Systems Analysis Laboratory
Department of Mathematics and Systems Analysis, School of Science
Systems Analysis Laboratory was established by emeritus professor Raimo P. Hämäläinen in 1984 under the professorship of applied mathematics at the Helsinki University of Technology which became part of Aalto University in 2010. Currently, the full-time professors of the Laboratory are (in alphabetical order) Ahti Salo, Philine Schiewe and Kai Virtanen. Part-time faculty members Harri Ehtamo (professor emeritus), Raimo P. Hämäläinen (professor emeritus), Risto Lahdelma (part-time), Afzal Siddiqui (adjunct professor), and Steven Gabriel (adjunct professor).
The research interests of the laboratory cover the field of systems sciences comprehensively, ranging from the mathematical theories and algorithms of optimization, control, and decision-making to the development of decision-support tools for energy markets, climate change, maintenance and operation of safety-critical systems, healthcare services, and military operations research. The problems are analyzed with a balanced engineering-economic systems approach. The laboratory also has a long tradition in studying systems intelligence and applied philosophy in human organizations.
As a university institution, the laboratory is unique in Finland. It is responsible for the undergraduate major in Mathematics and Systems Sciences for students of Engineering Physics and Mathematics (Bachelor's programme) and for the graduate MSc major in Systems and Operations Research in Master's programme Mathematics and Operations Research. We also offer general courses in optimization, simulation, decision and risk analysis, investment science, and mathematical modelling. The laboratory coordinates the national Doctoral Education Network in Systems Analysis, Decision Making, and Risk Management.
See also
- Bachelor Major in Mathematics and Systems Sciences
- Master's Programme in Mathematics and Operations Research
- Doctoral Education Network in Systems Analysis, Decision Making and Risk Management
- Finnish Operations Research Society
- Aalto Centre for Operations Research = ACOR
- Aalto Systems Forum
- Behavioural Operational Research
News and Events
- Defence of Doctoral Thesis in the Field of Systems and Operations Research, MSc. Nadine-Cyra Freistetter
Published: 24.11.2025Nadine-Cyra Freistetter will defend her doctoral thesis "Long-term scenario modelling for sustainable climate change mitigation and adaption" on 5 December 2025 at 12:00 in lecture hall M1.
The event can be viewed remotely here: https://aalto.zoom.us/j/64704626518
Read more - A Public Lecture by Prof. Michael Obersteiner
Published: 17.11.2025Professor Michael Obersteiner will give a public lecture about "Land use systems analysis – Quo Vadis" on 4 December 2025 at 16:15 - 17:15 (Finnish time) in Aalto University Hall U7 PWC (U135a), Otakaari 1, Espoo. See more details here: https://sal.aalto.fi/en/research/aaltosystemsforum/land-use-systems-analysis-quo-vadis/
Read more - Defence of Doctoral Thesis in the Field of Systems and Operations Research, MSc. Tuomas Rintamäki
Published: 09.04.2025Tuomas Rintamäki will defend his doctoral thesis "Optimization and time-series models for large-scale integration of variable renewable energy sources" on 25 April 2025 at 12:00 in lecture hall H304.Read more - A Public Lecture by Prof. Ramteen Sioshansi
Published: 09.04.2025Professor Ramteen Sioshansi will give a public lecture about "Technology and Market-Design Challenges to Decarbonize Electricity Systems" on 24 April 2025 at 16:30 - 17:30 (Finnish time) in Aalto University Hall U7 PWC (U135a), Otakaari 1, Espoo. See more details here: https://sal.aalto.fi/en/research/aaltosystemsforum/technology-and-market-design-challenges-to-decarbonize-electricity-systems/
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