Kirsi Aaltonen

Kirsi Aaltonen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Virology, and a member of the Helsinki One Health Research organization. Her work focuses on veterinary virology with emphasis on zoonotic diseases and the One Health approach connecting human, animal, and environmental health.

Dr. Aaltonen's research spans multiple critical areas of viral infections with particular emphasis on emerging pathogens. Her work includes studies on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in mink populations, avian influenza, parapoxviruses, and various other zoonotic viruses. She has made significant contributions to understanding viral transmission dynamics between animals and humans, particularly in agricultural and wildlife settings.

Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong research activity in viral transmission mechanisms, particularly focusing on SARS-CoV-2 in mink populations, avian influenza in wildlife and fur farms, and diagnostic methods for viral infections. The articles demonstrate interdisciplinary work combining virology, epidemiology, veterinary pathology, and molecular biology approaches to address emerging infectious disease threats.

Dr. Aaltonen serves as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Veterinary Medicine, contributing to the training of future veterinary researchers. She is actively involved in multiple research projects funded by various organizations including private foundations, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Research Council of Finland.