Aalto granted €11.7 million for profiling by Academy of Finland

The Academy of Finland has granted Aalto University €11.7 million for strengthening its research profile for the next four years. This form of funding supports universities in strengthening their chosen research fields

Funding reinforces research related to change

Aalto University applied for funding for research on disruptive technologies and changes in the society. Research in these field builds on themes of Aalto University’s four key research areas: quantum technology, smart mobility, future of work and experience design to support creative business. In the future, these themes can provide disruptive technological and innovative breakthroughs, and at the same time address the rapid and significant societal changes associated with them.

The funding is expected to strengthen the themes in question especially after the recruitment of fixed-term professor-level positions, personnel to support infrastructures and joint research positions between Aalto and companies, as well as increased activities of the new Experience Platform.

The international peer expert panel considered the application extremely strong. ‘The chosen disruptive themes of Aalto seem very promising, with the fourth one (Experience design) quite original, also in international comparison’. The choice of themes shows great continuity with previous profile funding rounds. Out of the 13 applications of Finnish universities, Aalto University’s application was ranked number one. The panel concludes: ‘It is hard if not impossible to identify weaknesses in this proposal’.

Collaborative cooperation in selected areas

’It’s great to see that the consistent work for our strategy is recognized, and it carries on. Now we can continue to augment our research and co-operation in selected fields both in the metropolitan area as well as nationally and internationally. We share our premises, infrastructure and input of our researchers on the one hand, and strengthen research excellency and multidisciplinarity on the other hand,’ says Vice President of Aalto University Tuija Pulkkinen.

The Academy of Finland granted a total of €50 million in funding. The Academy made the funding decisions on the basis of assessments by the international panels. Funding for profiling was now granted for the fourth time. In the first round in May 2015, Aalto University was granted €13.6 million, in the second round in March 2016 12€ million, and in the third round in June 2017 €10.8 million.

Further information:
The Academy of Finland press release 24 May 2018 (> aka.fi)