Pirjo Laakkonen

Pirjo Laakkonen serves as a Professor and Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science at the University of Helsinki, where she also directs the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) Infrastructure. With an extensive publication record spanning from 1990 to present, she has authored 96 publications including articles, patents, and book chapters. Her research focuses on medical biotechnology and life sciences with particular emphasis on brain tumor biology.

Dr. Laakkonen's research interests center on cancer biology, specifically investigating brain tumors, glioblastoma mechanisms, and developing novel therapeutic approaches including antibody-drug conjugates. Her work has significant translational impact, as evidenced by media coverage of breakthroughs like discovering the "Achilles Heel" of glioblastoma and research showing how antihistamines might halt brain cancer in mice. Her laboratory work frequently involves molecular imaging techniques and preclinical cancer models.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on understanding tumor resistance mechanisms, developing novel imaging techniques for brain tumors, and creating targeted cancer therapeutics. The research shows particular expertise in blood-brain barrier penetration strategies and the tumor microenvironment.

• Best presentation and poster award: Discovery of Novel Biomarkers and Target Molecules (2009)
• The Best Poster Award: Brain tumor imaging using a novel peptide targeting malignant brain tumors and its receptor MDGI (2009)
• The Best Poster Award: Reactivation of the p53 pathway as a novel treatment modality for KSHV-induced lymphomas (2008)

As an academic leader, Dr. Laakkonen has supervised numerous theses, served as a dissertation supervisor and pre-examiner, and directed the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science. She leads two major research projects including the NAVIGATOR project funded by Business Finland and a cancer foundation-funded study on astrocyte transformation. Her laboratory work utilizes the Laboratory Animal Center infrastructure which she directs. Dr. Laakkonen maintains an active research profile with significant media engagement, having been featured in 16 media appearances including coverage in Daily Health News Bulletin and reports on major breakthroughs in brain cancer treatment.