School of Chemical Engineering

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

The global challenges of bioeconomy and energy technology have made collaboration between science and industry a must.

Read why universities need donations

Collage of colourful letter A designs with 'A! Sign of change' in bold white text on a black background in the centre.

Carbon-based radicals at the frontier of solar cell technology

Could a single unpaired electron change the future of solar energy?

A modern building with a colourful tiled facade with solar panels. The sky is clear and light blue.

Seminar “Legacy Awakens” celebrates Professor Tapani Vuorinen’s career

Legacy Awakens: An inspiring journey through science and design explores scientific and design-oriented approaches to the sustainable use and processing of biomass and highlights collaboration across academic disciplines and between academia and industry. The seminar is organized to celebrate the long career of Aalto Distinguished Professor Tapani Vuorinen as a researcher, educator, and industry partner.

Tapani Vuorinen at a podium holding papers.

Researchers Unlock a Stronger, Greener Way to Bond Wood: Finnish pulp fiber could be used to bond wood for the construction industry

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a groundbreaking wood bonding method using primarily pulp fibers from Finnish forestry. The resulting bonding interface is twice as strong as natural wood while highly resistant to water. This breakthrough could transform sustainable construction by reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives.

A close-up of a hand holding a small wooden block with diagonal stripes and a notch in the centre, against a light background.

Invisible triumph: how a Finnish invention powers modern microelectronics

Atomic layer deposition (ALD), developed in Finland, is a semiconductor manufacturing method at the heart of modern technology, enabling ever-smaller computers, smartphones, and everyday devices.

Two circular wafers held up by gloved hands, one metallic and one blue, in a laboratory setting.

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Press releases, Research & Art Published: 14.10.2025

Carbon-based radicals at the frontier of solar cell technology

Could a single unpaired electron change the future of solar energy?

Campus, Cooperation Published: 8.10.2025

More electric car chargers added on campus

Ten new charging devices have been installed on the Otaniemi campus.

Studies, University Published: 2.10.2025

Aalto developing a multidisciplinary Bachelor's programme – students to choose their major during their studies

Set to launch in autumn of 2027, the new multidisciplinary Bachelor's programme will combine science & technology, business, and arts & design

Lukiolaisia Shaking up Tech -tapahtuman messualueella

Studies Published: 1.10.2025

Shaking up Tech encourages young women and minorities to explore technology

The Shaking up Tech event will take place on 22 January 2026. The Event is aimed at young women and gender minorities who are considering their future study and career paths.

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16.10.

Seminar by Prof. Tero-Petri Ruoko, picture in the lab

Lectures and seminars 16.10.2025 15:00 – 16:00 (UTC +3)

Seminar 'Time-resolved spectroscopy: from semiconductors to confined materials' by Prof. Tero-Petri Ruoko

Seminar by Professor Tero-Petri Ruoko (Tampere University)

17.10.

Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone.

Public defences 17.10.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +3)

Public defence in Chemistry, M.Sc. (Tech.) Juha Jordan

Biocolorants for Engineering Materials (title of the thesis).

Open Access Week 2025 poster with nine images behind the open access symbol and event details.

Information sessions, Lectures and seminars, Training to support research 20.–26.10.2025

International Open Access Week 2025

International Open Access Week will be held 20 – 26 October. Check Aalto’s programme!

21.10.

Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research, Workshops 21.10.2025 12:30 – 15:30 (UTC +3)

Aalto AI Talks: Studying and Teaching with AI 21.10.2025

Studying and Teaching with AI: challenges and opportunities

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Join us at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering!

Read student stories, learn about our guilds and what it is like to study here!

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

Blog posts by Aalto Squad student ambassadors. Read all about student life and studies at Aalto University!

Three people sit at a wooden table with a laptop, viewed through a window with reflections of greenery and parked cars.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bacterial cellulose in bowl on a yellow backround

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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We cooperate with the business world and host numerous competence centers