Associate Professor Andrea Sand appointed new head of applied physics department

The Dean of the School of Science at Aalto University Pauliina Ilmonen has appointed Associate Professor Andrea Sand as the new head of the Department of Applied Physics. Sand’s term runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029. 

Sand, a leading researcher of computational materials physics focusing on how radiation affects materials, also helms the prolific Nuclear Materials and Engineering (NuME) research group at the department.

Sand succeeds the previous head, Professor Robin Ras, who held the position 2021–2026 and now works as the vice dean for research at the School of Science. 

Joining Sand in leading the department are the new vice heads, also appointed by the Dean. Professor Mikko Alava is the new vice head for research and Senior University Lecturer Jami Kinnunen is the vice head for education at the department. Their terms also last from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2029. 

The Department of Applied Physics is the second-largest department in the School of Science and one of the largest in Aalto with over 400 personnel and 22 professors. It carries out world-class, pioneering research in four focus areas (materials physics, quantum technology, soft & living matter, advanced energy solutions) and educates students of all levels.