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Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki (MVTT) has granted 627 000 euros in funding ºÚÁÏÍø Distinguished Professor Olli Varis and the InnoWAT project from the Aalto University School of Engineering.

The five-year project aims to strengthen the professional skills of educators in the water and environmental engineering field, as well as students' readiness for working life, innovation capabilities and international research and project work skills. The project involves active collaboration both within Aalto University and with external partners and supports the university's strategic goals.

Professor Olli Varis, together with his research group, is creating a new research methodology course that brings together master's students in water engineering and early-stage doctoral researchers. The project also strengthens collaboration with partner universities, where student teams collect data, conduct field research and propose solutions to challenges in the water, environment and energy sectors, for example in Kenya and Ecuador.

Teachers' ability to support student learning is enhanced through a new comprehensive education programme. The project also strengthens the training and support of mentors through the new programme..

‘The great thing about this project is that it brings together participants from different stages of a lifelong learning path, and everyone gets the opportunity to learn something new. MVTT is pleased to be involved in developing ways to ensure that current and future water experts have the ability to address complex problems that transcend scientific and other boundaries,’ says Managing Director Minna Maasilta of MVTT.

‘We warmly thank MVTT for the grant. Water issues are currently very topical around the world. We want to give students better skills to participate in projects and bring new added value with their expertise. It is also important for us to support teachers in providing these skills to students,’ says Olli Varis.

Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki ry is a long-term supporter and partner of Aalto University. The association's purpose is to support research and initiatives that renew water and environmental engineering and are widely applicable both in Finland and internationally.