News: Archive 2012
New Department of Surveying and Planning: an internationally unique entity
18.01.2012 The Department of Surveying and the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (YTK) of Aalto University merged on 1.1.2012 to form the new Department of Surveying and Planning. The Department is a part of the School of Engineering. A particular strength of the Department of Surveying and Planning is its internationally unique character incorporating surveying (geomatics and real estate economics), as well as land use planning.
Safety of cruise ships demands persistent research
12.03.2012 The safety of cruise vessels usually becomes a public issue only in the aftermath of catastrophes. The more severe the accident the more acutely arises the need for better ships and better science. The research on ship safety does not however proceed in clear-cut breakthroughs. Safety and stamina of ships in accidents is a sum of numerous uncertainties, and to control them takes wide-ranging and cross-disciplinary research.
Professor Matti Juhala presented with medal granted by the President of Finland
12.03.2012 On 6 December 2011 Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic, granted the First Class Medal of the White Rose of Finland to Aalto University Professor Matti Juhala. Dean Petri Varsta presented the medal to Mr Juhala on 7 March at a morning coffee event hosted by the dean.
Doctoral Dissertation: Land consolidation to solve problems in Finnish agricultural industry
14.03.2012 The fields of Finnish farms have been scattered as the result of over hundreds of year of land reforms, post-war relocations and inheritances. Farm owners have their pieces of land spread over and across village borders and highways. The average size of farms is on the rise, and profitability is declining. EU’s agricultural subsidies strive to keep the operation viable. Somewhere in between there is a structural problem.
Urban laboratory for sustainable environment to enhance environmental expertise in Lahti
30.03.2012 The research project ”Urban laboratory for sustainable environment” studies the functioning of urban ecosystems, impacts of building on the environment and the associated knowledge infrastructure.
Teacher of the Year 2011 prize to D. Sc. Mamdouh El Haj Assad
04.04.2012 Aalto University Student Union AYY awarded the Teacher of the Year 2011 prize to D. Sc. Mamdouh El Haj Assad, who works for the Aalto University Department of Energy Technology.
Application to Aalto University´s new student-alumni mentoring programme ongoing
10.04.2012 Alumni Relations is piloting international alumni-student mentoring as part of the new Aalto University Mentoring Programme starting in autumn.
The new Department of Real Estate, Planning and Geoinformatics is one of a kind
23.05.2012 Experts from different educational backgrounds come together at the Department of Real Estate, Planning and Geoinformatics that began operations at the beginning of the year, says Head of Department Kauko Viitanen.
ADDLAB puts the digital revolution into action in Aalto University
24.05.2012 In the midst of red-bricked mechanical engineers’ shops in the Otaniemi campus of Aalto University beams a hall painted bright white. Above the door hang the similarly white letters ADD. On my first visit, the lobby and the yard were full of researchers and students knee-deep in their conversations. A lecture by the already legendary structural engineer Klaus Bollinger was about to begin.
Arto Huuskonen from Aalto University’s BES research group named Researcher of the Year by EuroFM Network
28.05.2012 Finnish research received European acknowledgement as Arto Huuskonen was named Facilities Management Researcher of the Year at the EFMC2012 conference held in Copenhagen on 24 May 2012. There were four finalists in the FM Researcher of the Year category: two from Finland, one from Holland and one from Norway.
Klaus Bollinger defies gravity and admires artisans
29.05.2012 The digital design laboratory ADDLAB in Aalto University launched a series of lectures last fall. Klaus Bollinger, one of the most renowned structural designers in the world, gave an ADDTHOUGHT lecture 26 April. His office Bollinger + Grohmann, co-founded with colleague Manfred Grohmann, has since the 1990s used digital design tools to create buildings that reach beyond the limits of imagination and craftsmanship.
Doctoral dissertation: Climate change affects floods and water resources in Finland in the 21st century
31.05.2012 Climate scenarios project increases in air temperature and precipitation in Finland in the 21st century. Climate change will affect the hydrologic cycle and water resources. In her Aalto University doctoral dissertation, Noora Veijalainen, M.Sc. (Tech.), applied hydrological models and several climate scenarios to estimate the impacts of climate change on discharges, water levels and floods in Finland. The results offer background information for adapting to climate change, especially regarding lake regulation and flood risk management.
Aalto University mechanical engineering alumnus receives Marcus Wallenberg Prize
01.06.2012 Aalto University mechanical engineering alumnus Mika Viljanmaa, M.Sc., has been awarded the prestigious 2012 Marcus Wallenberg Prize for his work on metal belt calendering in paper and board making. The prize sum is SEK 2 million which is 227 000 euro. Viljanmaa will receive the prize at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden on October 1, 2012.
