Our strategy
Aalto University's future is built upon a foundation of high-quality research, education, impact and shared values – responsibility, courage, and collaboration. The purpose of the university is to shape a sustainable future.
This is Aalto – Catch up on what’s happening at our university
Watch the 50-minute video on how we tackle major global challenges at Aalto University.
Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. Together, we are building a sustainable future by creating novel solutions to major global challenges.
But how are we doing it? And where will we be in five years?
We’ve gathered answers to these questions and more in this 50-minute tour with interviews, project highlights and a studio discussion.
We hope you get inspired by the highlight projects we have picked to the video. Join us in building a sustainable future — This is Aalto!
You can watch full versions of the highlighted projects via .
Quick guide to ‘This is Aalto’
If you don’t have time to watch the whole show, you can choose this time stamped quick guide to navigate the topics.
Staff hosts Kate Jurva and Enrico Glerean introduce themselves and the show’s themes of sustainability.
Interview with VP Research Ossi Naukkarinen about how Aalto University will help solve global grand challenges by combining knowledge across our research fields.
Highlights – Research (7:20-12:00)
You can watch the full versions of projects via the .
VP Education Petri Suomala answers question on how learning will change in the future and what lifewide learning means.
Highlights – Student and educator work (18:05-24:24)
You can watch the full versions of projects via the .
How can we impact the world around us? VP innovation Janne Laine explains how we can make a difference through our innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, entrepreneurial education and scientific research.
Highlights – Aalto’s impact (30:02-35:36)
You can watch the full versions of projects via the .
We’re living through exceptional times. How can we support wellbeing and build a sense of community? How can we create communities to support remote studying? President Ilkka Niemelä and student union board Chair Milja Leinonen weigh in.
Learn about our new digital tool and take your own tour of campus at https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/.
About This is Aalto
On 18 February 2021, Aalto University invited everybody at Aalto — faculty and staff, students, lifewide learners, alumni and partners — to participate in a virtual community event showcasing our university's future direction for research, education, impact, and community wellbeing. Nearly 650 community members joined the livestream, with a lively chat discussion.
Do you want to know more about the university's purpose?
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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.
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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