Timo Partonen

Timo Partonen is a Research Professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), where he serves as Vice Head of the Mental Health team and leads research on mental health, sleep, and circadian rhythms. He is also the Chair of the national network for coordination of suicide prevention.

His research focuses on the impact of depression, insomnia, and winter blues on population health, with a particular emphasis on circadian rhythms and light exposure. His team has identified circadian abnormalities in winter depression and demonstrated the efficacy of timed light therapy. They were the first to map chronotype-health associations at the population level and have contributed to lighting policy discussions. Current projects include CHAMPS (Climate change and Health: Adapting to Mental, Physical and Societal challenges), funded by the Academy of Finland.

With over 700 publications, including 295 original research articles and 58 reviews, his work spans psychiatry, public health, sleep medicine, and chronobiology. His research trends show a consistent focus on mood disorders, sleep regulation, seasonal patterns, and their public health implications.

• Research Professor, THL (since 2013)
• Chief Physician, THL (2009–2013)
• Academy Research Fellow (2004–2009)
• Senior Researcher and Chief Physician, National Public Health Institute (1998–2008)

He has received research funding from the Academy of Finland for multiple projects, including studies on the genetic etiology of bipolar disorder and molecular mechanisms of seasonal depression. He mentors students and collaborates widely, though specific advisees are not listed.

He is affiliated with THL’s Mental Health team and leads the national suicide prevention network. His work integrates clinical psychiatry with population-level research to improve mental well-being in Finland.