Lehtimäki Terho

Terho Lehtimäki is a Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Chemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology. He also serves as Chief Physician at Fimlab Laboratories, a major clinical laboratory in Finland. His academic roles include being a docent in medical biochemistry and clinical chemistry, and he holds an eMBA degree. His research focuses on cardiovascular disease biomarkers, atherosclerosis, omics technologies, and genetic/epigenetic factors influencing complex traits. He leads major studies like the Tampere Vascular Study and contributes to over 35 international consortia. With 1200+ peer-reviewed publications and an H-index of 147, his work has driven discoveries in over 5000 genetic variants. Notable recognitions include membership in Academia Europaea and the University of Tampere Science Prize.

Education & Career

• MD/PhD (1992)
• Docent in Medical Biochemistry (1996, University of Tampere)
• Docent in Clinical Chemistry (2003, University of Eastern Finland)
• eMBA (2013)

Research Interests

• Cardiovascular biomarkers for risk prediction
• Omics-based systems biology approaches
• Functional genetics of complex traits
• Epigenetic inheritance mechanisms
• Multimodal cohort studies (e.g., Young Finns Study)

Publications & Impact His work spans Nature, Science, and NEJM, with key contributions to understanding atherosclerosis biology, genetic risk factors, and clinical translation of omics data. Recent trends emphasize multi-omics integration and precision medicine applications.

Awards & Leadership

• Over €15M in grant funding
• 3 spin-off companies
• Scientific leadership roles in >35 international initiatives
• Reviewer for 50+ journals and 15 funding agencies

Teaching & Mentorship Trained over 60 PhD/MSc students, many now leading academic and clinical roles. Active in problem-based learning methodologies at Tampere University's Center of Excellence.

Labs & Teams Directs the Clinical Chemistry Department's research group, collaborating closely with Fimlab Laboratories and international networks like the European Eye Consortium.