OUR THEME Aspirational actions

12 Theme Experts explain how the visions of green hydrogen can become reality.

18 Who _ Arnevi Rautanen and Juha Utriainen run the Torstila manor organic farm.

22 On science _ Researchers are developing new weapons against antibiotic resistance.

24 On science Tomorrow’s maternity clinics will have both avatar and real encounters.

28 Dialogue Laura Arpiainen and Susanna Helke challenge health and social sector with art.

30 On science The Sustainability in Business research group is a pioneer in its field.

32 Collaboration Aalto University Junior offers glimpses into the world of science.

36 On science _ Science news in brief.

38 Collaboration Mentoring programs bring professionals and students together.

42 Partnership AI assisting in dental care and jaw surgery.

44 In-house Outdoor artwork reflects quantum physics.

46 Doctoral theses _ Camilla Andersson and the norm-critical design; Olli Halminen and the health and social services; Henrik Kahanpää and the climate on Mars.

48 Wow! The museum of photography showcased artworks of new graduates.

56 Everyday choices Russel Lai defends information security with cryptography.E

58 Visiting Arto Nurmikko to receive honorary doctorate.

SEDEER EL-SHOWK, INTERNATIONAL EDITOR

‘The more I learn about Aalto, the more I discover unexpected voices here that should be heard and ideas that should be explored. Learning about them –and from them – gives me hope, and being able to amplify them through my work brings me joy.’

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KATI NÄRHI, ILLUSTRATOR

In this global situation, hope is a scarce resource. But still, the world is made up of details, some of which are wonderful and delightful, like Charley Harper's illustrations, the scent of jasmine tea, dachshunds, and red and pink combined. Joy, even if it’s temporary, awakens hope.’

PUBLISHER Aalto University, Communications

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Head of Content and Media Katrina Jurva

MANAGING EDITOR Paula Haikarainen

LAYOUT/PHOTO EDITOR Dog Design

COVER Kati Närhi

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Matti Ahlgren, Amanda Alvarez, Tiina Aulanko-Jokirinne, Anna Berg, Elisabet Cavén, Richard Fisher, Tiina Forsberg, Terhi Hautamäki, Anna-Katri Hänninen, Minna Hölttä, Jaakko Kahilaniemi, Kalle Kataila, Krista Kinnunen, Alexander Komenda, Marika Lehto, Annika Linna, Juuli Miettilä, Juuso Mäntykivi, Kati Närhi, Samuli Ojala, Lyydia Osara, Aleksi Poutanen, Marjukka Puolakka, Mikko Raskinen, Sedeer el-Showk, Noora Stapleton, Lada Suomenrinne, Niko Tampio, Tiina Toivola, Nita Vera

TRANSLATION Tiina Leivo, Tomi Snellman, Annamari Typpö

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ISSN 2489-6772 print ISSN 2489-6780 online

In my research career I’ve focused on how enzymes and microbes break down biomass. Nature’s microbes can decompose plant-based biomass, like wood, into sugars, which pass up the food chain into animals. In this magnificent circular economy, everything is utilised and there is no waste, unlike in many industrial processes. Aspirational engineering is a new way of thinking that seeks to emulate nature’s rational use of resources.

I’m completely convinced that technological development will find solutions for the climate crisis, the loss of biodiversity and the shortage of raw materials. This massive transition is already underway: electric vehicles are taking over, single-use consumption is decreasing, and we are learning to make sustainable choices.

I am particularly encouraged that chemical engineering, which has been seen as a polluting promoter of heavy industry, is now attractive to young people at the same time as the field strives for clean solutions. We are educating the students who will make and apply the aspirational engineering of the future. An example is green hydrogen, which can be produced with Finnish wind energy and used to make, for instance, fertilisers and chemicals, free of emissions.

As a bioengineer, it is amazing to see how renewable biomaterials are now replacing fossil-based packaging like plastic. In addition to replacement, recycling of materials like textiles, fibres and metals is another important way to protect nature. But single-use consumption needs to be cut back, because stopping waste from being created in the first place is the most effective action. Technology can play a role here too, because with judicious and systematic use of raw materials and longer-lasting products, we can reduce waste and promote recycling.

The green transition is happening, and I am convinced that, with the help of technology, we can reach carbonneutrality by 2035, Finland’s goal year.

Kristiina Kruus Dean Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering