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An Aalto graduate Antti Valkonen, MSc Techn from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has received the Björn Savén Finnish American Scholarship of 2020 for post-graduate studies in the US. The EUR 35 000 scholarship will support Valkonen's doctoral studies at the Princeton University Graduate School.

27-year-old Antti Valkonen from Helsinki intends to reach the doctorate degree: “I want to explore the latest scientific knowledge from the United States. My special area is digital monitoring of building and structure condition, bridges in particular, and its economy. My thesis also includes elements from Economics and Social Sciences.”

Mr Björn Savén from Sweden founded the scholarship in 2001 specifically to support studies of talented Finnish graduates at the best American universities. The scholarship was first awarded by the European private equity firm Industri Kapital, founded by Mr. Savén. In 2012 Mr. Savén began to finance the scholarship personally. The scholarship is administered by the League of Finnish American Societies. Antti Valkonen is the 18th Finnish post-graduate student to be supported with the scholarship.

Further information:

Antti Valkonen, valkonen@princeton.edu

Björn Savén, bjorn.saven@ikinvest.com

Björn Savén is the founder and a long-time Chairman of Industri Kapital (now IK Investment Partners). Since its foundation in 1989, its funds have raised around EUR 13 billion of capital, mainly invested in SMEs in the Nordic countries, Benelux, France, England and German-speaking Europe Among its major investments of the IK in Finland has been Konecranes, which developed into a world-leading company in its sector. Besides the scholarships given to students, Mr. Savén has also supported Aalto University.