News

Gust. Komppa Award 2024 University

The Komppa Prize was awarded for the best chemistry dissertation to Dr. Tech. Sofia Julin from Aalto University together with PhD Christina Jäger from the University of Helsinki. Both dissertations represent a very high scientific standard, reflecting a very broad methodological expertise.
Group of people indoors with two holding bouquets and certificates, standing in a hallway.
Christina Jäger, PhD, University of Helsinki, followed by Professor Jan Deska. SKS President Miia Mäntymäki, PhD. Sofia Julin, PhD, Aalto University, followed by Professor Mauri Kostiainen. Photo © Maarja Kotkas

Receiving the award was a big surprise and a great honour!

Sofia Julin

In Sofia Julin‘s Doctoral thesis “DNA Origami as a Tool for Assembling Functional Biohybrid Nanomaterials”, the goal was to build functional biohybrid materials with high structural order. The “DNA origami” technique enables tailor-made, well-defined and highly reproducible DNA-based structures, and could therefore help develop more advanced functional nanomaterials. In particular, the research investigated how DNA origami can be used to control higher-order self-organization by customizing the local electrical charges of structures, the size and shape of the building units. At the same time, information is obtained on the effect of different DNA origami configurations on the dynamic, electrical and structural properties of bionanomaterials, which are involved in the self-organization of structures, the selective dismantling of structures, or the possibilities of using external stimuli to reorganize structures. 

The dissertation consisted of 4 articles published in international publication series and a high-quality summary. Various chemical structural analysis methods were widely applied in the doctoral research. As a whole, the dissertation research demonstrates excellent scientific competence and a fluent written description of the goals, results and impact of the research.

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Spacious hall with a stage, tiered seating and a café
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation Published:

Aalto’s VCD students designed the visual identity and name for the new youth center HALO

The Me Foundation’s new youth street culture center, HALO, will open later this year in Vantaa. Young people have been involved in its planning from the very beginning.
Aalto University professor Mikko Mottonen, photo Mikko Raskinen
Awards and Recognition Published:

Mikko Möttönen selected as finalist for the European Inventor Award 2026

Möttönen is a finalist in the ‘Research’ category for developing an ultrasensitive cryogenic microwave sensor to diagnose interference in quantum computers.
Lundström
Awards and Recognition Published:

Mari Lundström elected as a new member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters

Professor of Metallurgy Mari Lundström has been elected as a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters.
freestyle-hiihtäjä Kuura Koivisto
Awards and Recognition, University Published:

Aalto University supports the combining of elite sport and studies – a quality label was awarded by the Olympic Committee

The audit team praised personalised study planning, flexible study paths and guidance related to a dual career