News

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand visited Aalto University

During the visit, HRH, accompanied by a trade delegation and representatives from the Helsinki Thai embassy, explored various activities, including the textile design at the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, Startup Sauna, Aalto University Junior, and the Aalto Ice Tank.
Natural dyes are being presented to the princess.
Aalto University PhD student Leonardo Hidalgo Uribe demonstrates natural dyes to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Photo: Mikko Raskinen.

At Aalto University, it was a pleasure to welcome HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand on June 26, 2024. During HRH’s visit, the princess, along with representatives from the Helsinki Thai embassy and her accompanying trade delegation, explored various activities, including textile design at the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, Startup Sauna, Aalto University Junior, and the Aalto Ice and Wave Tank ice research pool. They also met with Aalto students. 

The textile design program at Aalto University encourages its students to imagine the future and develop sustainable solutions for the textile industry. Students are encouraged to use an interdisciplinary approach that combines technical and material expertise with the creative process. Recently, special attention has been given to the sustainability of textile dyes, and efforts have been made to find safe alternatives to environmentally harmful synthetic dyes. Universities in Thailand have profound expertise in the use of natural dyes, and the princess's visit highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration between the countries, especially in the field of textile industry, where natural dyes and sustainable development are key themes. 

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Four students talk in a workshop, surrounded by tools, workbenches and industrial equipment.
University Published:

Aalto University endowment returned 9.5% during first half of 2026

Endowment provides EUR 46 million funding to university operations in 2026.
Indoor green plants on a windowsill with text overlay: SPACE21 NEWSLETTER #1
University Published:

Space21 Newsletter #1

24 different projects. 3 community events. Films developed with coffee, doughnuts for economics, apocalyptic games. Welcome to the Space21 Newsletter #1.
""
University Published:
Shimber's decorative wooden blocks and cones with floral and mosaic patterns
Cooperation, University Published:

Would you like a small piece of future design history — shimmering wood?

Coming to the Aalto University Shop this September: a limited batch of 20 unique, handmade works by Shimber, crafted entirely from wood. Each piece is finished with Shimber’s wood‑based structural colour — a material that makes the surface shimmer and come alive with the light.