Managing floods on nature’s terms
14.06.2012 Mathematical models describing the interaction between water flow, vegetation and sediments in river basins are being developed at Aalto University. The hydraulic models will be used to create a basis for natural, environmentally sound flood management.
New dean sought for the School of Engineering
19.06.2012 Aalto University seeks to appoint new deans to lead the operations of the School of Engineering, the School of Chemical Technology and the School of Science. The new deans will start in their positions at the beginning of 2013. At Aalto University, deans are elected for a five-year term.
Energy-efficient heat exchanger networks at lower cost
19.06.2012 Energy efficiency is central in responding to the global challenge presented by climate change. In large industrial processes, energy consumption can be made more efficient with heat exchanger networks, but this has to be done in an economically sustainable way.
Significant sea-level rise in a 2-degree warming world
25.06.2012 Sea levels around the world can be expected to rise by several metres in coming centuries, if global warming carries on. Even if global warming is limited to 2 degrees Celsius, global-mean sea level could continue to rise, reaching between 1.5 and 4 metres above present-day levels by the year 2300, with the best estimate being at 2.7 metres, according to a study just published in Nature Climate Change. However, emissions reductions that allow warming to drop below 1.5 degrees Celsius could limit the rise strongly.
Scouts learn about water engineering
30.07.2012 At the end of July, a group of 16-20 year-olds from the international Roverway Scout Camp learned more about the Water Laboratory at Aalto University’s School of Engineering. The scouts attending the camp came from countries like Belgium, Austria and Norway. Lasting more than a week, the event was hosted by Finland for the first time.
Aging population poses a challenge to traffic
20.08.2012 Helsinki Summer School of Transportation 2012, organised at the Aalto University School of Engineering, was treated to Alan E. Pisarski’s lectures on 13 August.
Professor Jukka Tuhkuri, EspooAmbassador 2012
23.08.2012 Professor Jukka Tuhkuri was bestowed the rotating EspooAmbassador award as recognition of active organisation of conferences. The award was granted by Espoon Matkailu Oy during an event organised in Dipoli on 23 August.
Research on materials joining aims at efficiency and safety
23.08.2012 The working group meeting of the Commission on Fatigue of Welded Components and Structures of the IIW held in Dipoli this spring drew a record number of participants to Otaniemi. The IIW, or the International Institute of Welding, is a prominent international network in research in the joining of materials, developing standards in the field and training experts.
Register now to ceremonial conferment at Aalto University schools of technology
29.08.2012 The Aalto University schools of technology celebrate their 22nd ceremonial conferment of doctoral degrees on 12 October 2012. Registration will be open until 9 September 2012.
New students – Welcome to Aalto University School of Engineering!
02.09.2012 Over 500 new Bachelor and Master´s students, both Finnish and international, arrive on Monday 3rd September to the School of Engineering.
Limited water resources increase tensions in Central Asia
10.09.2012 Researchers from Aalto University’s Water & Development Research Group have analysed the use and management of water reserves in the Aral Sea basin and the influence of these on security and development in the region. The research project made the headlines on the International Water Management Institute’s (IMWI) home page.
Space Truck tours Finland in October
25.09.2012 A unique space exhibition built in a truck will be touring Finland in October. The first stop is in Otaniemi on 3 October. The truck will present current and interesting space flights as well as fantastic and more ordinary space applications. The Space Truck will be accompanied by Aalto University’s mobile laboratory, where visitors can help build Finland’s first satellite – Aalto-1.
The Tenured Professors' Installation Lectures at Aalto University 3.10.2012
02.10.2012 Aalto University celebrates its Tenured Professors with lectures presented by the new tenure track professors of Associate- or Full-level.
Resource saving metal belt calendering giving better paper surface awarded the 29th Marcus Wallenberg Prize
02.10.2012 During a ceremony at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm on 1 October, the Swedish King, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf awarded the Marcus Wallenberg Prize 2012 to Mr. Mika Viljanmaa for his ground-breaking development of metal belt calendering technology resulting in better paper print surfaces with less fibre materials and higher production efficiency.
Doctoral Dissertation: Automated mapping methods
05.10.2012 The need for high-quality spatial data continues to grow. Specialist Research Scientist Leena Matikainen from the Finnish Geodetic Institute's Department of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry has researched and developed new methods for the mapping and updating of land cover and buildings.
New doctors taken as members of the scientific community at the Ceremonial Conferment of Doctoral Degrees
09.10.2012 The Aalto University schools of technology will celebrate their joint Ceremonial Conferment of Doctoral Degrees in Otaniemi on 12 October 2012. The doctors and honorary doctors to be conferred will be accepted as members of the technical science community. Doctoral hats will be set on their heads.
Halving the food losses would feed an additional one billion people
10.10.2012 More efficient use of the food production chain and a decrease in the amount of food losses will dramatically help maintaining the planet's natural resources and improve people's lives. Researchers in Aalto University have proved a valid estimation, for the first time, for how many people could be fed with reducing food losses.
