In our events, we are committed to Aalto University’s principles for a safer space.
The Doc+ Dialogues panel series continues with "Thriving in Academia", discussing how academic careers are built, told by the people building and coaching them.
The panelists have taken very different routes: from founding and listing a company alongside a demanding research career to taking on international academic leadership and to working where design meets business. Moderated by Aalto Provost Kristiina Mäkelä, the conversation connects these routes to the concrete choices researchers face as they build paths of their own.
This event is designed for all Aalto doctoral researchers, postdocs, alumni and interested faculty regardless of discipline or career stage. Alongside the panel discussion, participants can explore the growing menu of Doc+ career and social activities, shaped together with doctoral and postdoctoral researchers themselves together with Aalto's faculty and administration. Join us to find how you could benefit from the Doc+ community, as a researcher, alum or supervisor.
Come see what's in store. Explore. Connect. Grow. That's the plus.
15:00 Pre-panel snacks
15:15 Welcome and opening of the panel with interactive Q&A
16:15 Outlook towards coming doctoral community activities
16:30 Social snacks and networking
Kristiina Mäkelä — Moderator
Provost of Aalto University, leading the university's teaching, research, innovation and societal impact processes, with a background as Professor of International Business and former Vice Dean of Teaching and Learning at the School of Business.
Mikko Möttönen
Academy Professor of Quantum Technology at Aalto University and VTT and Co-Founder of IQM Finland. This quantum-computer company span out from his own research group and became the first European quantum computing company to list on Nasdaq, in a July 2026 dual listing on Nasdaq (US) and Nasdaq Helsinki valued at roughly €1.7 billion. Mikko has published more than 120 scientific articles.
İdil Gaziulusoy
Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at Aalto's Department of Design and leader of the NODUS Sustainable Design Research Group, working at the intersection of design, sustainability transitions, and strategy for businesses and cities. İdil'scareer spans academic and practice roles in e.g. Turkey, New Zealand, Australia and Finland.
Rodrigo Serna-Guerrero
Head of the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Aalto, appointed to become Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering from December 2026. Rodrigo's research centers on mineral processing and recycling, and he has held positions in both industry and academia in Mexico, Canada and Germany before joining Aalto.
Doc+ is Aalto University’s new initiative for strengthening the doctoral and postdoctoral community through shared learning, peer connection, and professional growth. It brings together researchers from all disciplines to engaging and enjoyable panel discussions, new courses and co-innovated social events. The initiative has wide support from Aalto faculties, Aallonhuiput Doctoral Researcher Association, Aalto Education Services and Aalto Career Design Lab.
Further information here.
Welcome!
Sonja Hilavuo, Doctoral Researcher, Teacher
Aalto Doc+ Team
Doc+ brings doctoral and postdoctoral researchers together to build transferable skills, connect across disciplines, and create impact in many directions — from advancing science and developing solutions for society to entrepreneurship and education. Come co-create your Aalto doctoral journey with us!
