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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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.

Ville Jokinen has been appointed to a fixed term Associate Professor position in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science

Ph.D. Ville Jokinen has been appointed five-year fixed term Associate Professor position at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science as of 1 June 2025. The field of the professorship is Microfabrication.

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#1 Ranked as 1st university in Finland (QS World University Rankings) against a red background.

University Published: 19.6.2025

Aalto University again ranked Finland’s top university in the QS World University Rankings

Aalto placed 114th globally

A person walks past a colourful mural on a brick wall, illuminated by street lamps and electric lines overhead.

Cooperation, Research & Art, University Published: 18.6.2025

New Academy Research Fellows and Academy Projects

A total of 44 Aalto researchers received Academy Research Fellowship and Academy Project funding from the Research Council of Finland – congratulations to all!

Awards and Recognition, Campus, Research & Art Published: 17.6.2025

Spring term open science highlight: Aalto Open Science Award Ceremony

We gathered at A Grid to celebrate the awardees of the Aalto Open Science Award 2024 and discuss open science topics with the Aalto community.

Mehiläispesä Humblebee Aallon kampuksella

Campus, University Published: 16.6.2025

Pollinators – tiny helpers in the work for biodiversity

Bee-assisted biomonitoring has started on the Otaniemi campus.

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26.6.

Doctoral hat floating above a speaker's podium with a microphone.

Public defences 26.6.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +3)

Public defence in Materials Chemistry of Cellulose, M.Sc. Yingfeng Wang

The study explores HCl (g) hydrolysis as a pathway to produce nanocellulose and platform chemicals from biomass.

26.6.

Public defences 26.6.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +3)

Public defence in Bioproduct Chemistry, M.Sc. Ngoc Huynh

Plant-based hydrogels from CNFs and extracts like willow bark and Aloe vera offer sustainable, ethical alternatives to animal biomaterials.

27.6.

Public defences 27.6.2025 12:00 – 15:00 (UTC +3)

Public defence in Chemical Engineering, M.Sc. Susanna Forssell

Scaling up the production of value-added bio-based products to industrial scale (title of the thesis).

27.8.

27.8.2025 15:00 – 17:30 (UTC +3)

Aalto Creatives afterwork event focuses on Aalto Creatives alumni stories and introducing the Aalto Creatives pre-incubator program.

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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!

Three people sit at a wooden table with a laptop, viewed through a window with reflections of greenery and parked cars.

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