Vivek Sharma

Vivek Sharma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Helsinki, holding dual roles as a supervisor for doctoral programs in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and Materials Research and Nanosciences. He is affiliated with the Institute of Biotechnology and holds the title of Docent in Physics. His research focuses on computational and experimental studies of mitochondrial bioenergetics, particularly respiratory complex I and Mrp antiporter systems. He employs molecular dynamics simulations, cryo-electron microscopy, and quantum chemistry to investigate proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms, redox reactions, and structural dynamics in bioenergetic proteins.

Sharma’s research spans computational biology (e.g., hybrid QM/MM simulations), biochemistry (post-translational modifications, enzyme inhibition), and biophysics (protein-lipid interactions, proton channels). His projects include studying cold adaptation mechanisms, oncogenic mutations in mitochondrial proteins, and drug design targeting respiratory complexes. He has secured significant funding from institutions like the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, supporting projects like 'Sharma JAES 2025-2028' (€399,999) and 'Jusélius/Sharma 2024' (€130,000).

His contributions include over 100 peer-reviewed publications, including articles on quinone dynamics, proton transfer pathways, and structural biology of mitochondrial enzymes. Sharma actively supervises doctoral theses and participates in academic activities such as peer review, conference organization, and mentoring. His work has garnered media attention for breakthroughs like discovering hydrogen-bonding roles in mitochondrial diseases and membrane shaping by bioenergetic complexes.