Research news
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.
Doctoral thesis: Finland’s civil defence shelters protect nearly everyone – but hotter summers may test their limits
Built over decades, Finland’s civil defence shelter system covers almost the entire population and has cost the equivalent of three years of defence spending.
Rising sea could erase a significant portion of coastal habitats in Finland
More than a fifth of coastal meadows and sandy beaches may disappear by the turn of the century.
Sustainability transformations by the best experts - an open lecture series and doctoral course in the autumn
Sustainability is the imperative of our time. The Sustainability Transformation Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra) presents an essential opportunity for everyone to engage with our open Studia Generalia lectures in autumn 2025.
New wooden buildings can slash upfront emissions by nearly a third, study shows
New research calls for clearer definitions for hybrid buildings
Aalto University’s largest annual exhibition returns—showcasing bold solutions from fungal architecture to carbon sinks
Designs for a Cooler Planet takes over Otaniemi starting 5 September.
New textbook by Mika Järvinen and Hanna Paulomäki guides engineers toward a sustainable energy transition
How should the education of energy engineers change to support not only climate goals but also ecological and social sustainability? The newly published textbook Designing Renewable Energy Systems within Planetary Boundaries offers answers to the question.
EU Nature Restoration Law alone won’t halt urban biodiversity loss, says study
In response to accelerating environmental crises, the European Union has introduced the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). A key component of the law also mandates the restoration of urban ecosystems.
From doctoral education to professorship of practice – The collaboration between Aalto and Valmet deepens
Aalto University and Valmet collaborate to educate doctoral-level experts in multiple fields. Valmet is interested in both doctoral research and the expertise of new doctoral graduates.
New mapping approach shows wolverine population spreading in Finland
The study introduces a new approach to mapping the occurrence and distribution of animal species.
