Kari Alitalo

Kari Alitalo is an Academy Professor and Research Director at HUS Radiology and Pathology, University of Helsinki. He serves as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science and the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine. Alitalo directs the CAN-PRO - Translational Cancer Medicine Program and has led the Cancer Biology Research Programme at the University of Helsinki since 1999.

His research primarily focuses on blood and lymphatic vessel growth factors with applications in cancer treatment and cardiovascular diseases. Alitalo's work spans angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, molecular biology, and translational medicine. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding vascular endothelial growth factors and their therapeutic applications.

Alitalo's publication record shows consistent productivity with approximately 670 research outputs. His recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued focus on lymphatic system biology, vascular growth factors, and their therapeutic applications in cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The publications reveal a strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis, tumor angiogenesis, and potential therapeutic interventions.

• A.I. Virtanen Prize (2013)
• Biomedicum Helsinki lecture and Medal (2010)
• Eric K Fernström Foundation's Nordic Prize (2005)
• Finnish Science Prize (2013)
• Louis-Jeantet Prize For Medicine (2006)

Professor Alitalo has supervised numerous doctoral students, with 52 dissertation supervisor or co-supervisor activities documented. He currently leads multiple active research projects including Cancer Foundation 2025/Alitalo, Biocenter Finland FIRI2023, and Juselius 2023-2026. His research group continues to explore vascular biology with significant implications for cancer treatment and cardiovascular medicine.