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
Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland.
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
Which team deserves the Aalto Pioneering Excellence Award? Submit your nomination by 16 October
The award may be given to a team that does pioneering work to advance education, research or artistic activity, or to enable the international success of the Aalto University community
Travel guidelines updated regarding sanctions and US visa bonds
Please consult the university’s travel guidelines available on the website if you are planning an outbound business trip or an international assignment. Many countries and regions have special requirements
Ilkka Niemelä: In the age of AI, university education builds the ability to learn, think critically and collaborate
Universities bring together what society needs most: understanding of the world and cutting-edge technologies and the profound ability to question, assess and innovate, says President Ilkka Niemelä. Aalto University celebrated the opening of its academic year on Tuesday 1 September 2026
Aalto Distinguished Professor Jukka Pekola’s message: Basic research is at the heart of progress
Department of Applied Physics Professor Jukka Pekola was appointed Aalto Distinguished Professor on September 1, 2026.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
Book a visit to Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition
Experience Helsinki Design Week at Aalto University and reserve your place on a guided exhibition tour. The tours are free of charge and take place on Tuesdays. Tours are offered in Finnish and English on alternating weeks.
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.
Coaching in Action! - coaching group for programme directors
Stay ahead of the curve and attend to a coaching group with other programme directors.
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. 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
