Sanna Toppila Salmi

Professor Sanna Toppila Salmi, MD, is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in airway diseases. She holds dual appointments at the University of Helsinki and University of Eastern Finland (Kuopio), where she serves as Professor of Otolaryngology within the Clinical Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences. Professor Toppila-Salmi leads the Airway Research Group, which she founded in 2005, and serves as a supervisor for both the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine and the Doctoral Programme in Population Health. She is also affiliated with the HUS Inflammation Center and has extensive collaborations across European research networks.

Professor Toppila-Salmi's research program focuses on identifying clinical and molecular factors to improve prediction and treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic airway diseases. Her work spans several key areas including NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD), asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, tongue cancer, and sleep apnea. The Airway Research Group employs advanced methodologies including next-generation sequencing, metabolomics, and machine learning to analyze data from clinical cohorts and randomized trials, bridging the gap between basic science and clinical application.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity and impact, with numerous high-quality publications appearing in top journals. Analysis of her recent work reveals a strong focus on translational research with immediate clinical applications, particularly in personalized treatment approaches for complex airway conditions. Her studies often incorporate Finnish population data, leveraging the unique characteristics of this population for genetic and epidemiological insights.

Professor Toppila-Salmi has received recognition for her contributions to the field, serving as Associate Editor of the journal Rhinology and previously as Chair of the ENT Section of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). She actively participates in developing international clinical guidelines and position papers through organizations like EAACI and EUFOREA.

As an educator and mentor, Professor Toppila-Salmi has supervised eight PhD theses to completion and is currently guiding ten doctoral students. She maintains an active research program with multiple ongoing projects funded by various foundations, enabling her to continue advancing our understanding of airway diseases and developing improved diagnostic and treatment approaches.

The Airway Research Group maintains active collaborations with institutions across Europe, participating in multiple international research networks including the MASK-air study. These partnerships enhance the scope and impact of the group's research, allowing for larger studies and broader validation of findings across diverse populations.