Aalto Welcome Fair 2026
Welcome, new students, to the Aalto Welcome Fair on 27th August 2026!
News and events
Look at everything that’s going on at Aalto University right now
Stay up to date with current news and interesting events from the Aalto University community
News highlights
Arsi Ikäheimonen’s doctoral research: Smartphone data could reveal early signs of depression
A phone in your pocket, a smart ring on your finger, and an activity tracker on your wrist: everyday devices collect information about their users almost continuously. This data can help monitor and predict symptoms of depression.
Design at the start of the supply chain – Aalto University leads a major EU project to transform textile colouration practices
The EU Horizon-funded MELANGE project brings together design, technology and business to rethink colouration practices in the textile industry and accelerate the transition towards circular and sustainable textile systems.
A unique joint effort – Aalto University receives EUR 9 million in donations to accelerate the energy transition
Donations from ABB, Fortum, St1 and the Walter Ahlström Foundation will be used to establish new professorships. At the same time, the donations support the establishment of Aalto University House of Energy Transition.
Rodrigo Serna-Guerrero appointed Dean of the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering
Serna-Guerrero will start his five-year term on 1 December 2026
Keys to growth: How the energy transition is making oil obsolete
The transition to clean energy is a societal transformation on the same scale as digitalisation, and Finland has many strengths to support it, says professor Annukka Santasalo-Aarnio, who leads Aalto University’s new competence centre, House of Energy Transition.
The journey of a 17th-century shipwreck continues as a unique knitted dress
Researchers at Aalto University transformed surplus wood from the Hahtiperä shipwreck into textile fibre, spun it into yarn, and knitted it into a dress using new AI-assisted technology.Event highlights
Aalto Day One 2026 – Aalto University Opening of the Academic Year
Welcome to Aalto University’s Opening of the Academic Year on 1 Sep 2026 in Otaniemi. Aalto Day One brings the Aalto community together for the opening ceremony, the Aalto Awards and Aalto Party.
Research becomes real-world solutions in autumn exhibition – Designs for a Cooler Planet showcases work by researchers and students
Aalto University’s largest annual exhibition, Designs for a Cooler Planet, will point the way to the future this autumn. It will feature more than 20 practical solutions, experiments and ideas from researchers and students.
The REAL reason Shackleton's Endurance sank | New scientific analysis
Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance has long been thought the strongest polar ship of its time. But what if the heroic narrative we bought into isn’t the whole truth? Sea‑ice scientist, Professor Jukka Tuhkuri (Aalto University) uncovers evidence that challenges the century‑old narrative of why the ship was lost.
Current news
From sound design to the Cannes red carpet – Working with a filmmaking idol on a Palme d’Or winner
Aalto University alum Pietu Korhonen is responsible for the sound design of the award-winning new film Fjord.
Aalto University ranks 126th in the world in QS World University Rankings
Aalto performs best in the employment outcomes and sustainability indicators.
Helene Auramo started her career as an entrepreneur at TaiK’s Arabus incubator
The University of Art and Design Helsinki launched the Arabus business incubator in 2007 in Arabianranta. A couple of years later, Arabus merged into the Aalto StartUp Center and moved to Salmisaari.
Pressed by the devil , shaped by the future
Curly birch shines in Aalto University’s Wood Studio’s fresh perspectives at the Craft Museum of Finland’s summer exhibition.Appointments
Emrecan Gulay started as a Data Agent at the School of Business
Aalto Open Research Network has a new member, Emrecan Gulay. Their aim is to support data management practices at the School of BIZ.
Professor Hironori Yoshida: “Machines should adapt to materials, not the other way around”
Professor of Formgiving believes the future of design lies in embracing irregularity rather than eliminating it. His research combines design, AI and robotics.
Charles Cai has been appointed as Associate Professor at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
PhD Charles Cai has been appointed as tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems as of 1 August 2026. The field of the professorship is Sustainable Bioproducts and Processes.
Iina Vaajamo appointed to a five-year fixed-term Assistant Professorship at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
DSc. (tech.) Iina Vaajamo has been appointed to a five-year fixed-term position as Assistant Professor in the tenure track system at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering effective 1. September 2026. The field of the professorship is pyrometallurgy.For the media
Campus – lively ecosystem and beautiful architecture
Content highlights
Explore Aalto University through a variety of content!
Bio-materials “cookbook” awakens the inventor within
The hands-on projects in Marvelous Materials encourage creative experimentation using ingredients from household cupboards, nature and even your compost bin
Natural luxury – Wooden crystals make fashion shine
Biomaterials and 3D-printing conjure a sparkle out of wood without harming people or the environment
Walk in my shoes
Inspired by the saying that you should walk a mile in someone’s shoes to understand them, the ‘Walk in my shoes’ series aims to share some of the experiences, thoughts, perspectives and challenges faced by members of the Aalto community.
A deep dive into radical creativity
Aalto University has produced a film to highlight its creative culture.
How to see trees and plants in a whole new light
A hyperspectral snapshot captures all the light in a scene, not just colours or infrared light. The extra information is useful in many applications, from agriculture and conservation to forensics and food safety.
Wardrobe of the Future shows the future of fashion (external link)
It is clear that the textile, clothing and fashion industries need to change. How do we do it? Discover the Aalto University community's visions for a sustainable fashion future.
Videos, podcasts, blogs and Aalto Magazine
Aalto University Magazine
