Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Researchers in the lab

Sustainable future in bio and circular economy

Our department focuses on sustainable utilization of raw materials, designing and developing more efficient processes for new materials and products. 

As chemical engineers, we contribute to shaping a sustainable future by developing processes that support the evolving circular economy and bioeconomy.

Rodrigo Serna

Head of Department / Associate Professor

Iiro Harjunkoski

Vice Head of Department / Associate Professor

Research

The department is in a key position in research of chemical engineering, materials technology, metals processing, efficient energy technologies and digitalization of these.

Our core competences include unit operations and processes in chemical engineering, hydro- and pyro-metallurgy, catalyst and polymeric materials, novel catalytic process, process control and process systems engineering.

Contact information

Collaboration and impact

See all the Aalto CHEM collaboration projects here

studying chemical engineering

Are you interested in studying at the School of Chemical Engineering? Here are our Chemistry and Metallurgical Engineering programmes:

See all our school's programmes

News

A person stands on a path surrounded by autumn trees with yellow leaves. They wear a dark coat and grey shirt.
Studies Published:

Chemical engineering student Mauri Hartikainen: “With metallurgy, you can truly make an impact in building a sustainable future”

Mauri Hartikainen chose sustainable metallurgy as his Master’s major because he wants to be involved in developing clean technology solutions. What fascinates him most about metals is their almost limitless recyclability.
Aalto Scientific Computing
Research & Art, Studies Published:

Scientific Computing Skills: a new umbrella course for all researchers

Today, computing skills are essential not only in academic research but also across industries. Take part in hands-on trainings provided by Aalto Scientific Computing and by partner organisations such as CodeRefinery and CSC IT Center for Science.
Man in dark suit with blue shirt and striped tie, standing in modern interior with large windows.
Appointments Published:

Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy

Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy for the period 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2026.
A disassembled battery with its components laid out side by side: metal casing, inner sheets, crushed mass, powders, and coloured granulates.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

Five things everyone should know about the materials powering the green transition

The green transition depends on more than just clean energy — it requires a massive, complex supply of critical raw materials, especially metals and minerals. From mining and refining to recycling and innovation, here are five key things everyone should know about the materials powering a sustainable future.

Events

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Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research
A person stands in front of a screen displaying 'Marsio Presents: Creative Teaching in the Age of AI'.
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research, Workshops

Marsio Presents, 15 April 2026: Creative Teaching in the Age of AI

Marsio Presents: Creative Teaching in the Age of AI is a morning event for Aalto educators interested in how AI is reshaping pedagogy. Hear short, concrete cases from colleagues on using AI in teaching, assessment, and course design. Join to gain practical ideas, discuss ethical questions, and reflect together on what meaningful teaching looks like in the age of AI.
Poster for the 10th Finnish Young Scientist Forum on Catalysis event on 16 April 2026, Helsinki. Finnish Catalysis Society logo.
Conferences, Networking

10th Finnish Young Scientist Forum on Catalysis (FYSFC 2026)

10th Finnish Young Scientist Forum on Catalysis is organized at Messukeskus in connection to the ChemBio Finland professional fair.
Red background with white geometric shapes.
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research

More about our topics

BatCircle_DSC_6517_photo Valeria Azovskaya

Electrifying society

Solving the challenges of electrification is not just a scientific question: it requires extensive societal debate.

Iita Kejonen kuvattuna Aalto-yliopiston tiloissa.

Iita Kejonen is involved in recycling battery metals from electric cars: ‘By working in industry, I can influence the development of the entire field’

Studies in materials science and engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering led to work with battery metals and minerals. As a Technology Manager, Iita can influence the development of responsibility in the entire automotive sector.

News

Where to find us

Moving to Finland

Here new students and employees can find useful tips for a smooth moving.

We also gathered information about families and recreational activities.

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