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Unite! Dialogue

Unite! Dialogues are bi-annual events gathering the academic and administrative staff as well as Unite!'s student representatives to work together and meet each other. Approximately 350 persons from nine universities participate in these community events. In October we expect also around 50 early-career academics. 

Matchmaking programme

Each Aalto host organises a two and a half day programme during 7–9 October 2025 for a small group of early-career academics from their own field of research and/or teaching from Unite! universities. On top of the programme organised by the host, the groups will take part in the opening (7 October) and closing (9 October) of the Unite! Dialogue. Early-career academics are also welcome to join the Unite! Dinner Party on the evening of the 8th of October. 

We consider early-career academic as post-docs, lecturers and first tenure trackers. 

The selection of participating academics is done by the local . 

Aalto University hosts 

Co-ordinator, Aalto Hydrogen Innovation Centre
Manager – Energy, Aalto Networking Platform
Post-doctoral researcher, Department of Energy & Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University School of Engineering 
Areas of interest: Hydrogen, Renewable Electricity (particular regulation, markets & economics for both), Applications of electrical energy storage (primarily batteries) – techno-economic assessment at grid & residential level

I am particularly looking to improve connections in the hydrogen field, both in my personal area of research interest (policy, regulation, economics) but also more broadly to connect to Unite! universities, including those who have a hydrogen centre-type function as we have at Aalto. On the teaching side, I am very interested to develop connections with those teaching broad hydrogen courses looking across the whole value chain; I am interested in developing a Unite!-wide hydrogen course in hybrid format.  I am also very interested in industry collaboration in research (especially joint doctorate concepts), and in teaching (I run an energy industry project course at Aalto). 

Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, Aalto University School of Engineering 
Areas of interest: Sustainable energy, Thermal management in electric vehicles (EVs) using phase change materials (PCMs): Experiment and Simulation

My research seeks to address finding appropriate PCMs for battery thermal management and cabin temperature maintenance in EVs. The PCMs performance will be checked using its charging/discharging profile from the in-house experimental setup. The experimental work is supported by COMSOL modeling of heat flows in larger heat storage modules. My broader academic interests span engineering, renewable energy, and applied research in emerging technologies.

I’m seeking collaborators from engineering, materials science, and energy systems who can contribute to the shared expertise on cutting-edge developments in sustainable engineering solutions and EV technology. Ultimately, I am looking to make connections that promote joint research initiatives and knowledge exchange in the field of sustainability. 

Assistant professor 
Department of Applied Physics, Research Group Energy Materials & Interfaces (EMI), Aalto University School of Science
Areas of interest: Sustainable energy and AI

I wish to expand my research network and to build international collaborations and to prepare applications for EU framework funding (e.g., Horizon Europe, M-Era.Net, MSCA Doctoral Network, and EIC pathfinder). Research topics that we are interested in include: 

• Energy materials and applications: Batteries, electrochemical ammonia production, electrolyzers, etc.
• Advanced materials & interface characterization (light, electron, X-Ray, and Neutron spectroscopy and microscopy, NMR, mass spectroscopy, etc.)
• Battery degradation / ageing and failure mechanisms & charging protocols
• Computational materials chemistry (DFT, MD, etc.)
• Multi-scale physics- & machine learning-based and hybrid battery modelling
• Modeling and evaluating coloured photovoltaics for building integration: coloured optical coatings, structural color, colourimetric characterization with photographic imaging techniques
• Nature-positive design of solar power in the landscape: transdisciplinary research between solar energy engineering to restoration ecology, environmental bioethics, and social sciences
• Agrivoltaics: Various interests, from optical and light transport simulations of spectral irradiance in agrivoltaics systems to enhancing biodiversity

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Postdoctoral researchers
Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering
Areas of interest: battery materials, thin-film coatings, electrochemical performance optimization, material characterization, computational simulations and modeling 

Our research focuses on the battery field, particularly in electrode materials, coatings, and interface engineering. Our expertise lies in electrochemistry, material science, and thin-film technologies, with a special emphasis on atomic layer deposition (ALD), doping, and synthesis of battery materials.

We aim to connect with researchers who have a similar study or research background, particularly those working on battery materials, thin-film coatings, electrochemical performance optimization, and material characterization. A network of experts in electrode engineering, ALD applications in energy storage, and solid-state battery technologies would be valuable for knowledge exchange and explore joint funding opportunities.

Additionally, since we primarily work on experimental research, we are also interested in expanding our network to include researchers with expertise in computational simulations and modeling. Understanding how simulations can complement experimental work would help us gain deeper insights into material behavior, reaction mechanisms, and optimization strategies for battery systems. 

Assistant Professor 
Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering
Areas of interest: AI, Learning for dynamics and control, Autonomous systems

I am an Assistant Professor in the department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, where I lead the Nonlinear Systems and Control research group. I am also affiliated to the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI). My research interest lies in synergistically combining nonlinear stability theory, optimal control, and machine learning, towards creating robotic and learning-enabled systems that are certifiably safe and robust. Application areas include telerobotic surgery, precision agriculture, and human-multirobot systems.

