Hannu Martola appointed as Chair of the Aalto University Alumni Network Board
The Aalto Alumni Network Board was established in 2019 to energise alumni activities and bring alumni perspectives into the university’s long-term development. The members represent alumni from all Aalto Schools and Executive Education (Aalto EE).
For Hannu Martola, the primary goal as chair is to strengthen the connection between alumni and the university, thereby multiplying the Aalto community’s ability to influence the future of Finland and the world.
“At university we build the foundation for life and career that enables us to make the world better. Aalto University is unique, and its active alumni community – whose members support their alma mater – makes the university a strong societal actor. I am excited to take the opportunity to be actively involved in developing this interactive partnership,” Martola says.
Aalto brings people together
The Alumni Network Board played a significant role in delivering the largest-ever Alumni Weekend in 2025, which brought together 1,500 alumni. At the event, President Ilkka Niemelä emphasized in his speech the importance of a strong community:
“The driving force behind Aalto’s development has always been people coming together. We are united by the desire to do something greater than what any single voice can achieve. When you look at today’s Otaniemi, you see all three of our fields – arts and design, business, and science and technology – working together. Can a university change the world? Absolutely.”
Alumni associations have their own council
About 40 alumni associations operate within Aalto, represented by the Alumni Council. Its task, in cooperation with the Alumni Network Board, is to develop alumni activities. The chair is Laura Nikola, who is also a member of the Alumni Network Board.
More information:
Hannu Martola
hannu.martola@deetee.com
Aalto University alumni network board
Aalto alumni network board represents alumni and brings forward the alumni's views on the university’s development.
Read more news
Paula Nybergh Donates to the innovation activities of Aalto’s Bioinnovation Center
Paula Nybergh, an Aalto University alumna with a Licentiate of Science (Technology) and an honorary Doctor of Science (Technology), has made a significant donation to support the innovation activities of the Bioinnovation Center. The goal of the donation is to support researchers in the postdoctoral phase so they can advance their inventions toward commercialization.
Erdal Aydin has been appointed as a fixed term Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
PhD Erdal Aydin has been appointed as a five year fixed-term Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering as of 1 September 2026. The field of the professorship is Control and Automation of Chemical Processes.
From sound design to the Cannes red carpet – Working with a filmmaking idol on a Palme d’Or winner
Aalto University alum Pietu Korhonen is responsible for the sound design of the award-winning new film Fjord.