The new Aalto University Magazine showcases the makers of the impossible

‘Working at the university is a constant journey of discovery into the unknown and learning to face the impossible,’ says Provost Kristiina Mäkelä in the magazine’s Openings column. ‘With a proactive spark, the impossible can appear in a new light, as a potential.’

The magazine’s feature article focuses on global water diplomacy, an area where Finland punches above its weight and acts as a pioneer. Aalto University plays a significant role in positioning Finland among the leaders in this field, says Antti Rautavaara from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ Centre for Peace Mediation. Professors Marko Keskinen and Katri Kauppi from Aalto, along with doctoral researcher Bota Sharipova from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, discuss the strategic and economic importance of water.

The On the go section column features Professor Jukka Tuhkuri taking us into ice research, both in Antarctica and Otaniemi, home to the world’s largest indoor ice tank.

The Dialogue section explores so-called smart textiles: in the future, curtains could regulate room temperature, or cotton might clean itself in sunlight. Assistant professors Jaana Vapaavuori from Aalto and Anne Louise Bang from VIA University College in Denmark discuss their joint Nordic research project.

Doctor of Science in Technology, CEO Juho Uzkurt Kaljunen, shares the story of his company that emerged from his doctoral thesis. NP Harvest’s innovation recovers nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, replacing mineral fertilizers.

Many of the magazine’s topics are also featured in the autumn exhibitions opening to the public in the new Marsio building.

Aalto University Magazine will undergo a revamp next year. The editorial team is collecting feedback via an online survey, which you can participate at aalto.fi/magazine-survey. Survey respondents can enter a draw to win one of three gift cards to the Aalto University Shop.

The digital version can be read on the issuu.com website. 

Some articles are also published at aalto.fi/magazine.

Print copies are available throughout the Otaniemi campus.