School of Chemical Engineering

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

Aalto’s research and innovations impact your everyday life. Whether it’s a breakthrough in detecting memory disorders, a sustainable alternative to cement, or turning ideas into startups, you too are connected to Aalto – and have many reasons to donate.

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

Catalysis in a new light: Microscale interactions could enhance clean energy technologies

A new study provides a more detailed view of how catalysts function during chemical reactions. The discovery could help develop more efficient materials for applications such as green hydrogen production and a more sustainable chemical industry.

A close-up of numerous small, rectangular particles with rounded edges, appearing grey on a dark background.

VTT, Aalto University and GTK: How to ensure Finland captures the multi‑billion growth potential of mineral economy

Finland is rising to the forefront of the mineral economy through new research initiatives and closer collaboration

A close-up of various electronic waste pieces, including circuit boards, wires, and metal fragments in different colours.

Nikolai Ponomarev, Hossein Baniasadi and Jorge Velasco start as Data Agents at the School of Chemical Engineering

Aalto Open Research Network has new members, Nikolai Ponomarev, Hossein Baniasadi and Jorge Velasco. Their aim is to support data management practices at the School of Chemical Engineering along with existing CHEM Data Agent, Pedro Silva.

Three men standing indoors, wearing casual clothes. The background includes a screen and office furniture.

Smart textiles are reshaping our understanding of materials – and interspecies communication

The PAST-A-BOT research project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), is developing soft, intelligent textiles that could one day function as rescue robots, sound-sensing agricultural fabrics, or assistive clothing. At the same time, the project aims to rethink the way we approach materials research.

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Research & Art Published: 13.3.2026

Catalysis in a new light: Microscale interactions could enhance clean energy technologies

Campus, Studies Published: 13.3.2026

The campus welcomes its third Learning Lounge

Learning Lounge makes a new expansion into Restaurant Aalto Kvarkki on 16 March.

People gathered outside a modern building with circular windows, reflected in glass. Trees and green grass in the background.

Cooperation, Studies, University Published: 5.3.2026

Register for the Transregional Online Living Labs Day 2026

Join Unite!’s international, online conference to explore how University Campus Living Labs connect research, education and practice.

Four people standing in a spacious indoor area with signs above them. The floor is tiled and walls are white.

Appointments, Cooperation Published: 4.3.2026

Hannu Martola appointed as Chair of the Aalto University Alumni Network Board

The board’s new members are Esa Arola, Eila Lindroos and Terttu Sopanen. Continuing members are Ari Bertula, Ossi Leikola, Laura Nikola and Katja Soini.

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13.3.

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

Public defences 13.3.2026 10:00 – 14:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Biotechnology, MSc Tejas Somvanshi

Unlocking the hidden metabolic potential of Methanosarcina acetivorans

13.3.

Public defences 13.3.2026 12:00 – 16:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Bioproduct technology, MSc Roozbeh Abidnejad

Particle-stabilized foams as advanced materials for energy management

13.3.

Public defences 13.3.2026 12:00 – 16:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering, MSc Pauliina Ahokas

Dissolution and regeneration of cellulose: Towards plastic-free films via systematic engineering

13.3.

Public defences 13.3.2026 12:00 – 16:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Processing of Materials, MSc Minerva Vierunketo

Evaluation of battery recycling processes using exentropy: a novel multi-dimensional circularity indicator of materials concentration and energy preservation

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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