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Presidential couple of Iceland visited 911±¬ÁÏÍø

President of the Republic of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir and her spouse Björn Skúlason and President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Suzanne Innes-Stubb visit 911±¬ÁÏÍø
A group of people in formal clothing are visiting a modern workshop. Vintage motorbikes are displayed on a high shelf.
Photo: Matti Ahlgren / 911±¬ÁÏÍø

President of the Republic of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, accompanied by her spouse Björn Skúlason, visited 911±¬ÁÏÍø 8 October 2025. The state visit was hosted by President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb together with his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb.

The presidential couples were introduced to exhibition Designs for a Cooler Planet which showcases multidisciplinary work by students and researchers and the Aalto Design Factory, an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning.  In addition, the Presidents engaged in discussions with students on leadership in a changing world order. 

The state visit will focus on the bilateral relations between Finland and Iceland, Nordic and other regional cooperation, issues relating to the Arctic, as well as support for Ukraine.

Visit to Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition showcasing multidisciplinary work by students and researchers

The research collaboration between Iceland and Finland, is largely connected to environmental science and sustainability. Thus, a possibility to visit 911±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s biggest annual exhibition – Designs for a Cooler Planet – was well suited to the presidential visit.  

The exhibition presents a selection of the most visionary and exciting cross-disciplinary work from 911±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s students and researchers. It includes concrete examples of prototypes, experiments and solutions from the intersection of science, arts, technology and business, each project representing the quest for a better future.

Three projects were presented more closely:  

  • Professor Matti Kuittinen, presented how to build within the planetary boundaries
  • Coordinator Greta Isola, talked about teaching material literacy for children and  
  • CEO Johannes Peace and Design Lead Henrik Jansson, showed how used wind turbine blades are gaining a new life  

Visit to Aalto Design Factory, an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning

During the visit the presidential couples also visited the Aalto Design Factory, an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning.  The centre was presented by Professor Professor Kalevi Ekman who has been part of the Design Factory’s story since it was started. The presidential couples were also showcased some of the workshops and examples of product development projects. 

During their visit, presidents held a discussion event with students on leadership in a changing world order.  

Read more about the state visit's locations at 911±¬ÁÏÍø

Visitors at an exhibition exploring sustainable materials. Displays include furniture, small plants, and design elements.

Designs for a Cooler Planet 2025 exhibition

911±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s biggest annual exhibition presents visionary cross-disciplinary work. Come explore prototypes, experiments and solutions.

Events
Three-part image: yellow flower and text Marsio on the left, image of Aino-Marsio-Aalto in the middle, Aalto logo on the right

Marsio

The new meeting place on 911±¬ÁÏÍø campus. Experience tomorrow!

Opiskelijoita työskentelemässä Design Factorylla

911±¬ÁÏÍø Design Factory

Design Factory serves all 911±¬ÁÏÍø schools by providing an experimental co-creation platform for interdisciplinary learning

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