School of Chemical Engineering

We are tackling challenges related to the sustainable use of natural resources, the circular economy and a clean environment.

The global challenges of bioeconomy and energy technology have made collaboration between science and industry a must.

Read why universities need donations

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Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy

Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy for the period 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2026.

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Researchers invent nano-clouds that can change colour, temperature and outwit heat sensors

Bio-Inspired Metasurfaces Enable Daytime Cooling, Heating, and Thermal Camouflage in a Single Solution

Diagram showing cooling and heating effects of metasurfaces, with examples of white and grey metasurfaces in winter and cloudy settings.

Turning Research into Impact: Insights from the Inventors Program Panel

Aalto University’s Inventors Program recently hosted a panel discussion bringing together experts from research, entrepreneurship, and industry to share their perspectives on turning scientific ideas into successful ventures.

"The spark for Chemical engineering was ignited" - An alumni's story from Otaniemi to working life

Juha Malinen, an alumn of the School of Chemical Engineering, warmly recounts his years at Otaniemi, the studies that supported his transition to working life and helped him find his place in building a more sustainable future.

Five things everyone should know about the materials powering the green transition

The green transition depends on more than just clean energy — it requires a massive, complex supply of critical raw materials, especially metals and minerals. From mining and refining to recycling and innovation, here are five key things everyone should know about the materials powering a sustainable future.

A disassembled battery with its components laid out side by side: metal casing, inner sheets, crushed mass, powders, and coloured granulates.

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Aalto Magazine Published: 29.8.2025

On the go: A new life for an old blade

Startup Reverlast repurposes discarded wind turbine blades into durable floating docks, the first of which supports a beloved community sauna on the university’s shoreline.

A scientist wearing teal gloves works in a laboratory filled with various equipment and containers.

Aalto Magazine, Research & Art Published: 29.8.2025

Meet-up: Nice to meet you, Helena Aspelin!

Doctoral researcher Helena Aspelin is developing a protein-based adhesive derived from the DNA of barnacles and mussels.

A person reading a magazine with two other copies on a glass table, against a backdrop of a brown couch with cushions.

Aalto Magazine Published: 29.8.2025

Aalto University Magazine explores acts of change

In its September issue, Aalto University Magazine highlights people and ideas that break routines and create change – from science to construction, from food to new materials.

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Campus, Studies, University Published: 28.8.2025

Money for student wellbeing: how would you spend 14 000 euros?

Submit your proposal for a participatory budgeting project to improve student wellbeing on campus by 21st September 2025. The winner of the feasible ideas will be voted on during 2025.

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A blue-green heatmap-style background with a black circle in the center. Inside the circle, white text reads: Designs for a Cooler Planet. On the left, the word 'Events' appears on black. The image serves as a visual header for Aalto University’s Designs for a Cooler Planet events calendar.

Lectures and seminars 5.9.–28.10.2025

Events programme – Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025

Attend open seminars, talks, tours, film screenings and workshops.

5.9.

Challenges and Solutions - Making Waves || PHYSics Diversity Team

Campus, Information sessions, Lectures and seminars, Networking, Other, Staff trainings, Languages and multiculturality 5.9.2025 8:45 – 10:30 (UTC +3)

Challenges and solutions - Chiofalo & Propp - Making Waves || PHYSics Diversity Team

How can we create a truly inclusive and supportive environment in physics and science? Join us for a morning of open discussions over breakfast, featuring prof. Marilù Chiofalo and Dr. Tzula Propp, who will share perspectives on gender, diversity, mentorship, and building resilient communities in quantum science.

5.9.

A person looking up at a chaotic network of computer screens and hardware. Text reads: Marsio Presents: Creative Teaching with Media & AI.

Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research, Workshops 5.9.2025 9:00 – 12:00 (UTC +3)

Marsio Presents, 5 September 2025: Creative Teaching with Media & AI

Explore media & AI in teaching at Marsio: Keynote by Jani Romanoff, talks by Aalto University educators, and studio exploration.

9.9.

Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Training to support research, Students 9.9.2025 9:00 – 13:00 (UTC +3)

COMSOL Multiphysics Open Training

If you are looking for an introduction to using COMSOL Multiphysics®, this is the training for you!

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Join us at Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering!

Read student stories, learn about our guilds and what it is like to study here!

A group of chemical engineering students in front of the CHEM main building.

Blogposts by Aalto Squad student ambassadors. Read all about student life and studies at Aalto University!

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Lignocellulose samples by Mohamed Magd. Photo: Valeria Azovskaya

Enabling bio and circular economy

Sustainable future with high performance products

World-class materials research

What if we had wood-based colours that never faded?

The color is nontoxic, produced 100% from wood, and can be industrially and economically produced.

What if the colour of your jeans grew in your garden?

We explore how to produce and utilise natural dyes derived from plants in a sustainable way.

What if metals could be protected with wood?

In its pure, additive-free form, lignin coatings have already been proven to be effective in minimising the corrosion of metal surfaces.

What if solar cells could be made out of fish scales?

We are exploring how natural materials like wood or organic byproducts – or even waste like fish scales – could be used for solar cells.

What if you could 3D print custom bone implants?

Thanks to 3D printing, we can manufacture individualized, custom implants that enhance bone growth and degrade as the patient heals.

Bacterial cellulose in bowl on a yellow backround

What if bandages could be grown by bacteria?

Although some bacterial colonies can threaten human life, bacteria can be used to produce essential molecules and materials like bacterial cellulose.

What if cattle all over the world were eating Finnish wood?

Microcrystalline cellulose is truly a power food for ruminants, and so it could be used to raise the caloric density of animal feed.

What if the textiles of the future are growing in Finnish forests?

Ioncell, a fibre woven from cellulose, is a strong contender as a sustainable alternative to cotton and polyester.

What if chemists were also programmers?

When modelling chemical engineering processes, programming skills are essential – and understanding programming basics is an asset in many other tasks as well.

What if every engineer thought like an artist?

Breaking out of one’s own bubble challenges the brain and changes attitudes. This is why arts courses at Aalto are available to everyone.

At Aalto University, we believe in the power of curiosity. We encourage our students and staff to explore the unknown, learn and do things in completely new ways – to break boundaries together.

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We cooperate with the business world and host numerous competence centers