ɫɫÀ²

News

New Nobelist in Physics at Aalto

Professor Michael Kosterlitz, who is one of the three awardees, currently works at Aalto University as a Visiting Fellow.
Photo: Compic-Photos

The Nobel in Physics was awarded to Michael Kosterlitz, David Thouless and Duncan Haldane, who are researching topological phase transitions of exotic matter. Kosterlitz, who works at Brown University in the US, is one of the most internationally renowned researchers of theoretical condensed matter and statistical physics.

Kosterlitz is currently on a two-month research visit at Aalto University, where Professor Tapio Ala-Nissilä’s group at the Department of Applied Physics is researching the same field related to the prize. Kosterlitz has collaborated with many Aalto researchers and doctoral candidates since the 1990s.

‘We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the new Nobel Prize winner. Our researchers are constantly collaborating with top international research groups. It's fantastic that the Nobel Prize was awarded to Michael Kosterlitz, who is working on the same research problems as our own top physics researchers,’ says President of Aalto University Tuula Teeri.

‘Together with Michael Kosterlitz, we’ve researched surface structures and worked on a new theoretical approach for the solidification of liquid matter. We're very happy to hear that the research trio’s long-term and ground-breaking research has received such a valuable distinction,’ says Professor Tapio Ala-Nissilä.

Further information:

Tapio Ala-Nissilä
Professor
+358 40 541 2983
tapio.ala-nissila@aalto.fi

Milla Eronen
Communications Manager
+358 50 384 1785
milla.eronen@aalto.fi

(comp.aalto.fi)

Web article link to

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Primary pupils sit spaced at wooden desks in a bright classroom, facing the teacher at the front.
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

The Educational Partnership project is moving forward in Espoo – cooperation between guardians and schools is being developed through participatory methods

The two-year project explores and develops cooperation between guardians and schools using service design methods.
The awardees
Awards and Recognition Published:

Fabian and Jaakko Ahvenainen Foundation grants awarded for 2026

In 2026, the foundation awarded four grants, worth 23 000 euros in total.
Person sits by a glowing screen with pixel smile and floating heart chat bubbles between them
Press releases Published:

AI companions can comfort lonely users but may deepen distress over time

Long-term use of AI companions may give comfort, but research indicates it may negatively impact users’ wellbeing and their ability to navigate real world relationships.
Filmbot robot
Research & Art Published:

Researchers make micromanipulation more accessible

FilMBot aims to lower the barrier to high-precision work in education, research, and micro-assembly