Electrifying society
Solving the challenges of electrification is not just a scientific question: it requires extensive societal debate.
Sustainable future in bio and circular economy
Our department focuses on sustainable utilization of raw materials, designing and developing more efficient processes for new materials and products.
As chemical engineers, we contribute to shaping a sustainable future by developing processes that support the evolving circular economy and bioeconomy.
Iiro Harjunkoski
Vice Head of Department / Associate Professor
Research
The department is in a key position in research of chemical engineering, materials technology, metals processing, efficient energy technologies and digitalization of these.
Our core competences include unit operations and processes in chemical engineering, hydro- and pyro-metallurgy, catalyst and polymeric materials, novel catalytic process, process control and process systems engineering.
Catalysis Research Group
Group led by Professor Riikka Puurunen
Chemical engineering
Group led by Professor Ville Alopaeus
Chemical Engineering in Aqueous Systems
Led by Professor Marjatta Louhi-Kultanen.
Hydrometallurgy and Corrosion (Hydromet)
Led by Professor Mari Lundström
Materials Processing and Powder Metallurgy
Group led by Professor Michael Gasik
Metallurgical Thermodynamics and Modelling
Group led by Professor Daniel Lindberg
Mineral Processing and Recycling
Group led by Professor Rodrigo Serna
Polymer Synthesis Technology
Group led by Professor Jukka Niskanen
Process Systems Engineering
Group led by Professor Iiro Harjunkoski
Sustainable Systems
Led by professor Rofice Dickson
Emeritus research groups
Metallurgy
Group led by Professor Ari Jokilaakso
Plant design
Group led by Professor Pekka Oinas
Polymer Technology
Group led by Professor Jukka Seppälä
Infrastructures
Research infrastructure
We develop local and global networks
AALTOLAB is a virtual laboratory safety training platform developed at Aalto University. AALTOLAB helps both students and staff to maintain high-level safety standards in our laboratories.
Contact information
Academic Staff
Here you can find contact information for the teaching staff
Collaboration and impact
See all the Aalto CHEM collaboration projects here
BATCircle aims at improving the manufacturing processes of battery chemicals and the mining and metals industries and to increase the recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
Are you interested in studying at the School of Chemical Engineering? Here are our Chemistry and Metallurgical Engineering programmes:
- Aalto Bachelor's Programme in Science and Technology:
- Master's Programmes at the School of Chemical Engineering:
- Joint Master's Programmes:
- Joint international Master's Programmes:
See all our school's programmes
- Doctoral studies: Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering
News
Scientific Computing Skills: a new umbrella course for all researchers
Today, computing skills are essential not only in academic research but also across industries. Take part in hands-on trainings provided by Aalto Scientific Computing and by partner organisations such as CodeRefinery and CSC IT Center for Science.
Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy
Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy for the period 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Five things everyone should know about the materials powering the green transition
The green transition depends on more than just clean energy — it requires a massive, complex supply of critical raw materials, especially metals and minerals. From mining and refining to recycling and innovation, here are five key things everyone should know about the materials powering a sustainable future.
Battery demand is growing exponentially – BATCircle3.0 provides a leap in battery material and recycling research in Finland
The three-year BATCircle3.0 project, led by Aalto University, offers a strategic focus on new openings for battery materials refining and battery recycling.Events
Aalto AI Talks: Studying and Teaching with AI 21.10.2025
Studying and Teaching with AI: challenges and opportunities
Current trends in open access publishing: Introduction to Rights Retention Strategy (RRS), Oct 21, 2025
Learn about the Rights Retention Strategy (RRS) with experts from Legal and Research Services.
Prompt engineering for researchers, Oct 23, 2025
Learn how to create effective prompts when using AI tools.
Artificial intelligence and responsible conduct of research, Oct 29, 2025
Learn how to use AI in research ethically and responsibly.More about our topics
Iita Kejonen is involved in recycling battery metals from electric cars: ‘By working in industry, I can influence the development of the entire field’
Studies in materials science and engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering led to work with battery metals and minerals. As a Technology Manager, Iita can influence the development of responsibility in the entire automotive sector.
Where to find us
Kemistintie 1
Kemistintie 1
Moving to Finland
Here new students and employees can find useful tips for a smooth moving.
We also gathered information about families and recreational activities.
Moving to Finland
Via this page you’ll find information on practical issues regarding moving to Finland, such as social security, taxation and opening a bank account.
For families and spouses
Moving to Finland? Here you can learn more about practicalities.
Finding a private rental
For longer term accommodation in Helsinki region the best options are either renting or purchasing an apartment or a house. In case you are planning to purchase an apartment we recommend you to contact your bank and/or estate agencies to gain professional assistance and advice. Here you'll find information on renting an apartment, rental rates, and how to find an apartment.
Social life and recreation
Having social networks helps you feel at home! Aalto University organises many events and other possibilities for international staff and their families to meet and mingle and thus hopefully settle in smoothly. Additionally, we have collected tips and links for you to find the most suitable information.
