Aalto University

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Aalto University^[1] (Finnish: Aalto-yliopisto, formerly Aalto-korkeakoulu, Swedish: Aalto-universitetet, formerly Aalto-högskolan) is a Finnish university to be established in January 1, 2010, when the Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and University of Art and Design Helsinki are officially merged. The former universities do, however, continue to exist as subunits or Schools within the university. Aalto University is named in honor of the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto was known for his ability to combine industry and design, which manifested itself especially during his career at the Ahlstrom Corporation. The goal of the university is to, by 2020, become one of the leading institutions in the world in terms of research and education in specific focal areas.

The Finnish Minister of Education at the time, Ms. Sari Sarkomaa, and representatives of the other founders, signed the Aalto University charter on June 25, 2008 in Helsinki. A seven member Board was announced on August 15, 2008: Dr. Matti Alahuhta (CEO, Kone Oyj), Robert A. Brown (President, Boston University), Anne Brunila (President and CEO, Finnish Forest Industries Federation), Prof. Bengt Holmström (MIT), Prof. Marja Makarow (Univ. Helsinki, ERC), Prof. Saku Mantere (Hanken School of Economics) and Anna Valtonen (Senior Design Manager, Nokia Oyj).

Prof. Tuula Teeri was selected by the Board to be the first President of Aalto University.

The first student-run organization related to Aalto University - Aalto Entrepreneurship Society - was established January 2009.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Aalto University
• Charter of Foundation for Aalto University Signed
• Merger with innovation at its heart - An article by Financial Times (published March 29, 2009)