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New life for construction waste wood
In Finland, almost all waste wood from construction ends up being burned, even though it could play a major role in the development of ecological growing media. New research shows that steam-treated waste wood can replace peat as a growing medium and offers promising results in plant germination and root growth.
Appointments at the School of Chemical Engineering
The School of Chemical Engineering has appointed Jukka Hassinen as Development Manager and Sanna Hellstén as FinnCERES flagship Manager.
What makes nature restorative? Aalto University researchers explore Finnish forests and Japanese gardens
Biodiversity is central to the restorative power of Finnish forests.
Small reductions to meat production in wealthier countries may help fight climate change, new analysis concludes
Eliminating even a small fraction of current beef production could remove three years’ worth of global fossil fuel emissions
Attractiveness leap of chemical engineering has been a unique transformation process
Aalto University's recognition awards for 2024 were announced at the opening ceremony of the academic year 2024. The School of Chemical Engineering was recognised for its attractiveness work and exceptional achievements in research.
A new eco-friendly method to modify cellulose for sustainable materials
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to modify cellulose, reducing toxic solvent use by over ten times compared to traditional methods. This innovation has potential applications in eco-friendly nanocomposites, cellulose-based membranes, and biomedical devices, supporting sustainable material development.
Bio-based opacifiers offer solutions to cleaner environment
The CELLIGHT project, backed by approx. €1.3 million in funding from Business Finland, aims to develop cellulose-based alternatives to titanium dioxide (TiO2 ), a widely used whitener in paints, cosmetics, and coatings.
The butterfly effect – bending and turning artificial muscles with light
In the future, the innovation could be used in for example the development of smart textiles, soft robotics and medicine.
Threads of tomorrow – textiles that react to light and heat
A joint Nordic project is developing light- and heat-reactive textiles. In the future, curtains will regulate room temperature, clothing will help monitor blood pressure, and cotton will clean itself in sunlight.
Sesilja Aranko has been appointed Assistant Professor at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems
Ph. D. Sesilja Aranko has been appointed four-year (second term) fixed term Assistant Professor position at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems as of 1 September 2024. The field of the professorship is Cellular Engineering.
Living, breathing buildings: Bio foams could transform the way we build
Could an autonomously “breathing” foam that’s ninety percent air be a sustainable alternative to concrete, steel and glass in construction? A team led by researchers from Finland is set to prove it can.
Compostable wood foam replaces plastic in shoe insoles
Aalto University students develop prototype of durable wood-based insole – Finnish shoe company starts testing material on users this autumn
Professor Maarit Salolainen: ‘Multidisciplinary cooperation is the key to solving sustainability issues in the textile field’
Professor of Textile Design Maarit Salolainen wants to see closer cooperation not only between research in different fields but also between the university, the industry and resellers to bring about change.
Doctoral research seeks textile dyes from nature and bioproduction side streams
Aalto University and the Natural Resources Institute Finland are developing bio-based textile dyes.
Donor story – Helena Hyvönen: ‘The world is built together, without silos’
Helena Hyvönen has had a long career as Professor of Textile Art, Rector and Dean at the University of Art and Design Helsinki and later Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. She believes it is important for the field to have a vibrant community of designers. The designers also have a lot to offer to the university.
From space technology and shimmering wood to shapeshifting textiles – explore world-changing research in the brand new Marsio building
The Makers of the Impossible exhibition and the Designs for a Cooler Planet festival will kick off the autumn season at Marsio – Aalto University’s brand new, open-to-all campus venue.
FinnCERES and the joint Nordic research project on smart textiles are showcased at the World Circular Economy Forum in Brussels
The exhibition features innovative bioeconomy products and prototypes of textiles responsive to temperature and light.
Bioinspired colours and adaptable materials - Professor Olli Ikkala's third EU project builds on living systems
Department of Applied Physics Professor Olli Ikkala received his third Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) on 11 April 2024. The funding amounts to €2.5 million and the project will run for five years.
Olli Ikkala and Esa Saarinen found a common thread in baroque music and lecturing
Olli Ikkala will continue his research on nature-inspired materials and will find himself again as an organist after his busy research career. Esa Saarinen, on the other hand, continued to lecture the Philosophy and Systems Thinking (Filosofia ja systeemiajattelu) course to packed halls this spring. When they met, they discussed the organ and the atmosphere of the lectures.
Alexander Henn received the Finnish Natural Resources Research Foundation's Doctoral Dissertation Award
Alexander Henn developed two new applications for lignin that create opportunities for value creation from forest industry by-streams. The research promotes the use of the added value of Finnish wood material in accordance with the principles of the bio- and circular economy.
