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.

Chemical engineer Mikko Manninen: 'I want to see how biotechnology expertise can be applied in practice'

When Aalto University chemical engineering student Mikko Manninen chose biotechnology as his Master’s major, everything fell into place. He has found his field and is now working on his Master’s thesis at the company of his dreams.

A person with short dark hair wearing a light grey polo shirt in front of a solid grey 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.

A man in a dark suit and blue tie stands in a wooden room with large windows and hanging lights.

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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Various circular samples on white cards, including green, yellow, and beige, with a sprig of green leaves.

Research & Art Published: 19.11.2025

Keys to growth: A new era of game-changers in the forest industry

Wood can be shaped into almost anything in the hands of researchers, but transforming the forest industry also requires risk-taking and fresh thinking. That’s why experts say now is an incredible time to study the field.

Campus, University Published: 17.11.2025

Accessible routes in Aalto Space application

You can also choose an accessible route for navigation on campus.

Person with hand on hip leans against large, textured tree trunk in a sunlit park with autumn foliage.

Studies Published: 12.11.2025

Chemical engineering has swept Veera away: “I’m so excited — this is what it’s all about!”

Veera Mettänen, a first-year master's student at Aalto University, is fascinated by nanoscale phenomena and the behavior of materials — that is, why things happen. In the future, she wants to develop into a good leader.

Campus Published: 11.11.2025

Recycling campaign ends - activities continue!

The university-wide recycling and sorting campaign ended at the end of September 2025.

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2.12.

Yellow background with text 'A?' on a white semi-circle and 'Cybersecurity management' in black letters.

Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research 2.12.2025 13:00 – 14:30 (UTC +2)

Cybersecurity management, Dec 2, 2025

Learn about cybersecurity management with Data Agent, Dr. Tanesh Kumar.

2.12.

Advanced Energy -projektikurssin gaala 2025

Lectures and seminars 2.12.2025 14:00 – 17:00 (UTC +2)

Advanced Energy Project Course Gala 2025

This gala is the culmination of the Aalto Advanced Energy Project (AEP) course, where Energy Engineering MSc student teams carry out projects for external companies.

3.12.

3.12.2025 13:00 – 17:00 (UTC +2)

Aalto Creatives Demo Day | December 2025 (external link)

Aalto Creatives Demo Day pitch event in Marsio where pre-incubator teams present their business ideas.

4.12.

Lectures and seminars 4.12.2025 15:00 – 16:00 (UTC +2)

Seminar 'Designing Polymers for Circularity' by Prof. Minna Hakkarainen

Seminar by Professor Minna Hakkarainen (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

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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