The university's new decade started joyously

On 8 January, Aalto University marked its tenth anniversary. The day was celebrated in Dipoli in a cheerful and warm atmosphere. A large number of staff, students, emeritus and emerita professors and former members of the Aalto community were seen at the event.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of KONE, Antti Herlin, congratulated the university through a video greeting during the afternoon event. Herlin is an honorary doctor of Aalto University and he was in charge of collecting foundation capital from companies when the university was founded.
In his speech, Jussi Herlin described the ten-year history of Aalto University from his own perspective as an alumnus of Aalto University and Vice Chairman of the Board of KONE. The main themes of his speech included the constantly changing world and challenges related to the anticipation of changes. As key issues, he also highlighted internationalisation, climate change and sustainable development.

In his speech, President Ilkka Niemelä emphasised the importance of a common direction and shared values, as well as ambitious goals both in the early stages of the university’s journey and in the future. He also presented the university's new living strategy, which will come into force at the beginning of 2021.


The celebrations continued in line with the rest of the programme until the evening. The university's competences and innovations were presented in the form of numerous demos, ranging from research to teaching and student projects. Aalto University Student Union AYY took part in the celebrations in various ways, and presented its All to X application, which will bring together Aalto University actors and other members of the Aalto community to celebrate the AYY10 anniversary. The day culminated in an Aalto quiz, science show, music and dance: see the photos below!



Photos Mikko Raskinen and Kalle Kataila / Aalto University
Read more news

Save the Date: XII Unite! Dialogue at Aalto University
Aalto is pleased to host more than 300 invitees at the XII Unite! Dialogue from 6 to 9 October 2025. Registration is now open, with invitations issued to nominated attendees across the alliance.
Erasmus+ Staff Training Week: Transnational Joint Courses and the Exchange Student’s Path from Home to Host
Twenty-five participants from across Europe gathered at Aalto University for this year’s Erasmus+ Staff Training Week, focused on transnational joint courses and student mobility.
Aalto University again ranked Finland’s top university in the QS World University Rankings
Aalto placed 114th globally