Research news
Major funding powers development of next-generation machine technology aimed at productivity leap in export sectors
The BEST research project is developing new types of sealing, bearing, and damping technology.
Unite! Seed Fund 2026: Call opens on 20 January 2026
Gain an early overview of the Unite! Seed Fund Call of Spring 2026. The call includes three funding lines: Student Activities, Teaching and Learning, and Research and PhD.
Study: Internal combustion engine can achieve zero-emission combustion and double efficiency
A new combustion concept that utilizes argon could completely eliminate nitrogen oxide emissions from internal combustion engines and double their efficiency compared to diesel engines.
Subnational income inequality revealed: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally
Income inequality is one of the most important measures of economic health, social justice and quality of life
Study: Wood is a more cost-effective building material than concrete when emissions are monetized
The costs of the wood-built school and sports hall in Myrskylä were compared to a reinforced concrete alternative — and wood proved clearly more economical when environmental impacts were assigned a monetary value.
The Urban Policy Council’s First Report: Qualified Early Childhood Teachers Are More Common in Socioeconomically Advantaged Areas
The Urban Policy Council’s first report examines educational segregation in the Helsinki capital region and raises critical questions for municipalities.
Applications for our biggest exhibition of the year are now open: Apply to Designs for a Cooler Planet by 26.1.2026!
For the autumn 2026 exhibition, we are looking for new and inspiring innovations, ideas, and experiments from all fields across Aalto University. The exhibition and its events serve as one of the most important showcases of the university’s work to the world. In 2025, the event attracted over 15,000 visitors.
Aalto University's marine technology ranked 27th globally
Seven fields of Aalto University ranked among the top one hundred in the prestigious Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
Design Factory turns shipping containers into art
Aalto Design Factory has transformed their old storage containers into captivating works of outdoor art titled ‘Bitti’ and ‘Atomi’, merging functionality with artistic vision to enhance the campus environment.
The real reasons Endurance sank – study finds Shackleton knew of ship’s shortcomings
A world-first study reveals the famed polar explorer was aware of worrying structural shortcomings in the ill-fated ship – Endurance was not designed for compressive ice conditions – yet it set sail anyway.
Ships must adapt to a warming Arctic – Finnish research is at the forefront of better design
Aalto University expertise is in high demand as changing sea ice conditions open up new maritime routes.
Finland’s smallest large carnivore seeks new forests – remote sensing supports wolverine conservation
Satellite data and snow track surveys reveal that wolverines have returned to Southern Finland. While the national population is growing, the species remains endangered. A new study sheds light on the forest environments that support its survival.
Environmental impact of bio-based plastics may exceed fossil-based alternatives, study finds
For the environment, what really matters is the life cycle of a plastic and how it is used.
Rapid growth of solar power in Finland could crash summer electricity prices – new study warns of economic risks
Finland must rethink its power market to safeguard clean energy investments.
What will tomorrow’s infrastructure be made of?
Construction remains a major climate culprit, yet it could also hold the key to cutting emissions. Change is already underway in infrastructure materials, as researchers, cities and companies work together to find more sustainable – even carbon-storing – ways to build.
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.
Satellite images reveal the positive effects of restoration in the northern hemisphere peatlands
Satellite data spanning over 20 years shows that the temperature and albedo of restored peatlands begin to resemble those of intact peatlands within about a decade
Study: 70% of emissions from new buildings come from construction – and this is often overlooked
While energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy have reduced the life cycle emissions of new buildings, emissions from construction have not decreased. Preserving green areas and prioritizing timber construction would make construction more sustainable, researchers emphasize.
New Academy Research Fellows and Academy Projects
A total of 44 Aalto researchers received Academy Research Fellowship and Academy Project funding from the Research Council of Finland – congratulations to all!
How can we ensure sustainable and equitable water use in times of crisis?
The multidisciplinary GloWater project develops solutions that help nations and companies manage their water risks and reinforce their water responsibility, taking into account the perspectives of civil society. The project also provides new insights into the sustainability of water resources by considering the role of water in regulating the overall state of the planet.
