Department of Applied Physics

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Our research focuses on materials physics, quantum technology, soft and living matter, and advanced energy solutions. Topics extend from fundamental research to important applications. Department of Applied Physics educates future generations of research and development professionals, data specialists, technology experts, inventors, and scientists for industry and society.

The department hosts the Academy of Finland Centres of Excellence Quantum Technology Finland (QTF, 2018-2025) and Life Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER, 2022-2029). Further quantum technologies are facilitated by the national quantum institute – InstituteQ, coordinated by Aalto University since 2021.

The department is a major user of the national research infrastructure OtaNano that provides fabrication, characterisation and measurement equipment and facilities for students, scientists and high-tech businesses. The Nanomicroscopy Center and the Low Temperature Laboratory of OtaNano are critical assets for our researchers. We extensively utilise and contribute to the development of the national and international cloud and supercomputing resources and databases.

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Press releases Published:

More durable airplanes and buildings possible after physicists untangle engineering paradox

A team of researchers combined statistical physics and fracture mechanics to explain why cracks and faults travel faster when stress in materials is allowed to relax once in a while.
Artistic representation of hydrogels in a mobius-ring formed through self-healing by Margot Lepetit, Aalto University.
Press releases Published:

Researchers create gel that can self-heal like human skin

Until now, artificial gels have either managed to replicate this high stiffness or natural skin’s self-healing properties, but not both. Now, a team of researchers from Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth are the first to develop a hydrogel with a unique structure that overcomes earlier limitations, opening the door to applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, soft robotics sensors and artificial skin.
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Awards and Recognition Published:

Surface repelling different kinds of drops and fog lands Innovation Prize at Department of Applied Physics

The team plans to find industrial partners for their environmentally friendly and scalable hydrophobic surface.
A reflective metallic sphere causing ripple waves on a dotted surface, with the text 'ultraSound' and 'plasmonic waves'.
Press releases Published:

Record-speed waves on extremely water-repellent surfaces

An interdisciplinary team of physicists and biomedical engineers unlocked new properties in capillary waves thanks to superhydrophobicity.
A person in a tweed jacket stands in front of a whiteboard covered in diagrams. Next to them is intricate gold machinery.
Press releases Published:

Professor Päivi Törmä and the SuperC consortium pursue room-temperature superconductivity with quantum geometry and AI

Professor Päivi Törmä and the SuperC consortium aim to realize the energy-saving reality of superconductors operating at higher temperatures than near-absolute zero.
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Cooperation Published:

Year of Quantum 2025: What does this global declaration mean for Finland?

The year of 2025 marks a significant step forward for quantum technology research and development both in Finland and beyond.
Kuvassa vasemmalta oikealle Petrus Mikkola, Jane Seppälä, Kim Myyryläinen, Sakari Lepikko ja Eric Hyyppä
Awards and Recognition Published:

School of Science awards outstanding doctoral and master's theses

Doctoral Thesis Award was granted to Eric Hyyppä, Sakari Lepikko, Kim Myyryläinen, Jane Seppälä, Julia Jaatela, Petrus Mikkola, Shuzhe Wang and Ana Triana Hoyos. Master's theses award was received by Matteo Merler, Aapo Pajala and Tuomas Uusnäkki.
A person with long, brown hair is holding a glass frame
Awards and Recognition Published:

Surface repelling different kinds of drops and fog lands Innovation Prize at Department of Applied Physics

The team plans to find industrial partners for their environmentally friendly and scalable hydrophobic surface.
Two images of a cracked wall, the left one light grey and the right one dark grey.
Press releases Published:

More durable airplanes and buildings possible after physicists untangle engineering paradox

A team of researchers combined statistical physics and fracture mechanics to explain why cracks and faults travel faster when stress in materials is allowed to relax once in a while.
Artistic representation of hydrogels in a mobius-ring formed through self-healing by Margot Lepetit, Aalto University.
Press releases Published:

Researchers create gel that can self-heal like human skin

Until now, artificial gels have either managed to replicate this high stiffness or natural skin’s self-healing properties, but not both. Now, a team of researchers from Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth are the first to develop a hydrogel with a unique structure that overcomes earlier limitations, opening the door to applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, soft robotics sensors and artificial skin.

Logo of the PHYS Diversity Team in Aalto colours

Department of Applied Physics Diversity Team

The Diversity Team of the Department of Applied Physics aims to build an inclusive, diverse and welcoming work environment

Department of Applied Physics
Life at the campus.

Careers at Aalto

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We are an international community of 20,000 bold thinkers who shape a sustainable future with education, research breakthroughs and innovative ideas and solutions. Join us in changing the world – we have many attractive career opportunities to offer.

The goal at InstituteQ is to improve the readiness of Finland for the disruptive potential quantum technologies will have for society and the economy at large. By 2026, novel educational programs, growing quantum industry and eminent research directions are expected to be in full motion. The efforts of InstituteQ facilitate fundamental scientific findings, the adoption of novel technologies and the development of new commercial opportunities. The aim is to carry, implement and mutually benefit front line education, research, innovations, and infrastructures.

Logo with the word 'InstituteQ' featuring a gold and black circular design, on a white textured background.

InstituteQ - The Finnish Quantum Institute (external link)

InstituteQ coordinates quantum research, education, and business in Finland

QTF-hero logo

Quantum Technology Finland – The National Centre of Excellence (external link)

The national Quantum Technology Finland (QTF) Centre of Excellence brings together scientific and technological excellence and cutting-edge research infrastructures to harness quantum phenomena in solid-state-based quantum devices and applications.

A map of Finland sits on top of an artistic illustration of small-scale circuits.

Aalto University to coordinate Finnish quantum initiatives in latest national flagship programme

The flagship unites dozens of research institutions, companies, and startups in new collaborative front

News
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For Aalto community IT & digital tools

Aalto IT Thursday News 3 April 2025 at 10 - 11

Every month Aalto IT presents current topics of general interest for all Aalto community.
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Students

Mechatronic Circus 2025

The sure sign of spring, the Mechatronic Circus, is here again for the 15th time! On Thursday 3.4.2025 you can learn about smart devices built by students, participate in demonstration tours, and see the latest results from the research projects!
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Information sessions, Students

Sharing your results: Researcher visibility and media engagement

Info session for doctoral students on enhancing their visibility as a researcher.
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Lectures and seminars

Nanotalo building

Puumiehenkuja 2

Nanotalo

Kide

Konemiehentie 1

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Micronova

Tietotie 3

Micronova cleanroom kuva: Aino Huovio
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