Aalto in 2025: Quantum leaps, creative breakthroughs and solutions for a better life

A major leap forward in quantum technology

Aalto’s quantum research reached a major milestone in the summer, far surpassing previous measurements of qubit coherence. For the first time, a qubit remained coherent for over one millisecond – a significant improvement on earlier results of around 0.6 milliseconds. These and many other advances strengthen Finland’s leading position in the field: the longer a qubit remains coherent, the more calculations a quantum computer can perform, and the clearer our understanding becomes of what quantum machines may one day be capable of.

-> Read more: New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold

-> Read more: Time crystals could power future quantum computers

Machine learning is transforming research

Fundamental AI research rarely generates quick wins or clickbait headlines, but its benefits can be seen throughout society. Professor Samuel Kaski, who leads Finland’s ELLIS Institute for Artificial Intelligence, develops AI systems that can collaborate with humans and be applied in real-world contexts. This work lays the foundations for AI solutions that support decision-making, industrial efficiency and new forms of innovation.

-> Read more: A revolution for R&D with the missing link of machine learning — project envisions human-AI expert teams to solve grand challenges

Creativity is a future skill

Creativity is often seen as an innate talent or something tied to the arts. The World Economic Forum, however, predicts it will become one of the most important skills in working life. In a rapidly changing world, companies and public organisations need new ways to respond to uncertainty, technological disruption and sustainability challenges. The multidisciplinary Creative Leap project explored how creativity can be identified, developed, measured and led – and what impact it has on business and society at large.

-> Read more: Research shows that creativity is not only measurable but also a major competitive advantage – the focus now turns to leadership

Space research as a model for technological self-reliance

Finland’s newest science satellite demonstrates how university research underpins national high-tech capabilities and international collaboration. Space also serves as a testbed for technologies that can later be applied here on Earth.

-> Read more: Finland’s Foresail-1p science satellite successfully launched into space

Keys to growth: from the forest industry to raising educational attainment

How does the university for all of Finland's children work? How did a student satellite become a national success story? What impact do higher education levels and internationalisation have on productivity? Why is fundamental AI research like investing in an index fund – and why is the forest industry entering a time of disruption?

In the Keys to Growth article series, we highlight the work of Aalto and its partners in building a better society.

-> Explore the series: Keys to growth: A new era of game-changers in the forest industry

Mapping income inequality – evidence to support a fairer everyday life

The most comprehensive global regional analysis of income inequality to date reveals that inequality has increased in areas home to more than 3.6 billion people over the past three decades – but it also shows that change is possible. For the first time, researchers compiled regional income inequality data from within 151 countries, uncovering disparities that remain hidden behind national averages. The dataset provides policymakers and researchers with a powerful new tool to identify where inequality has been successfully reduced and which policies support economic wellbeing, social stability and better everyday lives.

-> Read more: Subnational income inequality revealed: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally

-> Online tool here: Income Inequality Explorer

The anatomy of polarisation – why societies drift apart

Research at Aalto University helps explain why public debate is becoming more confrontational and why reaching common ground feels increasingly difficult. The results show that polarisation is driven in particular by a small but influential elite, whose internal divisions are reflected across society as a whole. The research makes the mechanisms of polarisation visible and provides concepts that help identify, measure and address the phenomenon more constructively in everyday life, the media and decision-making.

-> Read more: Five things everyone should know about political polarisation

-> Read more: Elites wield huge influence over deepening polarisation –– now we can tell exactly how much

Human-centred research opens doors to working life

An employment service developed jointly by Aalto University and the City of Espoo shows how service design grounded in research and real human needs can improve both individual wellbeing and societal effectiveness. The Competence Centre for Highly Educated Immigrants (KOSKE) has helped more than half of its clients find work in their own field – within a group that is internationally among the most difficult to employ. This research-based, empathetic approach has made employment services more impactful, productive and fair, offering a model for other municipalities as well.

-> Read more: Half of highly educated immigrants find employment through Espoo and Aalto’s collaboration

Low-carbon construction is reshaping our living environments – for the better

Construction and infrastructure are major sources of climate emissions, but research at Aalto University shows that emissions can be significantly reduced through choices such as materials. Researchers are developing and testing low-carbon solutions, including construction materials that utilise biochar, as well as new methods for assessing lifecycle emissions during construction. Across disciplines, Aalto’s research provides concrete tools to support the transition towards a carbon-neutral society.

-> Read more: What will tomorrow’s infrastructure be made of?

-> Read more: New wooden buildings can slash upfront emissions by nearly a third, study shows

Health technology brings care closer to everyday life

Researchers develop a wide range of new technologies that make health monitoring and care more accurate, accessible and personalised. Smart sensors, data analytics and machine learning enable earlier detection of disease and support preventive healthcare. This research responds to growing pressures on health systems and helps shift the focus from heavy treatment towards smoother, more human-centred everyday care.

-> Read more: New machine learning method offers better predictions of future disease risk

-> Read more: Mobile imaging technology reveals dementia risk

-> Read more: Study: Smartwatches could end the next pandemic

Research identifies ways to safeguard food systems in a changing climate

The study offers a new global perspective on how climate change is reshaping farming conditions and the range of food crops that can be grown in different regions – and, crucially, on how societies can prepare. The results highlight that alongside climate mitigation, adaptation is essential. Solutions include climate-resilient crop varieties, agroforestry, more efficient irrigation, and international cooperation and support. The research provides policymakers and food system actors with concrete evidence to strengthen global food security under changing conditions.

-> Read more: Study: World’s critical food crops at imminent risk from rising temperatures