School of Chemical Engineering

We are tackling challenges related to the sustainable use of natural resources, the circular economy and a clean environment.

The global challenges of bioeconomy and energy technology have made collaboration between science and industry a must.

Read why universities need donations

Collage of colourful letter A designs with 'A! Sign of change' in bold white text on a black background in the centre.

A paradigm shift: machine learning is transforming research at the atomic scale

Assistant professor Miguel Caro and his research group use and develop machine learning tools to accelerate discoveries from simulation to experiment

A 3D structure with green spheres interconnected by a grey mesh, set against a multicoloured background.

From polymer technology to international research centres – Chemical engineering alum of the year Petri Lehmus

Petri Lehmus, Vice President of Research and Development at Neste Corporation, has been named alum of the year by the School of Chemical Engineering. Throughout his career, he has led international research centres, built the success story of Neste’s renewable business and advanced chemical engineering research and education at Aalto University.

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Carbon-based radicals at the frontier of solar cell technology

Could a single unpaired electron change the future of solar energy?

A modern building with a colourful tiled facade with solar panels. The sky is clear and light blue.

Researchers Unlock a Stronger, Greener Way to Bond Wood: Finnish pulp fiber could be used to bond wood for the construction industry

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a groundbreaking wood bonding method using primarily pulp fibers from Finnish forestry. The resulting bonding interface is twice as strong as natural wood while highly resistant to water. This breakthrough could transform sustainable construction by reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives.

A close-up of a hand holding a small wooden block with diagonal stripes and a notch in the centre, against a light background.

Invisible triumph: how a Finnish invention powers modern microelectronics

Atomic layer deposition (ALD), developed in Finland, is a semiconductor manufacturing method at the heart of modern technology, enabling ever-smaller computers, smartphones, and everyday devices.

Two circular wafers held up by gloved hands, one metallic and one blue, in a laboratory setting.

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Studies Published: 8.12.2025

The Industry Project course is at the heart of the IDBM Master's program

The multidisciplinary master's program in International Design Business Management (IDBM) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year

Doctoral researcher Giiguulen Enkhsaikhan in a laboratory environment

Research & Art Published: 5.12.2025

Giiguulen Enkhsaikhan: More sustainable textiles with hemicellulose

Aalto University's doctoral researcher's presentation of hemicellulose won the third prize in the Marcus Wallenberg Young Researchers’ Challenge event in November

Studies Published: 5.12.2025

Course focusing on your expertise development in chemical engineering will start in January!

Enroll in the CHEM-C2005 course, focusing on your expertise development in chemical engineering!

Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland

University Published: 3.12.2025

Independence Day decorations for Aalto personnel on 6 December 2025

The President of Finland awards decorations to Aalto University employees on the Finnish Independence Day. Congratulations!

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10.12.

Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone.

Public defences 10.12.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Bioproduct Technology, MSc Marcel Kröger

Insights into the dissociation kinetics of phosphorylated nanocellulose through conductometry (title of the thesis).

11.12.

Text 'kauneimmat joululaulut' and 'Christmas Carols' with a red bauble and gold bokeh lights background.

Other, Students 11.12.2025 8:00 – 9:00 (UTC +2)

Aalto University & VTT: Christmas Carols

O come all Ye faithful and join us for the season’s most beautiful carols on Thursday December 11th at 8:00 - the event will be held at Restaurant Arvo, Ekonominaukio 1.

12.12.

Zinc oxide nanoflowers between aluminum nanoplates

Public defences 12.12.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Materials Science, MSc Mehran Mirmohammadi

Fabricating and developing multifunctional superhydrophobic surfaces.

19.12.

SEM image showing a single cell suspended on top of a micropillar on a superhydrophobic surface, unable to reach nearby pillars

Public defences 19.12.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Materials Science, M.Sc. Mohammad Awashra

Developing superhydrophobic surfaces that repel cells and biofluids for durable biomedical applications

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Join us at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering!

Read student stories, learn about our guilds and what it is like to study here!

A group of chemical engineering students in front of the CHEM main building.

More than the degree | Aalto Blogs (external link)

Blog posts by Aalto Squad student ambassadors. Read all about student life and studies at Aalto University!

Three people sit at a wooden table with a laptop, viewed through a window with reflections of greenery and parked cars.

Lignocellulose samples by Mohamed Magd. Photo: Valeria Azovskaya

Enabling bio and circular economy

Sustainable future with high performance products

World-class materials research

What if we had wood-based colours that never faded?

The color is nontoxic, produced 100% from wood, and can be industrially and economically produced.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/structuralcolor

What if the colour of your jeans grew in your garden?

We explore how to produce and utilise natural dyes derived from plants in a sustainable way.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/willowbark

What if metals could be protected with wood?

In its pure, additive-free form, lignin coatings have already been proven to be effective in minimising the corrosion of metal surfaces.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/metal-coating

What if solar cells could be made out of fish scales?

We are exploring how natural materials like wood or organic byproducts – or even waste like fish scales – could be used for solar cells.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/fish-scales

What if you could 3D print custom bone implants?

Thanks to 3D printing, we can manufacture individualized, custom implants that enhance bone growth and degrade as the patient heals.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/3d-bones

Bacterial cellulose in bowl on a yellow backround

What if bandages could be grown by bacteria?

Although some bacterial colonies can threaten human life, bacteria can be used to produce essential molecules and materials like bacterial cellulose.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/bacterial-cellulose

What if cattle all over the world were eating Finnish wood?

Microcrystalline cellulose is truly a power food for ruminants, and so it could be used to raise the caloric density of animal feed.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/aalto-cell

What if the textiles of the future are growing in Finnish forests?

Ioncell, a fibre woven from cellulose, is a strong contender as a sustainable alternative to cotton and polyester.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/ioncell

What if chemists were also programmers?

When modelling chemical engineering processes, programming skills are essential – and understanding programming basics is an asset in many other tasks as well.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/chem

What if every engineer thought like an artist?

Breaking out of one’s own bubble challenges the brain and changes attitudes. This is why arts courses at Aalto are available to everyone.

https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/take5-1

At Aalto University, we believe in the power of curiosity. We encourage our students and staff to explore the unknown, learn and do things in completely new ways – to break boundaries together.

See more projects at: https://www.whatif.aalto.fi/

We cooperate with the business world and host numerous competence centers