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Presidential couple of Iceland visited Aalto University

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President of the Republic of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir and her spouse Björn Skúlason and President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Suzanne Innes-Stubb visit Aalto University
A group of people in formal clothing are visiting a modern workshop. Vintage motorbikes are displayed on a high shelf.
Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University

President of the Republic of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, accompanied by her spouse Björn Skúlason, visited Aalto University 8 October 2025. The state visit was hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb together with his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb.

The presidential couples were introduced to exhibition Designs for a Cooler Planet which showcases multidisciplinary work by students and researchers and the Aalto Design Factory, an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning.  In addition, the Presidents engaged in discussions with students on leadership in a changing world order. 

The state visit will focus on the bilateral relations between Finland and Iceland, Nordic and other regional cooperation, issues relating to the Arctic, as well as support for Ukraine.

Visit to Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition showcasing multidisciplinary work by students and researchers

The research collaboration between Iceland and Finland, is largely connected to environmental science and sustainability. Thus, a possibility to visit Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition – Designs for a Cooler Planet – was well suited to the presidential visit.  

The exhibition presents a selection of the most visionary and exciting cross-disciplinary work from Aalto University’s students and researchers. It includes concrete examples of prototypes, experiments and solutions from the intersection of science, arts, technology and business, each project representing the quest for a better future.

Three projects were presented more closely:  

  • Professor Matti Kuittinen, presented how to build within the planetary boundaries
  • Coordinator Greta Isola, talked about teaching material literacy for children and  
  • CEO Johannes Peace and Design Lead Henrik Jansson, showed how used wind turbine blades are gaining a new life  

Visit to Aalto Design Factory, an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning

During the visit the presidential couples also visited the Aalto Design Factory, an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning.  The centre was presented by Professor Professor Kalevi Ekman who has been part of the Design Factory’s story since it was started. The presidential couples were also showcased some of the workshops and examples of product development projects. 

During their visit, presidents held a discussion event with students on leadership in a changing world order.  

Kuvia presidenttiparien vierailulta

A group of people in formal clothing are visiting a modern workshop. Vintage motorbikes are displayed on a high shelf.
President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (left) and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb, President of the Republic of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir (right) and her spouse Björn Skúlason visiting Aalto Design Factorylla. Photo: Matti Ahlgren
A group of people in business attire are indoors, shaking hands. Industrial setting with staircases and plants.
Visiting Design Factorylla. Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University
Group of people in formal and business attire visiting an office or laboratory setting, with a clock on the wall
Professor Kalevi Ekman (right.) presenting Design Factory during the presidential visit. Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University
Three people sitting on orange chairs on a stage, with a large screen displaying abstract patterns behind them.
President of Aalto University Ilkka Niemelä (left.) moderated the discussion between the presidents and students. Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University
Group of people in formal attire examining an exhibit with numbered displays and informational panels.
President of Aalto University Ilkka Niemelä (right.) hosted the visit in the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition. Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University
Group of people in formal attire viewing educational posters about financial literacy and history in an exhibition space.
Coordinator Greta Isola (left.) presented marvellous materials project. Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto Univeristy
People are touring an exhibition featuring wooden structures and information panels about sustainable buildings.
Visiting the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition. Photo: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University
People in formal attire observing an exhibition with wooden structures and informational posters in the background.
Professor Matti Kuittinen (in the front) presenting his project in the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition. Photo: Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University
A group of people in business attire listening to a man presenting wind turbine information on a screen.
Stratup company Reverlast's CEO Johannes Peace and Design Lead Henrik Jansson presenting how used wind turbine blades are gaining a new life. Photo: Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University
An individual with short blonde hair, wearing a dark burgundy outfit, gestures while seated on a stage. Two water bottles can be seen.
President of the Republic of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir in the discussion event with the students. Photo: Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University
Man in blue suit and pink tie sits on a chair beside a woman in a burgundy outfit. Two water bottles are on a table.
President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb in the discussion event with the students. Photo: Mikko Raskinen / Aalto University

Read more about the state visit's locations at Aalto University

Visitors at an exhibition exploring sustainable materials. Displays include furniture, small plants, and design elements.

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025 exhibition

Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition presents visionary cross-disciplinary work. Come explore prototypes, experiments and solutions.

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