Susanna Ahola

Authors of the Mainiot Materiaalit / Marvelous Materials book: Greta Isola, Susanna Ahola, Pirjo Kääriäinen, and Tapani Vuorinen<br/><br/>Workshops and events related to the book have reached more than 1700 children, teachers, and other professionals during 2024-2025. Helsingin Sanomien Lasten uutiset have reached around 100 000 views per episode.<br/><br/>The books have been showcased in several national and international exhibitions with a total of 25000 visitors (e.g. Designs for a Cooler Planet at Aalto, Graphic Days Turin, Italy and Dutch Design Week, Holland).<br/><br/>Seven teacher trainings have been organized to spread the message. Teachers have told that they have used the book in their teaching. Three summer camps were organized for children in collaboration with Aalto Junior, leading to comprehensive learning about bio-based materials.<br/><br/>The book has been featured in 12 national or international media including, e.g. a news item in Wallpaper magazine, a major voice in the forefront of global design and creativity.

Aalto University Bioinnovation Center was granted the Research Impact award.<br/><br/>The Bioinnovation Centre, opened this summer and established with the grant received from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, will accelerate the transition towards bio and circular economy. Building pilot equipment based on the Ioncell® technology has been the centre's first significant investment, enabling a giant leap in the development of the Ioncell® technology. A multidisciplinary doctoral school forms a pivotal part of the centre's operations, with research projects focusing on, for example, eco-sustainable textiles, as well as packaging combining high-quality design and technology.