Aalto's SGT Programme celebrates 20 years of transdisciplinary learning through global collaborations

For twenty years now, the interdisciplinary Sustainable Global Technologies (SGT) Programme in the Water and Environmental Engineering master’s program has brought together students and researchers with partners from academia, industry, organizations, and communities in different parts of the world. Together, they have worked across disciplines and cultures while developing practical skills in sustainability and international collaboration. Over the years, SGT has promoted creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation among students through problem-based learning and real-world study projects. The study projects have ranged from building resilience to natural hazards, to affordable housing, refugee wellbeing, and addressing rural water scarcity in the Global South. 

At the end of May 2026, SGT Studio course celebrated its 20th anniversary during the annual SGT Final Event. Student teams presented their projects, final deliverables, and experiences from field visits in Ecuador, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, and Vietnam. There was also a special alumni panel with former SGT Studio students, including some who had participated in the course as early as 2007. They reflected on their memories, learning experiences, and the impact SGT had on their lives and careers.

A Course People Still Remember Years Later

During the alumni discussion, many reflected on how the memories and learning from SGT had stayed with them over the years. Several described it as one of the most memorable courses of their studies and something they still look back on long after graduation.

One alum reflected that SGT influenced their decision to pursue a career in international development, where they now work. Others noted they continue to apply skills from the course in their work, including team reflection tools and approaches to working in international and interdisciplinary teams, often in unfamiliar settings.

For some, SGT has had an impact beyond new skills and methods by clarifying what they would like to work on in the future. One student from last year's SGT project has described how the experience opened up a completely new interest in global development work. Having had little previous interest in the field, they felt that the project changed their future plans. This year, they became involved with Engineers Without Borders and recently visited Senegal through the organisation.

New SGT Study Projects Through Aalto InnoWAT Educational Research Project 

This year, two new collaborations were established through Aalto InnoWAT educational research project in Kenya with Taita Research Station of University of Helsinki and in Ecuador with the Technical University of Munich. In addition, SGT student teams initiated new collaborations with partners in Mexico and Vietnam and continued a WASH related study case in Nepal. Each project included an active two-week field work in the partner country.

Interested in joining the SGT Studio Course?

The Sustainable Global Technologies (SGT) Studio (WAT-E2007, 12 ECTS) is an interdisciplinary course open to master's and doctoral students from all fields. The course includes expert lectures, project design workshops, peer-learning sessions, and a two-week field visit. Students work together with local communities and partners while developing practical skills in international sustainability work. Through problem-based learning, students apply design thinking and human-centered approaches to real-world sustainability challenges.

SGT Studio course runs from academic period III to period V. The next application period will take place in October–November 2026.