News

Funding for a democratic transition to sustainability

Three projects from Aalto University are among the recipients. The Nessling Foundation's grants aim to advance the implementation of sustainability transitions in the context of democracy, the EU, and nature conservation areas.
A group of people walking past large windows in a modern building with vertical wooden slats and indoor lights.
Photo: Henri Vogt

The Nessling Foundation has awarded funding to 24 projects, totaling 2,339,717 euros.

Many of the funded projects emphasize the relationship between democracy and decision-making. Several initiatives that were given funding, focus on facilitating effective communication, democratic decision-making, and a fair transition in the context of sustainability transitions.

Among the funded projects are three from the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, from the Department of Design:

Gloria Lauterbach / NODUS Research Group:
Caring Commons: Exploring the Potential of Artistic Interventions for Reframing Human-Nature Relationship concerning Light and Darkness in Urban Environments

Sara Lindeman / NODUS Research Group:
Ecological Communication and Decision Making to Enable Sustainability Transformations

Kasia Gorniak / Fashion & Textile Futures Research Group:
Dialogical Narratives as Method and Matter for Meaningful Fashion Design Practice

As in previous years, most funded projects have defined themselves as multidisciplinary. The successful applicants have demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect their research with broader sustainability transitions, guided by the principles of natural systems.

The full list of grant recipients can be found on the Nessling Foundation's website.

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

A conference hall filled with attendees sitting at tables, watching a presentation on a large screen.
Campus, Research & Art Published:

Physics Days 2026 gathered Finnish physicists to Aalto

The 2026 edition of the annual conference featured talks on moiré matter, women in physics and paper cuts.
A speaker addresses a large audience in a dark auditorium. A large screen behind shows a vibrant image with the text 'Welcome'.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Annual review looked back on the past year

The annual review of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture provided a comprehensive overview of the past year. Members of the community were also awarded in the event.
Abstract map with winding red paths, blue stream, green areas, and multicoloured sections resembling landscapes.
University Published:

Antti Ahlava talking on Relationships in Design Principles & Practices conference (Rome, Italy)

Antti Ahlava presented “Relationship-based Architectural Design” at the Design Principles & Practices conference in Rome, discussing new methodological approaches in architecture.
A person wearing a dark jacket stands outside a multi-storey building with many windows.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Alum of the Year Anna Brotkin: “We need modern stories about our era”

Screenwriter Anna Brotkin is the Alum of the Year 2026 of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. She believes in the power of locality and the importance of hope in times of crisis.