, Antarctica was bathed in light, as it was mid-summer over there. Conditions inside the vessel were less than glamorous. The Internet connections were intermittent, and the travellers sometimes went for weeks without access to their e-mails. The times set aside for meals were short and the rations sometimes small.
Funding for the expedition was arranged through the Tekes project NB1369 PSRV full scale ice trials, in which Aalto University was partnered with Aker Arctic Technology, the University of Oulu, Rolls-Royce, Wärtsilä and STX Finland from Finland, DNV from Norway, and the University of Stellenbosch and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs from South Africa.
The next step will be analysing the extensive body of measurement data. In time, the results will be part of Suominen and Kulovesi’s doctoral dissertations.
The blocks being hoisted onto the vessel for measuring.
]]>Doctoral students Mikko Suominen from the School of Engineering and Jakke Kulovesi from the School of Electrical Engineering were invited to be part of an annual voyage organised by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs. Antarctic research and service vessel S. A. Agulhas II transports scientists to the South African research base and back. The representatives of Aalto University joined some 60 other scientists on the expedition, including meteorologists, marine scientists and geologists.
Measurements of the ice and the vessel
Mikko Suominen’s research themes were associated with the ice loads to which the vessel hull is subjected and the study of ice conditions. In particular, he was hoping to gather more information about the impacts of various ice conditions on ice loads.
In practice, he collected research data using sensors installed on the vessel, by visual observation of the ice field and by measuring ice strengths.
The sensors placed on the vessel collected data on the loads that ice-breaking placed on the hull and the loads to which ice blocks subjected the propeller shaft. Visual observations focused on ice thickness and the extent of sea surface that was covered by ice.
Ice strength was measured from ice blocks that Suominen, with the assistance of three other persons, collected from around the vessel. The foursome was lowered by a crane onto the ice, and a chain saw was used to cut off the blocks. The blocks were hoisted onto the vessel, where their flexural and compressive strength was measured using instruments that had been shipped to the vessel from Finland before departure.
Researchers from Aalto University have previously collected similar data in the Baltic Sea and in laboratory conditions. The data collected on the expedition to the Antarctic will now allow Suominen to compare the ice loads caused by multiannual ice, first-year ice and ice formed in the laboratory in strictly controlled conditions.
Researchers collecting data.
Ice thickness measured by a stereo camera
Jakke Kulovesi’s research is related to measuring ice thickness and developing machine vision algorithms for the automation of such measurements. For the purposes of his research, stereo camera equipment was installed on the side of the vessel on a metre-long rod to film the ice under the vessel as it progressed. The edge of the ice turned up as the vessel ploughed into it, making it possible to use images from calibrated stereo cameras and machine vision techniques to measure its thickness.
According to Kulovesi’s estimates, the ice thickness varied from 60 centimetres to at least four metres.
’In the thickest areas, the entire edge of the ice cannot be seen, which makes its real thickness difficult to estimate,’ he says.
The goal of Kulovesi’s research is to develop an automatic method for measuring ice thickness based on imaging methods.
The thickness data collected will also be used in Suominen’s research. For example, he intends to compare the thickness data to the ice load data measured on the vessel at the same time.
Collecting the samples.
Antarctica was bathed in light
Aalto University’s contacts with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs go back to the building of S.A. Agulhas II in Finland. STX Finland Rauma Shipyard handed over the 135-metre vessel to the South African Department of Environmental Affairs in April 2012.
The vessel headed out to the Antarctic from Cape Town. The voyage to the continent took a week and a half. The vessel sailed between various research bases and also visited South Georgia Island and the South Sandwich Islands before its return voyage. The southernmost point of the voyage lay beyond the 70th parallel south. While the vessel was stuck in the ice for a day or two at times, it returned to Cape Town as scheduled in late February, the delays caused by the ice having been anticipated. During the voyage, Antarctica was bathed in light, as it was mid-summer over there. Conditions inside the vessel were less than glamorous. The Internet connections were intermittent, and the travellers sometimes went for weeks without access to their e-mails. The times set aside for meals were short and the rations sometimes small.
Funding for the expedition was arranged through the Tekes project NB1369 PSRV full scale ice trials, in which Aalto University was partnered with Aker Arctic Technology, the University of Oulu, Rolls-Royce, Wärtsilä and STX Finland from Finland, DNV from Norway, and the University of Stellenbosch and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs from South Africa.
The next step will be analysing the extensive body of measurement data. In time, the results will be part of Suominen and Kulovesi’s doctoral dissertations.
The blocks being hoisted onto the vessel for measuring.
Risto Nieminen is Distinguished Professor in the School of Science’s Department of Applied Physics, Director of the COMP Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience, and Director of the National Graduate School in Materials Physics. He has previously served as Scientific Director or the Center for Scientific Computing, Director of NORDITA (Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics) in Sweden, and as a professor and head of department at the Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Jyväskylä. He is well-known and respected internationally in his field and has had extensive experience outside Finland, in the United States, Denmark, Great Britain, and elsewhere, and has served in numerous positions of trust during his career. Risto Nieminen received his D.Sc. from the Helsinki University of Technology in 1975.
velopment firm Boomlagoon talk about where their ideas emanate from, while Nando Malmelin, who heads a research project on creative leadership at the School of Business, explores the management of creativity. 
