Charting a Sustainable Future: Aalto University Researchers Win Nessling Foundation Grants for Eco-Innovations

In a notable advancement for environmental research, the Nessling Foundation has allocated a significant 2.6 million euros to 28 projects in its 2023 general funding call, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability. Among the recipients are four researchers from Aalto University's School of Engineering, distinguishing themselves in a highly competitive field of 393 project submissions.

The funded projects at Aalto University demonstrate an impressive array of environmental solutions, addressing critical global challenges:

1. Láng-Ritter Josias, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Built Environment, leads the OpenWaters project. It focuses on leveraging open information and tools for the management of transboundary water bodies, a vital resource often challenged by geopolitical complexities.
2. Kateryna Tsytlishvili, also a postdoc in the Department of Civil Engineering, is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to inactivate antibiotics in wastewater. Her project integrates biosorption with advanced oxidation processes, particularly crucial for cold regions where wastewater treatment poses unique challenges.
3. Simo Pekkinen, a doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering, is delving into the practical challenges and scaling of green hydrogen storage. His research is pivotal for the hydrogen economy, exploring sustainable energy storage solutions that could revolutionize energy systems.
4. Nicolette Slagle, another doctoral candidate from the Department of Built Environment, is focusing on the citizen participation in the remediation of contaminated land. This project underscores the importance of community involvement in environmental restoration, a key factor for successful and sustainable land management.

These projects were particularly lauded for their integration of research into broader sustainability breakthroughs within the constraints of natural systems. Tsytlishvili's and Pekkinen's projects, for instance, exemplify innovative approaches to wastewater treatment and energy storage, respectively.