School of Chemical Engineering

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

Two lab workers in white coats and blue gloves operating equipment on a bench

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.

Group in black and gold costumes tosses silver balls in bright dance studio

When atoms begin to dance – At Aalto University, metallurgy became choreography

Person in cream blazer and glasses stands indoors before a colourful abstract wall painting

Iina Vaajamo appointed to a five-year fixed-term Assistant Professorship at the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

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Rodrigo Serna-Guerrero appointed Dean of the Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering

Turning forest industry side streams into sustainable materials

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Research & Art Published: 17.6.2026

When atoms begin to dance – At Aalto University, metallurgy became choreography

On the Dance Metallurgy pilot course, copper ions were given movement and a face. When a metal essential to the green transition stepped onto the dance floor, chemical phenomena that often seem intimidating opened up in an entirely new way.

Person with blurred face in a dark grey top standing indoors in front of wooden bookshelves.

Appointments Published: 16.6.2026

Charles Cai has been appointed as Associate Professor at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems

PhD Charles Cai has been appointed as tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems as of 1 August 2026. The field of the professorship is Sustainable Bioproducts and Processes.

Glowing Aalto University sign in a dark space, seen through clear round chairs lit with purple light

Research & Art Published: 16.6.2026

President Ilkka Niemelä explains what the new vision for higher education and research means for Finland and Aalto

Aalto has the capability and the will to act as a trailblazer in implementing the vision.

Two people flying a kite outside with a modern building in the background. One wears a yellow shirt, the other a red jacket.

Cooperation, Research & Art, University Published: 12.6.2026

Strong results from the Research Council’s winter call

A total of 54 Aalto researchers received Academy Research Fellow or Academy Project funding from the Research Council of Finland. The total funding awarded to Aalto University amounts to 33.2 million euros.

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26.6.

Alumneja keskustelemassa Aallon tapahtumassa

Networking 26.6.2026 18:00 – 22:00 (UTC +3)

Joint Finnish alumni event in Shanghai

Meet alumni from Aalto University and Helsinki University in Shanghai in June 2026!

10.7.

Efficient catalysts for clean hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel cells

Public defences 10.7.2026 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +3)

Public defence, Chemistry and Materials Science, MSc Benjin Jin

Efficient catalysts for clean hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel cells

Text ‘DESIGNS FOR A COOLER PLANET’ on a bright white circle with green glow on a dark background

Exhibitions 1.9.–30.10.2026

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2026 exhibition

Curious to catch a glimpse of tomorrow? Welcome to experience our largest exhibition of the year!

8.9.

Betoninen portaikko rakennuksen sisällä, seinällä värikäs maalaus, portaissa näkymästä poistumassa henkilö.

Campus, Exhibitions, Other 8.9.2026 17:00 – 18:00 (UTC +3)

Cooler Planet: Guided public art tour 8.9.

Join the tour with Outi Turpeinen (manager, Public art) and get to know Aalto University's public art collections in the Marsio, Kide, School of Business, and Väre buildings in more detail.

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

Join us at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering!

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More than the degree | Aalto Blogs (external link)

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

Bacterial cellulose in bowl on a yellow backround

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

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/