Satu Mustjoki

Satu Mustjoki is a Professor of Translational Hematology at the University of Helsinki and Scientific Director of the iCAN national R&D flagship. She serves as Director of the Translational Immunology Research Program and Head of Department at the Helsinki University Central Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her work bridges cutting-edge research with clinical applications in hematological malignancies and immune disorders.

Dr. Mustjoki earned her MD in 1997 and PhD with Honor in 2001 from the University of Helsinki, followed by specialization in Clinical Chemistry (2008) and appointment as Adjunct Professor in Experimental Hematology (2011). Her educational journey reflects a strong foundation in both clinical medicine and basic research.

Her research focuses on the intersection of hematology, immunology, and cancer biology, with particular emphasis on leukemia pathogenesis, immune responses in blood cancers, and translational applications. She has made groundbreaking discoveries including STAT3 mutations in T-LGL leukemia (now incorporated into WHO disease classification), immunological off-target effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and novel autoantibodies in aplastic anemia. Her work employs advanced techniques including single-cell genomics, immunoprofiling, and drug sensitivity testing to understand disease mechanisms and develop targeted therapies.

Dr. Mustjoki's research has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the ERC Consolidator grant (2015), ERC Proof-of-Concept award (2019), City of Helsinki Science Award (2020), and the Medix Prize of the Minerva Foundation (2024) for best Life Science publication. She has secured substantial funding from diverse sources including the European Research Council, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Academy of Finland, and multiple national foundations.

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Mustjoki has supervised over 20 PhD students (many with honors) and currently guides 13 ongoing doctoral projects. She has served in leadership roles including Vice Director of the Doctoral Program in Biomedicine and Board Member of the MD/PhD Program at the University of Helsinki, shaping the next generation of physician-scientists.

Her laboratory, part of the Translational Immunology Research Program, integrates multiple research teams focusing on immunogenomics of hematological malignancies, single-cell analysis of immune responses, and development of novel therapeutic approaches. The iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship she directs represents a major national initiative to advance cancer care through digital health and precision medicine approaches.