A story of courage and empathy on Otaniemi campus

Jaakko Korhonen, a doctoral candidate at Aalto University will receive the Life Saving Medal awarded by President Sauli Niinistö on 20 May. The medal rewards the great courage that Jaakko showed in March 2014.
Jaakko Korhonen had just finished lunch and was walking across campus with Professor Esa Saarinen when Saarinen was attacked with a knife. Korhonen recalls the need to act urgently.
‘It wasn’t possible to wait for help to come, it would have taken too long. The help needed to come from nearby.’
Korhonen intervened, yelling for help from nearby students, who came and took the knife away from the assailant. Working together, they helped.
The police detained the attacker and Saarinen was taken to hospital. Korhonen was relieved to hear that same evening that Saarinen was doing well.
Students scattered roses at the scene of the attack and brought a board with a message of love, goodness and joy, as well as a lantern.
‘The students wanted to show their support and to encourage people to approach each other in a loving manner. It is possible to be more open toward one another, to be more open to listen, and to be more sensitive, instead of closing up.’
‘It is well known that when adversity arises it is easier to deal with it together than alone.’
Read more news

Strengthening the collaboration in the bioproduct sector between Finland and the United States
At the end of May, a large American delegation visited Finland to familiarize themselves with our forest and wood sector expertise. FinnCERES, the materials bioeconomy Flagship led by Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, is involved in developing new business opportunities through bio-based material innovations.
Jukka Luoma, Teacher of the Year 2023
The Prodeko Guild chose Professor Jukka Luoma as the Teacher of the Year 2023.
Empathy in design and digitalisation – Aalto University researchers hold workshops for students at Arabia Comprehensive School
Aalto University researchers organised workshops for seventh graders, whose creative thinking skills were put to the test in designing future information services