معرفی
Johanna Ivaska is Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at Turku Bioscience Center, University of Turku (tenured since 2015) and K. Albin Johansson Research Professor at the Finnish Cancer Institute (2021-2025). She also serves as Affiliate Professor at University of Glasgow (2022-2024). As Principal Investigator since 2003, she leads the Cell and Adhesion and Cancer group, training over 60 researchers across 15 current international team members.
Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms in cancer biology with expertise in:
- Cancer metastasis and extracellular matrix interactions
- Integrin-mediated cell adhesion and migration pathways
- Advanced light microscopy applications
- Translational cancer therapeutics development
She has secured substantial research funding including ERC Starting, Consolidator, and multiple Proof of Concept grants. Current projects include directing the Centre of Excellence BarrierForce (1.7M€, 2022-2026) and leading a Finnish Foundation project (990,000€, 2023-2026), totaling 4.41M€ in active funding.
Honors and scientific recognition:
- EMBO Council membership and EMBO Member status
- Prestigious national prizes including A.I. Virtanen Prize
- ERC grants at multiple career stages
- International awards like Anders Jahre Prize
She directs an active research laboratory investigating anti-KRAS therapies and holds patents from translational discoveries. Additionally, she serves on editorial boards, conference committees (AACR, ABCD), and champions women in science initiatives.
