Aalto Handbook
Here you will find information regarding Aalto University’s organisation, various operators, management processes, operational principles and the guiding rules and policies of our operations.
Shaping a sustainable future
We make research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, spark the game changers of tomorrow and create novel solutions to major global challenges
Shortcuts to important info
Aalto University
is where people who think differently bring the best out of each other. A place where imagination and theory meet practice and reality. A community to solve challenges most consider impossible.
Aalto was created with a mission to lead a way for a nation. To unite a diverse set of people through science, arts, technology and business. To create a better world by bringing quantum engineers, urban economists and fashion designers to collide and to elevate each other.
Our way is to accelerate curiosity and responsibility towards solving the biggest challenges in the world. For this task we offer an academic environment that reimagines the way a university operates.
We are inspirited through the radical creativity of our students and the entrepreneurial mindset of our community. We drive fundamental research and fuel sustainable growth. Make theories become solutions and prototypes become breakthroughs.
Our differences are the gravity that pulls us together and the chemistry that sparks us to action. Together we build beyond the status quo and always find a way forward.
Campus - a lively community
Aalto as an employer
We are an international community, working on top research, art and education. Join us in changing the world!
News
Aalto awards 2026 – Propose nominees
Which act should be recognised as playing a role in our university’s success? Share your views by 20 May!
Our fundraising campaign's final stretch has started - see how Aaltonians can participate
Already 1,300 donors have showed their support to Aalto. See how you can get involved and spread the word
May challenges the Aalto community to be active together
Take part in events on campus and make sustainable mobility part of your working or study day.
Share your experiences of language use – Respond to Aalto’s Language Environment Survey by 18 May
Your response is important. The survey will be used to develop general language practices at Aalto.Annual Review 2025 and Aalto Handbook
Annual Review 2025 and annual reports
On this page, we present key figures of 2025 and the Annual Board Report and Financial Statements.
Board
The Aalto University Board decides on the strategy, operation and financial issues and is responsible for any far-reaching plans.
Management
The executive bodies of the university are the Board (AUFB), the President, and the University Academic Affairs Committee (AAC). The President's Management Team (PMT) coordinates the daily work at the university and the preparation of pre-decision motions. The Aalto Management Team (AMT) furthers transparency and open dialogue in decision-making regarding university development.
Organisation
Aalto University is a foundation-based university and has six schools.
Schools, departments and units
Scientific research, artistic activities and teaching are carried out at Aalto's six schools and their departments and units.
History
On 1 January 2010, the Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology and the University of Art and Design Helsinki merged and Aalto University started operating.
Otaniemi campus to develop into a lively neighbourhood
The university's campus is in Otaniemi, home of the lively community that supports innovations. The goal of the campus development is to mix valuable history and new ways of planning.
Events
A! Walk
A! Walks is a summer course centered around walking-based learning, exploring Otaniemi campus and its surrounding urban–natural spaces. Rather than standalone lectures or experiments, the program is designed as a curated sequence of sensory, interdisciplinary walks, guiding participants toward experiences in coexistence, awareness, action, and futures. If successful, A! Walks may be continued during the regular semester.
Spring School on Quantum Optics in Coherent Circuits
Explore the frontiers of quantum optics in the Arctic!Join us in Kilpisjärvi for a unique spring workshop, blending cutting-edge science with the magic of Lapland, where quantum light meets the northern lights.
Moral Ambition Aalto Summit
To hear from the experts who are already making change, join us at the Moral Ambition Summit on the 4th and 5th of May 2026!
A! Walk
A! Walks is a summer course centered around walking-based learning, exploring Otaniemi campus and its surrounding urban–natural spaces. Rather than standalone lectures or experiments, the program is designed as a curated sequence of sensory, interdisciplinary walks, guiding participants toward experiences in coexistence, awareness, action, and futures. If successful, A! Walks may be continued during the regular semester.Rankings
Aalto University performs well in international university rankings. In subject-specific rankings, we place 9th globally in art & design and are in the top 100 in several other subjects.
Our strategy
Aalto University's future is built upon a foundation of high-quality research, education, impact and shared values – responsibility, courage, and collaboration. The purpose of the university is to...
Endowment and investment strategy
Code of Conduct - Values into practice
The Aalto University Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working — the foundation of our community culture — into practice
Sustainability
Aalto University's purpose is to shape a sustainable future. At Aalto, we create solutions that enable well-being within the planetary boundaries.
Equality, diversity and inclusion at Aalto
We are committed to foster an empowered community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and thrive by working together
