ºÚÁÏÍø

News

Significant grants for science from the Finnish Cultural Foundation

A total of thirty individuals and research groups from Aalto University received grants from the Finnish Cultural Foundation for science and art. Professors Harri Lipsanen and Zhipei Sun and their team, were awarded a large grant to develop electronic components mimicking the structure and function of the human brain. Among the grantees is also Professor Mikko Alava, whose team is developing water-resistant foams as substitutes for plastic using AI-based methods.
Mikko Alava ja kolme muuta tutkimusryhmän jäsentä kuvattuna teknisen laitteen äärellä.
Professor Mikko Alava and his research group. Photo: The Finnish Cultural Foundation.

This time grants were awarded especially for research supporting Finland's competitiveness in industry and business.

One of the largest grants, 200,000 euros, went to Professor Mikko Alava from the Department of Applied Physics, whose research group is developing water-resistant foams as substitutes for plastic. The research utilises biomimetics, imitating the structure of wood using AI-based methods.

Professors Harri Lipsanen and Zhipei Sun from the Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering and their group received 250,000 euros to develop neuromorphic electronic components mimicking the structure and function of the human brain. They aim to find new solutions for environmentally friendly technology.

Based on applications received in October 2023, the Finnish Cultural Foundation awarded over 30 million euros in grants for the benefit of science, art, and culture. For the first time, the application threshold of 10,000 was exceeded, and one out of every ten applications succeeded.

43 percent of the grant funds were allocated to art, and 57 percent to science. Science is emphasised because the majority of the donors to the Cultural Foundation wished to support various fields of science.

For the list of Aalto University grantees, please see the article in Finnish.

Congratulations to all!

Read more 

Press release by the Finnish Cultural Foundation:

Article about the research of Mikko Alava and his team:  (Finnish Cultural Foundation)

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Three people in separate portraits, two women in jackets and a man in plaid shirt, standing outdoors and indoors.
Research & Art Published:

Aalto University graduates as finalists for the Damy Tulevaisuus Award

Damy, the Friends’ Association of the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki, presents the Future Award annually to designers whose projects are nearing completion.
Aerial view of a green rooftop garden next to a parking lot with several cars and surrounding buildings.
Research & Art Published:

Funding for impact assessment research concerning the Helsinki Capital region available

Funding call of the Urban Impact project (Kaupunkivaikutus) is open until 11. October 2026.
Professor Jukka Pekola stood in a hallway smiling at the camera
Appointments, University Published:

Aalto Distinguished Professor Jukka Pekola’s message: Basic research is at the heart of progress

Department of Applied Physics Professor Jukka Pekola was appointed Aalto Distinguished Professor on September 1, 2026.
Two small green sprouts in soil beside the word “unite!†on a green background
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation Published:

Unite! Seed Fund 2026 – Aalto involved in eight projects

From the 2026 Seed Fund call, 22 proposals were selected for funding. Aalto is involved in eight of these projects and coordinates one.