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Department of Applied Physics

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Physics Days 2026 logo with colourful wave pattern and logos of Aalto University, Espoo, and Finnish Physical Society.
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Who are we?

Our research focuses on materials physics, quantum technology, soft and living matter, and advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. The Department of Applied Physics educates future generations of research and development professionals, data specialists, technology experts, inventors and scientists for industry and society.

The department hosts the Academy of Finland Centres of Excellence  (QTF, 2018-2025) and (LIBER, 2022-2029). Further quantum technologies are facilitated by , the national quantum institute coordinated by Aalto University since 2021.

The department is a major user of the national research infrastructure OtaNano which provides fabrication, characterisation and measurement equipment and facilities for students, scientists and high-tech businesses. The Nanomicroscopy Center and the Low Temperature Laboratory of OtaNano are critical assets for our researchers. We extensively utilise and contribute to the development of the national and international cloud and supercomputing resources and databases.

Top news

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Research & Art Published:

Future makers research batteries, cryptography and plastic recycling

The Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation awarded 3.5 million euros in research funding to eight projects, five from Aalto University.
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Awards and Recognition Published:

Research into physics of microscopically tiny organisms lands prestigious prize

Physics Professor Matilda Backholm received this year’s Väisälä award, handed out by the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters.
Eric Hyyppä on the left, Tuomas Uusnäkki on the right. Photos: Jari Härkönen
Awards and Recognition Published:

Quantum research lands doctoral and master's thesis awards

Eric Hyyppä and Tuomas Uusnäkki received the prizes from Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland and Tekniska Föreningen i Finland.
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Research & Art Published:

EU grants for improving human interaction with AI, soft wet adhesion physics and the capacity of legal systems

Corinna Coupette, Maja Vuckovac and Robin Welsch receive 1.5-million-euro ERC Starting Grants.
Close-up of a complex scientific instrument with golden components and various wires, in a laboratory setting.
Press releases Published:

Time crystals could power future quantum computers

A time crystal, a long-life quantum system approaching perpetual motion, has been hooked up to its environment for the first time, unlocking an intriguing way to increase quantum computational and sensing power.
Close-up of a glowing dual processor on a dark motherboard with futuristic light effects and detailed circuitry.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold

The result foreshadows a leap in computational capabilities, with researchers now inviting experts around the globe to reproduce the groundbreaking measurement.

Recent News

Microscopic view of a larva with red and blue outlines showing swimming motion. Scale bar indicates 0.3 mm.
Press releases Published:

‘Mesoscale’ swimmers could pave way for drug delivery robots inside the body

Researchers have discovered how tiny organisms break the laws of physics to swim faster — such secrets of mesoscale physics and fluid dynamics can offer entirely new pathways for engineering and medicine.
Sähköinen asiointipalvelu
For Aalto community Research & Art Published:

Elsevier open access article quota is estimated to run out in autumn 2026

Read more about the situation and its effects on open access publishing
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Research & Art Published:
Aalto yellow pen
For Aalto community Research & Art Published:

New open access agreement: SPIE journals

Aalto University has signed a new open access agreement with SPIE journals

Research groups

Additional resources

Logo of the PHYS Diversity Team in Aalto colours

Department of Applied Physics Diversity Team

The Diversity Team of the Department of Applied Physics aims to build an inclusive, diverse and welcoming work environment

Department of Applied Physics
Life at the campus.

Careers at Aalto

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We are an international community of 20,000 bold thinkers who shape a sustainable future with education, research breakthroughs and innovative ideas and solutions. Join us in changing the world – we have many attractive career opportunities to offer.

InstituteQ

The goal at is to improve the readiness of Finland for the disruptive potential quantum technologies will have for society and the economy at large. By 2026, novel educational programs, growing quantum industry and eminent research directions are expected to be in full motion. The efforts of InstituteQ facilitate fundamental scientific findings, the adoption of novel technologies and the development of new commercial opportunities. The aim is to carry, implement and mutually benefit front line education, research, innovations, and infrastructures.

Logo with the word 'InstituteQ' featuring a gold and black circular design, on a white textured background.

InstituteQ coordinates quantum research, education, and business in Finland

QTF-hero logo

The national Quantum Technology Finland (QTF) Centre of Excellence brings together scientific and technological excellence and cutting-edge research infrastructures to harness quantum phenomena in solid-state-based quantum devices and applications.

A map of Finland sits on top of an artistic illustration of small-scale circuits.

Aalto University to coordinate Finnish quantum initiatives in latest national flagship programme

The flagship unites dozens of research institutions, companies, and startups in new collaborative front

News

Events

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For Aalto community Pedagogical training

A! Peda Intro, Group 2 (5 ECTS), pedagogical training, spring 2026

Teaching period: 4.3.-6.5.2026, in English, register by 18.1.2026
Poster
Exhibitions

10110 Digital Sculpture

Exhibition for the Digital Sculpture 2 course, curated by Gregoire Rousseau.
Students walking on the Aalto campus in the spring. Photo by Aalto University
Other

A! Walk

A! Walks is a summer course centered around walking-based learning, exploring Otaniemi campus and its surrounding urban–natural spaces. Rather than standalone lectures or experiments, the program is designed as a curated sequence of sensory, interdisciplinary walks, guiding participants toward experiences in coexistence, awareness, action, and futures. If successful, A! Walks may be continued during the regular semester.
Conferences

Physics Days 2026 brings together physicists from all over Finland ºÚÁÏÍø's campus!

Where to find us

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo

Kide

Konemiehentie 1

Aalto_University_Otakaari2B_

Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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