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For Paula Nybergh, the cause behind this donation is close to her heart. She has been involved in developing Finnish technology and innovation for decades and has seen firsthand how important it is to support research and new ideas.

“It felt natural to donate to an initiative that can help turn new ideas born out of research into real business ventures. Funding and developing innovations have been on my mind since the 1980s,” says Paula Nybergh.

Aalto has launched the Innovation Postdoc program, which aims to help researchers move their own research and ideas toward commercialization. The program supports postdocs in validating their ideas, working with stakeholders, and potentially founding a startup. Participants receive support from world-class networks and mentoring.

“The donation we have received is truly valuable and will enable us to hire a person for the Aalto Innovation Postdoc Program this coming fall. This is a completely novel way to support our postdocs and accelerate innovation for the benefit of our society. We have been conducting high-quality, long-term scientific research, which will undoubtedly lead to exciting innovations. I am incredibly excited about this program,” says Kristiina Kruus, Dean of the School of Chemical Technology.

Nyberg’s long career has been marked by research, technology, and bringing people from different fields together. She has worked at the Ministry of Employment and the Economy (formerly the Ministry of Trade and Industry), Tekes, Alko, VTT, and the Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University), among others.

“What has always come most naturally to me is combining different technologies, expertise, and people. Often, the best ideas emerge precisely at the intersections of different fields,” she explains.

It is also important to Nybergh that young people—and young women in particular—have the opportunity to pursue education in their chosen field. She herself knew early on that she wanted to study chemistry, even though a career in engineering was not a given for a woman in the 1960s.

“I’m relieved to see how much things have changed. Today, women are more confident in pursuing careers in engineering, and they don’t have to face the same glass ceilings as before.”

Nybergh feels that her years as a student in Otaniemi gave her, in particular, the ability to engage in discussions with people from various fields. “My time as a student taught me social interaction and collaboration. Later on in my career, this has been immensely beneficial.”

Throughout her career, Nybergh has found situations most meaningful when she was surrounded by supportive people and mentors who challenged her to be her best.

“It’s important that people in the workplace support one another and have the courage to help each other move forward. Good ideas need to be surrounded by bold people who believe in them.”

Aalto’s goal is to strengthen a culture in which research impact and innovation are part of every researcher’s work. “Our goal is a cultural shift so that every researcher reflects on the impact and applications of their own research. Innovation and experimentation should be part of every researcher’s career at Aalto so that we can create well-being throughout Finland,” says Janne Laine, Aalto’s Vice President for Innovation.

Nybergh wants to encourage students and young researchers to boldly seize opportunities. “Complete your degree and stay open to different career paths. Once you have your degree in hand, you never know when an opportunity will come along that needs you specifically.”

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Donations to the university ranging from 850 to 500,000 euros that promote science or the arts are tax-deductible, and donors can allocate their contributions to the field of their choice. Read more about donating.