Laboratory of Hope
Our new exhibition is full of hope
Are you tired of bad news?
The Laboratory of Hope exhibition presents ideas for a brighter future from 5th February to 27th March 2026
The continuous flow of bad news has led to exceptionally low expectations for the future. Nevertheless, there is hope.
At Aalto University's Laboratory of Hope exhibition, 16 members of the Aalto community share what hope means to them and how they express it through art, research, entrepreneurship, and a supportive community. The results may include more equitable fashion, next-generation of bio-based materials, quantum wonders, and health-enhancing AI solutions. Promising inventions give rise to businesses and jobs, as well as entirely new industries.
Higher education remains the most reliable way to secure a better future for oneself. According to the OECD's Education at a Glance 2025 , approximately half (48%) of young adults in OECD countries attain higher education, achieving on average higher incomes, more stable employment, and better health. In Finland, only 39% of young adults have a higher education degree.
Laboratory of Hope showcases the vast array of career paths and dreams that studying and working at a university can offer. The exhibition, displayed in the Marsio building located in the heart of the Aalto University Â鶹´«Ã½, is free of charge and aimed particularly at young people considering what they want to do in the future. Laboratory of Hope seeks to provide visitors with insights into how each of us can collaboratively build a more hopeful future.
In addition to personal talks on hope, the exhibition also features seven art pieces from the Saastamoinen Foundation collection, light and sound installations by alum Niko Tiainen, a model of an icebreaker from the Rauma shipyard, historical research equipment from the Aalto University archives, and seaweed works by design students.
What drives people to work towards seemingly impossible goals?
'The question of what might exist that doesn't yet is incredibly fascinating for a researcher.
During my career, I've witnessed ideas that seemed impossible five years ago become reality through collective effort, and that gives me hope.'
Jose Lado, Assistant Professor of Quantum Materials Engineering
'Members of the Aalto community are very aware of global events and are incredibly proactive in pushing things forward. They are passionate about advancing causes and fighting for what is important.
There can be no hope without being passionate about something.'
Enni Lähderinne, Master of Arts, Young Designer of the Year 2025
'My research has shown, among other things, that older entrepreneurs are exceptionally innovative and that starting a business is the career move that most improves quality of life in later years.
I hope that in 20 years' time, entrepreneurship will be recognised as an important catalyst for societal and economic change, accessible to everyone.'
Ewald Kibler, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship
'Sustainable forestry must achieve its current value with reduced logging. This is the only way to secure the carbon sinks and natural value of forests for future generations.
Research gives me hope: it constantly enhances our understanding of the potential of wood.
Young researchers are also a source of hope. They are so wise and energetic that they will undoubtedly find ways to save the world.'
Monika Österberg, Professor of Bioproduct Chemistry
'Life is, ultimately, quite fragile. There are always varying threats, such as those related to climate change or wars.
Once you've accepted this, you can consider what you can do personally, whether you're steering things in a better direction. In my courses, I strive to teach an attitude of acceptance and active, energetic involvement.'
Frank Martela, Associate Professor of Philosophy, researcher of the preconditions for a good life
'If we just sit and wait for technology to be invented that will soon make everything green, it is disempowering.
But there could also be a different kind of hope, an empowering hope that makes one want to live in a way that doesn't exploit one's own or other people's natural resources."
Johanna Ahola-Launonen, Academy Research Fellow
- Johanna Ahola-Launonen, Academy Research Fellow, School of Business
- Owein Iveson, Student, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Ewald Kibler, Associate Professor, School of Business
- Jose Lado, Assistant Professor, School of Science
- Sophia Lee Teatini, Student, School of Electrical Engineering
- Julia Lohmann, Professor, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Enni Lähderinne, Master of Arts and Young Designer of the Year, School of Arts, Design and Architecture
- Frank Martela, Associate Professor, School of Science
- Heikki Nieminen, Professor, School of Science
- Jenni Partanen, Associate Professor, School of Engineering
- Merita Petäjä, Psychologist, Aalto University
- Vilma Ristikangas, Doctoral Researcher, School of Engineering
- Ali Salloum, Doctoral Researcher, School of Science
- Ashish Thapliyal, Doctoral Researcher, School of Science
- Jiancheng Yang, Associate Professor, ELLIS Institute and School of Electrical Engineering
- Monika Österberg, Professor, School of Chemical Engineering
Art pieces from the Saastamoinen Foundation Art collection from EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art:
- Ari Pelkonen, In a Bright Landscape, 2023.
- Ismo Hölttö, Skibotn, Norway, 1967.
- Ismo Hölttö, Myllypuro, Helsinki, 1967.
- Heli Rekula, Surplus I.
- Elina Brotherus: from the series Études d'après modèle, danseurs: Deux danseuses posant chez une photographe.
- Tiina Itkonen: Agatannguaq, 2002.
Seaweed course works from the Department of Design:
- "Barnicle" 2025, seaweed paper, wood by students: Viivi Hirvikangas, Olli Majalahti, and Yudai Toyama
- Ritual, Rites of Passage 2024. Algae, natural materials, and photographs by students: Seoyoung Lee, Vladimir von Arx, Ariane Carde and Jonn Rutanen
- Wig, 2024, algae by professor Julia Lohmann
And also light and sound installations by alum Niko Tiainen, a shipmodel from the Rauma Marine Constructions, and historical research equipment from the Aalto University archives.
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