Clean water pours out of the kitchen tap at the turn of a lever, ATM spits out banknotes from your account at the touch of a few buttons, and we know tomorrow's weather without a crystal ball. A range of structures and service networks that remain invisible to most of us are key enablers of the visible we consider self-evident.
As everyday life rolls on, these societal infrastructures remain invisible. At Aalto, we not only study, teach and research the networks that sustain and develop society, but also develop new technologies, alternative approaches and innovative solutions.
Geoinformatics, risk analysis, health system; cybersecurity, land use and the telecommunications ecosystem - among others - are all themes that make up a functional, safe and pleasant living environment for all of us.
There are satellites orbiting in space, but neither you nor I have to concern ourselves with them, as long as the map app on your mobile functions guiding you to the intended destination. Similarly, as long as we have our own favourites on the shelves, we can take granted the individuals who have modelled the supply and demand match and projected the intricacies of supply and production chains.
However, someone does have to think about such matters. We have a university full of these great students and researchers who think across disciplines, make connections, question the status quo and innovate.
At Aalto we foster solutions that contribute to making the world a better place for all of us. Today's students are tomorrow's professionals. We must tackle the skills shortage of the future now, and ensure education that equips young people with the necessary tools and skills for success. Simultaneously, we will bolster Finland's competitive edge and position in the global marketplace.
Every year, we cover around 60 % of the university's costs from the Ministry of Education's annual budget. The remaining 40 % comes from other sources. Donations are an important part of ensuring the financial sustainability of the university. We cannot cut back on education and research: we need new talent and innovation to solve the world's big problems. That is why donations of all sizes are valuable.
Even small donations create impact, when the donors are many.
A donation to the university is an investment in a better future. Together, we can solve some of society's biggest challenges.
Explore some of our diverse research and connect the pieces of science, art and technology with your everyday life.
Elin Lavonen and Ilkka Miettinen, Professors of Practice in the field of Clean Water technologies at Aalto University, point out that although there is no shortage of water in Finland, it is important to take care of this vital natural resource.
Aalto University operates a secure computing environment that enables research with sensitive data such as health and social data from registries.
The Sun-powered Textiles project explores a practical and scalable solar cell textile technology
More balanced public lighting would support life’s natural rhythms
The built environment has a huge impact on us.
Researcher Miina Porkka's ERC-funded research project AQUAGUARD investigates how human actions modify the water cycle and how these changes affect life on Earth.
Regulation, validation and trust are key when AI is used in medical services, say FCAI and Aalto University experts.
Aalto University has developed the first prototype of an Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) system operating in a mobile phone network, which enables a very energy- and cost-effective data transfer method for Internet of Things applications.
Researchers at Aalto University are developing a way to convert biowaste into a new, sustainable sound-absorbing material. One of the intended outcomes for the research project is to create alternatives to mineral wool construction materials that are commonly used for sound absorption and thermal insulation.
Professor of Landscape Architecture is tackling the issues of climate change mitigation and urban carbon sinks.
The fashion industry contributes to 10% of global pollution. A system-wide transition needed immediately to reduce environmental costs of the fashion industry, a new Aalto University study concludes in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment journal.
Whenever humans interact – with other humans, animals or technology – there are always power dynamics at play. Three researchers from different disciplines explain how they bring to light the hidden ways power is used in human interactions.
