School of Chemical Engineering

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

Aalto’s research and innovations impact your everyday life. Whether it’s a breakthrough in detecting memory disorders, a sustainable alternative to cement, or turning ideas into startups, you too are connected ��ʵ�� – and have many reasons to donate.

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Smart textiles are reshaping our understanding of materials – and interspecies communication

The PAST-A-BOT research project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), is developing soft, intelligent textiles that could one day function as rescue robots, sound-sensing agricultural fabrics, or assistive clothing. At the same time, the project aims to rethink the way we approach materials research.

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A paradigm shift: machine learning is transforming research at the atomic scale

Assistant professor Miguel Caro and his research group use and develop machine learning tools to accelerate discoveries from simulation to experiment

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From polymer technology to international research centres – Chemical engineering alum of the year Petri Lehmus

Petri Lehmus, Vice President of Research and Development at Neste Corporation, has been named alum of the year by the School of Chemical Engineering. Throughout his career, he has led international research centres, built the success story of Neste’s renewable business and advanced chemical engineering research and education at Aalto University.

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Carbon-based radicals at the frontier of solar cell technology

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

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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.

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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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Awards and Recognition Published: 15.12.2025

Chem Awards 2025 recipients announced

The School of Chemical Engineering recognises outstanding individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions over the year

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Appointments Published: 10.12.2025

Pauliina Ilmonen appointed as Dean of the Aalto University School of Science

Ilmonen will start her five-year term on 1 June 2026

Research & Art Published: 10.12.2025

Smart textiles are reshaping our understanding of materials – and interspecies communication

Studies Published: 8.12.2025

The Industry Project course is at the heart of the IDBM Master's program

The multidisciplinary master's program in International Design Business Management (IDBM) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year

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19.12.

SEM image showing a single cell suspended on top of a micropillar on a superhydrophobic surface, unable to reach nearby pillars

Public defences 19.12.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +2)

Public defence in Materials Science, M.Sc. Mohammad Awashra

Developing superhydrophobic surfaces that repel cells and biofluids for durable biomedical applications

14.1.

A person in protective gear handling a silicon wafer with black squares using tweezers in a cleanroom.

Students 14.1.2026 11:00 – 14:00 (UTC +2)

Get to know semiconductor industry in Finland! Welcome to pop-up event!

Come and get to know heavily growing semiconductor industry and companies in Finland. When you know semiconductor industry better you will get more out of your future studies and build relationships that support your career.

20.1.

Fairs, Students 20.1.2026 11:00 – 17:00 (UTC +2)

Summer Job Day 2026

During this live event, arts, design, technical and business students meet employers offering summer jobs.

20.1.

20.1.2026 15:00 – 17:30 (UTC +2)

Aalto Creatives afterwork event on 20.1.2026 focuses on Aalto Creatives alumni stories and introducing the Aalto Creatives pre-incubator programme.

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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!

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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