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.

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From polymer technology to international research centres – Chemical engineering alum of the year Petri Lehmus

Petri Lehmus, Vice President of Research and Development at Neste Corporation, has been named alum of the year by the School of Chemical Engineering. Throughout his career, he has led international research centres, built the success story of Neste’s renewable business and advanced chemical engineering research and education at Aalto University.

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Carbon-based radicals at the frontier of solar cell technology

Could a single unpaired electron change the future of solar energy?

A modern building with a colourful tiled facade with solar panels. The sky is clear and light blue.

Researchers Unlock a Stronger, Greener Way to Bond Wood: Finnish pulp fiber could be used to bond wood for the construction industry

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a groundbreaking wood bonding method using primarily pulp fibers from Finnish forestry. The resulting bonding interface is twice as strong as natural wood while highly resistant to water. This breakthrough could transform sustainable construction by reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives.

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Invisible triumph: how a Finnish invention powers modern microelectronics

Atomic layer deposition (ALD), developed in Finland, is a semiconductor manufacturing method at the heart of modern technology, enabling ever-smaller computers, smartphones, and everyday devices.

Two circular wafers held up by gloved hands, one metallic and one blue, in a laboratory setting.

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Alumni Weekend 2025. Photo: Kristian Presnal

Cooperation Published: 29.10.2025

President Ilkka Niemelä to alumni: “At Aalto, we dare to dream - and we dare to do”

Aalto Alumni Weekend brought together 1,400 alumni.

Awards and Recognition, Cooperation Published: 25.10.2025

From polymer technology to international research centres – Chemical engineering alum of the year Petri Lehmus

Open Access Week 2025 poster with nine images behind the open access symbol and event details.

Research & Art Published: 24.10.2025

Publishing Research Data Alongside Research Articles

Data availability statements are increasingly required by scientific journals. They include information on what data are available, where they can be found, and any applicable access terms

Bioinspired film, leek. Photo by Maija Vaara and Mithila Mohan, Aalto University

Research & Art Published: 21.10.2025

Learning, growing, and exploring: a path through doctoral studies at Aalto

Hamidreza Daghigh Shirazi reflects on his doctoral journey at Aalto University

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29.10.

Pedro Silva and Enrico Glerean, text: Artificial intelligence and responsible conduct of research. Yellow and white background.

Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research 29.10.2025 13:00 – 14:30 (UTC +2)

Artificial intelligence and responsible conduct of research, Oct 29, 2025

Learn how to use AI in research ethically and responsibly.

29.10.

Academic events 29.10.2025 14:15 – 17:45 (UTC +2)

Aalto University celebrates its tenured professors with popular talks by the new tenure track professors of Associate or Full level.

3.11.

Banneri, jossa lukee tapahtuman tiedot CHEM:n väreillä sekä koulusta kuva.

Networking, Students 3.11.2025 16:30 – 18:30 (UTC +2)

CHEM Student & Alumni Networking Event 2025

The idea of the Student & Alumni networking event is to encourage master's students to network with alumni and learn about their interesting career paths in Finland. The event is for students studying in any of the Master's programmes at the School of Chemical Engineering (also for students of international joint programmes).

3.11.

Information sessions, Networking 3.11.2025 18:30 – 20:00 (UTC +2)

Alumni get-together in Indonesia

Join us for the alumni dinner in Surabaya, Indonesia!

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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.

Blog posts 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