I am looking to identify Unite! partners for initiating new research collaborations and building a consortium for seeking EU funding, starting with smaller seed funding. An additional bonus goal would be to exchange ideas for curriculum development within AI, robotics, and controls.

Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering
Areas of interest: sustainable energy, smart cities, AI for energy systems, green hydrogen technologies 

I specialize in sustainable energy with a focus on integrating AI and optimization techniques for multi-energy systems, including electricity, heat, cooling, and green hydrogen。 The final goal is to reduce the cost and gas emissions of the smart energy system. My research also involves climate-resilient energy management, energy storage, and smart grid solutions. I have led the AI+Energy group in Finnish center of artificial intelligence and also served as guest editors for some top-tier journals in this area. 

I aim to connect with professionals, researchers, and innovators in sustainable energy, smart cities, AI for energy systems, and green hydrogen technologies. Collaborations with experts in policymaking, industrial applications, and interdisciplinary research would be highly valuable.

Postdoctoral researcher
Soft matter and wetting group, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University School of Science
Areas of interest: Water condensation, wetting and phase-change phenomena

My research interests focus on water condensation on various surfaces - both planar and micro/nano-structured - within the field of wetting and phase-change phenomena. At the Soft Matter and Wetting group, we are world-leading experts in developing precise techniques for measuring surface wettability, as well as designing and characterizing a wide range of surfaces. 

I am looking for a broad audience of chemists, physicists, engineers working in neighboring fields including but not limited to heat transfer, atmospheric water harvesting, nanofluidic, material engineering, biomedical applications involving interaction of liquids with surface, and other fields related to surface wettability. I aim to share my expertise and expand my network to discuss wetting phenomena from diverse perspectives and applications. I look forward to exchanging ideas and addressing challenges to foster meaningful collaborations. 

Senior Scientist, Head of Research 
Department of Architecture, Aalto University School of ARTS
Area of interest: Urban planning, Housing, Left-behind places, Shrinkage

`Left-behind places’—regions facing geographic inequalities, economic decline, and demographic challenges are often overlooked and perceived as stagnant, reinforcing cycles of neglect. How can we rethink governance and foster community-driven solutions that promote long-term resilience and equity? Come and build a network of Unite! partner university scholars from diverse fields —such as real estate, urban planning, design, geography, architecture, and economics—who share an interest in left-behind places. The goal is to create a collaborative space for exchanging knowledge and exploring possibilities for joint research proposals.

I am seeking to build a network of Unite! partner university scholars from diverse fields —such as real estate, urban planning, design, geography, architecture, and economics—who share an interest in left-behind places. The goal is to create a collaborative space for exchanging knowledge and exploring possibilities for joint research proposals.

Post-doctoral researcher
Department of Built Environment, Aalto University School of Engineering
Areas of interest: Sustainable cities, spatial planning, urban and regional planning, public administration, governance, agency, institutions
(Co-host: Tuomas Ilmavirta, lecturer, Department of Built Environment)

Who creates sustainable cities and regions? We would like to explore the role of transformative agency in urban and regional planning, focusing on policy-making, education, and research. Planners are portrayed at the same time as agents of change and powerless in the face of political realities. We would like to reflect on these contradictions, by discussing key questions, such as: Who chooses policies for sustainability? How can planning education empower future professionals? And how can researchers stay motivated when their impact feels limited? Join us to reflect on the challenges and opportunities associated with agency in planning practice, education and research.

University Lecturer, Aalto University Language Center
Area of interest: Sustainability & Education, Internationalisation, Language Education

 My area of research is in English language education and internationalization. I have had extensive experience in establishing international research collaboration and developing interdisciplinary curriculum in the UK and Finland. I support teachers and students in teaching and learning language in academic communication and developing future employability skills. My latest publication is about “”. I would like to explore opportunities for research and sharing teaching practices.

University Lecturer in Design Communication
Department of Design and Depaprtment of Art and Media, Aalto University School of ARTS
Areas of interest: Design, Culture, Media, Cultural Intermediaries 

While moving between continents and fields, I have been looking into the entanglement of the creative practice of individuals, especially designers, and their shared culture. From my doctoral research on the social role of fashion design profession () to a postdoctoral research on Creative Practices for Transformational Futures (), I have implemented research-based teaching to cultivate the evidence-based design approach for my teaching commitment to the Bachelor’s Programme in Design and Media (link). While interacting with international students, more recently, I have become more interested in the role of culture (or cultures) that situates creative practices with the pluralist view (). Through Unite!, I would love to find collaborators for my ongoing teaching or/and research.

Postdoctoral Researcher
Unit of Organizational Communications, Aalto University School of Business
Area of interest: Corporate sustainability, Business & Human Rights

My research work covers the fields of corporate sustainability and responsible business conduct, including in the conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The special interest is dedicated to the corporate behaviour of transnational companies and SMEs working in the tech, energy and retail sectors. I am looking to develop professional connections and build new teaching and research alliances on business and human rights.