Highlights
Aalto Distinguished Professor Jukka Pekola’s message: Basic research is at the heart of progress
Department of Applied Physics Professor Jukka Pekola was appointed Aalto Distinguished Professor on September 1, 2026.
Aalto community members awarded for outstanding work
Projects and actions awarded bring Aaltonians together and embody the Aalto spirit – congratulations to all!
Associate Professor Andrea Sand appointed new head of applied physics department
Sand, a nuclear physics expert, is supported by new vice heads for research and education. All started their work on September 1, 2026.
World’s first superconducting quantum heat engine opens the path to larger quantum computers
A newly-developed superconducting quantum heat engine not only advances our understanding of thermodynamics but also enables technologies needed for high-qubit quantum computers.
Four physicists receive significant funding from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation
The grants are used to study things like overheating quantum computers and early-stage water condensation on surfaces
Record-breaking photonics approach traps light on a chip for millions of cycles
With 'nanoscale surgery' the researchers were able to sculpt delicate van der Waals materials without destroying them, achieving record-breaking performance in the process.
Physics Days 2026 gathered Finnish physicists É«É«À²
The 2026 edition of the annual conference featured talks on moiré matter, women in physics and paper cuts.
Aalto University unveils AaltoQ20 – a state-of-the-art quantum computer for educating quantum talent of the future
AaltoQ20 is a unique quantum computer that researchers can also use to study quantum phenomena and develop new technology.
Research Council of Finland establishes a Center of Excellence in Quantum Materials
The Centre, called QMAT, creates new materials to power the quantum technology of coming decades.
Research into physics of microscopically tiny organisms lands prestigious prize
Physics Professor Matilda Backholm received this year’s Väisälä award, handed out by the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters.
Future makers research batteries, cryptography and plastic recycling
The Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation awarded 3.5 million euros in research funding to eight projects, five from Aalto University.
Quantum research lands doctoral and master's thesis awards
Eric Hyyppä and Tuomas Uusnäkki received the prizes from Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland and Tekniska Föreningen i Finland.
Three new Academy Professors at Aalto University
Tuomas Hytönen, Mikko Möttönen and Aki Vehtari from the School of Science have been appointed as Academy Professors – congratulations to all!
Time crystals could power future quantum computers
A time crystal, a long-life quantum system approaching perpetual motion, has been hooked up to its environment for the first time, unlocking an intriguing way to increase quantum computational and sensing power.
Prof. Yaolin Xu’s battery research awarded prestigious energy storage prize
Track record and future potential in building better energy storage solutions landed Assistant Professor Xu the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award.
New quantum record: Transmon qubit coherence reaches millisecond threshold
The result foreshadows a leap in computational capabilities, with researchers now inviting experts around the globe to reproduce the groundbreaking measurement.
New thermal sensor presents novel way to carry out cryogenic measurements
The on-chip bolometer cuts down on costs and complexity while boasting ten times broader operational range.
Olli V. Lounasmaa Memorial Prize awarded to Prof. Andrew Cleland
Prof. Cleland’s work with micromechanical devices and qubits landed the foremost Finnish low-temperature physics prize.
Prof. Anton Zasedatelev: Light and matter in the quantum realm
The new Assistant Professor aims to develop optical computing technologies operating at the fundamental limits of speed and energy.
Doctoral thesis on nuclear fusion at over one hundred million degrees Celsius awarded European physics prize
Henri Kumpulainen's PhD thesis found out how to best predict the behaviour of fusion energy materials in temperatures of over one hundred million degrees Celsius.
