Lauri Aaltonen

Lauri Aaltonen is a Professor of Tumor Genomics at the University of Helsinki Faculty of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence in Tumor Genetics Research (2018–2025), Vice Scientific Director of the iCAN national flagship project (2019–22), and Visiting PI at Karolinska Institute (2020–24). Previously, he directed the Genome Scale Biology Research Program (2009–18) and held roles such as Academy Professor (2002–07, 2008–17, 2019).

• Degrees: PhD (University of Helsinki, 1994), MD (University of Helsinki, 1989), Licensed Physician (1991), Docent in Medical Molecular Genetics (1996).

A leading figure in tumor genetics and hereditary cancer syndromes, Aaltonen’s research bridges molecular genetics, genomics, and clinical oncology. His work focuses on identifying genetic mutations driving cancer predisposition and tumor development, particularly in colorectal cancer and uterine leiomyomas.

His publications span 360 works (h-index 95) and include high-impact studies in Science and NEJM, such as:

• Discovering MED12 mutations in uterine fibroids (2011)
• Linking H2A.Z deficiency to leiomyoma genesis (2021)
• Classifying molecular subtypes of fibroids for treatment response (2023)

His research often integrates next-generation sequencing and molecular classification to advance noninvasive diagnostics and personalized therapies.

Scientific Awards:

• ERC Advanced Grant (2011–16, 2016–21)
• Matti Äyräpää Prize (2006)
• Anders Jahre Medical Prize (2000)
• European Association for Cancer Research Young Researcher Award (1998)
• Pharmacia Biotech Prize (1995)

Aaltonen has supervised 38 doctoral thesis projects, 17 of which received distinction (top 10% in the Faculty of Medicine), with 8 ongoing. His patents include methods for diagnosing juvenile polyposis and prognostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer. He also contributes to translational research through leadership roles in national and international consortia.