Research infrastructures received 4.7 million euros from the Academy of Finland

The Academy of Finland has awarded a total of 32.4 million euros for the development of infrastructures promoting high-quality science and research. A significant proportion of approximately 4.7 million euros in total was granted to Aalto University, and targeted at four important research infrastructures on the national roadmap, and one new opening.

One of the five infrastructures receiving funding, Research Infrastructure for Future Wireless Communication Networks, is one of the Academy of Finland's new openings, i.e., a new infrastructure receiving funding for the first time.

‘Our research and teaching infrastructures create opportunities for internationally pioneering research, as well as support teaching. They offer opportunities for cooperation both within the university and with partners, and contribute to the formation of innovation communities,’ says Vice President for Research Ossi Naukkarinen.

Research infrastructures mean instruments, equipment, networks, databases, and resources and services that enable different stages of research. They can be centralised, decentralised or virtual entities and networks that can be complementary.

Funding received by Aalto University research infrastructures

(in euro = funding granted to Aalto University

Bioeconomy (Bioeconomy, a consortium) 1 715 000 euros
The Bioeconomy Infrastructure combines the scientific infrastructures of Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and provides an internationally unique research environment for bioeconomy innovations and the promotion and renewal of Finnish industrial competitiveness. The research focuses on the development of new technological solutions for the processing of renewable raw materials. The focus areas include industrial biotechnology, chemical process technology and materials technology, and expertise in refining forest biomass into high technology products. The infrastructure covers the whole development cycle, from molecular level research excellence to process development and new technology solutions. Coordinated by Aalto University.

RAMI (RawMatTERS Finland, consortium) 703 500 euros
The joint RAMI infrastrucure of Aalto University, GTK Geological Survey of Finland and VTTsupports research into inorganic materials, and metallurgical and hydro metallurgical processes. The aim is to make Finland one of the world leaders in research into inorganic raw materials and the circular economy’s new materials. The open research infrastructure supports scientific research in Finland, as well as in Europe, for instance, via the networks of the EIT Raw Materials community, and also globally through the international partners. In addition to the research community, unique services are offered to the industry and other stakeholders. Aalto University focuses on the refining of primary and secondary raw materials, characterisation and recycling, as well as the search for new, innovative materials for new technologies aligned with sustainable development. Coordinated by Aalto University.

Research Infrastructure for Future Wireless Communication Networks (FUWIRI, consortium), 280 000 euros
The goal of the research consortium formed by the University of Oulu, Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Tampere University of Technology is to update the existing 5TGN and Take 5 research infrastructures into a research environment where a shared 5G/6G test network enables the addition and testing of new technology components based on research. 5TGN and Take 5 infrastructures are part of the 6Genesis flagship programme of the Academy of Finland, studying the implementation of the 5G communication standard and, thereafter, the introduction of the 6G standard.

OtaNano (consortium) 1 501 640 euros
OtaNano, the micro- and nanotechnologies infrastructure of Aalto University and VTT, is a national research infrastructure for competitive research in the fields of nanoscience and -technology and in quantum technology. The infrastructure offers a wide variety of fabrication processes and equipment for micro- and nanostructures. Funding granted by the Academy of Finland ensures strategic updates in order to safeguard and renew the infrastructure and top research. Coordinated by Aalto University.

Aalto Ice Tank 505 386 euros
Climate change has increased political and intellectual interest in the Arctic regions, as well as research into the area. Aalto Ice Tank is a multipurpose basin for testing ships and other maritime structures in icy conditions.  The basin can also be used for open water testing, and for the production of ice. Model tests are required when studying physical phenomena related to ice, ships and structures, as well as for the validation of developed models. The basin’s size, 40 × 40 metres, makes it unique in Europe. The basin has been refurbished and renewed thoroughly, and it is open for researchers and industrial partners.
 

Read more:

Aalto University research infrastructures

Academy of Finland FIRI funding decisions on 11 December 2018 and 18 January 2019:
Infrastructures on the road map

New openings outside the roadmap