Ceremonial Conferment of Doctoral Degrees in Technology at Aalto University
12.10.2012 ’It is important that new doctors feel part of the community in their university, their alma mater. We want to emphasise this sense of community in the ceremonial conferment,’ explains Professor Riitta Smeds, Master of Ceremonies for the 2012 Ceremonial Conferment of the Aalto University schools of technology.
Academy of Finland to fund research on Antarctic ice
15.10.2012 The Academy of Finland has awarded a total of EUR 600 000 to Professor Pentti Kujala of Aalto University and Mikko Lensu, Senior Research Scientist [H1] of the Finnish Meteorological Institute, for a consortium project exploring the impact of the thickness of Antarctic ice on ice loads exerted against ships. The aim of the project is to develop a theoretical model that could be used to link changes in ice conditions to ice loads on ships. The model would describe changes in the thickness of sea ice in the area and account for changes caused in ice conditions by the movement of ice.
Professor Tetsuo Shoji: Anticipatory ageing management helps to lower the risks of nuclear power
17.10.2012 According to professor Tetsuo Shoji, the ageing management of nuclear power plants should be based on an anticipatory approach. This would make the plants safer and more reliable and allow energy to be generated more efficiently. Aalto-yliopiston kunniatohtori Tetsuo Shoji Tohokun yliopistosta luennoi 15.10. Otaniemessä. Luennon aiheena oli ”Nuclear energy in Japan after Fukushima and structural integrity studies of nuclear power plants at Tohoku University”.
Negotiations on the possible reorganisation of the Department of Applied Mechanics of the School of Engineering about to begin
30.10.2012 Aalto University is starting co-operation negotiations on the possible reorganisation of the Department of Applied Mechanics, which comes under the School of Engineering, and the effects that the reorganisation might have on the department’s personnel.
Anticipatory ageing management helps to lower the risks of nuclear power
07.11.2012 According to professor Tetsuo Shoji, the ageing management of nuclear power plants should be based on an anticipatory approach. This would make the plants safer and more reliable and allow energy to be generated more efficiently.
Oskari Vilamo Fund Prize Awarded to Professor Sixten Korkman – Doctoral Dissertation Prizes to Virpi Stucki and Lassi Warsta
11.11.2012 The Oskari Vilamo Fund has conferred this year's award for merit, a total of 5,000 euros, on Sixten Korkman, Professor of Practice in Economics at Aalto University.
Localised heating saves energy in offices and shopping centres
12.11.2012 Localised heating saves energy in offices and shopping centres For an employee to be warm and comfortable at his or her desk, the entire office does not need to be evenly heated. In shopping centres, the areas where customers are walking around need less heating than those where they sit down for lunch. Energy can be saved by not heating up the entire space to an even temperature. However, the level of comfort does not have to be compromised because desks at offices and seating areas in shopping centres can be locally heated up to a suitable temperature.
Dutch students immerse themselves in arctic marine technology
20.11.2012 This autumn, five students from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands are studying at the School of Engineering. They are taking one module of master’s level ice mechanics courses, and experiments in the ice tank are naturally a part of their studies. The tutor of the group is Professor Pentti Kujala from the Department of Applied Mechanics.
Aalto researchers to embark on an expedition to the Antarctic
22.11.2012 In Cape Town, on 6 December, two members of the Aalto community will board a ship headed for the Antarctic.
Leena Korkiala-Tanttu, D.Sc. (Tech.), appointed Professor of Practice
05.12.2012 Leena Korkiala-Tanttu, D.Sc. (Tech.), has been appointed Professor of Practice at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Aalto University School of Engineering from 1 December 2012. Doctor Korkiala-Tanttu’s appointment is for a fixed term of five years and she will have geotechnical engineering as her special field.
Lauri Koskela invited as FidiPro-professor
06.12.2012 Professor Lauri Koskela has been invited as FiDiPro Professor (Finland Distinguished Professor) to the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering. He will start 1st January 2013 in project Building Information Modelling for Lean Construction (BIMforLEAN).
Sustainable business innovation adds firms’ market value
10.12.2012 Sustainable business innovation is good business; researchers from Aalto University, Finland have proved. The researchers tested how sustainability business innovations and the market value of companies in the construction sector are connected. The study is a first of its kind. An event study model was used to analyse large construction sector companies in several European countries as well as Australia.
Wood transformed into pavilion
12.12.2012 The Aalto University multi-disciplinary project, Design+Analysis Workshop 2012 – Radical Wood Pavilion (RWP), kicked off in February 2012 as part of a bigger research and teaching project Design+Analysis, organised by the Departments of Civil and Structural Engineering, Design and Architecture.
