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Aalto University's new academic year started on 3 September. 

In his speech, the President of Aalto University Ilkka Niemelä emphasised that Finland's long-term success depends on research, innovation and the integrating of international talent. Aalto has many ways of helping students to connect to Finnish working life, but the university can’t do it alone: we need help from industry and other partners. He urged employers to help connect each student with Finnish working life. 

Mantė Žygelytė, Vice President of the Aalto University Student Union, expressed concern about the impact of the government's budget cuts on students' wellbeing. However, the unity of students from diverse backgrounds against the government's proposed cuts and immigration policies gives hope and highlights the value of community in difficult times, she said. 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Anita Lehikoinen, stated that Aalto University has achieved the goals set during its founding phase. Finnish universities are trusted by the stakeholders, which is evident in the latest state research and development funding plan. Its aim is to increase R&D expenditure to 4% of Finland’s GDP over the next decade. International collaboration among universities is essential because it improves quality, mitigates risks, and generates new knowledge and innovations, which is beneficial both nationally and from a human perspective, she continued.  

Tapani Vuorinen appointed  Aalto Distinguished Professor 

Professor Tapani Vuorinen at the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at the School of Chemical Engineering was appointed to the position of Aalto Distinguished Professor. The title can be awarded to a professor whose scientific merits are exceptionally significant. 

Tapani Vuorinen’s research in cellulose chemistry has led to significant advances in addressing industrial challenges, including a groundbreaking invention for the optimisation of cellulose bleaching process. His work has also resulted in several practical advances adopted globally in the pulp and paper industry. Professor Vuorinen is also a respected and very productive researcher. 

Recognition awards for Aalto members 

Aalto University's recognition awards for 2024 were also presented at the opening ceremony of the academic year. Every year, Aalto University rewards its personnel for their outstanding work for the university’s success. Winners are selected on the basis of proposals from the community. The award-winning projects highlight impactful research and collaboration, Aalto's unique culture of creativity and a sense of community. 

One of the recipients of the award was the film Radical Creatives, which was awarded as the Aalto Act of the Year. Radical thinking and new solutions require a strong and creative community. The Radical Creatives film is an original approach ������ University's creativity and impact.

After the opening ceremony, the day in Otaniemi continued with the Aalto Party outdoor event organised jointly by students and the university.  Its culmination was a playful tug-of-war between the Student Union’s and university’s management.