Nonappa Nonappa is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences since 2020. With a multidisciplinary background spanning organic chemistry, supramolecular systems, nanoparticle self-assembly, and advanced electron microscopy, he leads research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications. PhD in Organic Chemistry (IISc Bangalore, 2008) Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy (Aalto University, 2017) Executive MBA (Quantic School, 2020) Research focuses on bio-based optical materials using nanocellulose for sustainable photonics, breast cancer models via lab-on-a-chip systems, and precision nanomaterials through tailored self-assembly mechanisms. His team develops 3D extracellular matrices for cancer tissue culture and plasmonic nanodevices for photonic applications. Recent publications highlight gold/silver nanocluster assemblies (43+ citations in 2021-2025), electron tomography for structural analysis, and metastasis modeling systems. Key awards include Italy's Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018) and Aalto University's Docent title (2017).
Jouni Hirvonen is a Professor in the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Pharmacy. He serves as Supervisor for doctoral programmes in both the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research and the Doctoral Programme in Materials Research and Nanosciences. With an extensive publication record spanning over three decades, Hirvonen has contributed 384 research outputs and participated in 3 major research projects. His research interests focus on pharmaceutical technology, particularly in drug delivery systems, nanoparticles, and drug dissolution and absorption. His work bridges pharmaceutical chemistry with cutting-edge nanotechnology applications, developing innovative delivery systems for therapeutic agents. His research spans from fundamental pharmaceutical sciences to translational applications in regenerative medicine, immunotherapy, and cardiovascular pharmacology. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced drug delivery platforms, particularly utilizing nanoparticles, lipid-based systems, and biomaterials for targeted delivery. His work increasingly integrates microfluidic technology for precise nanoparticle preparation, with applications spanning cancer immunotherapy, cardiovascular repair, tendon regeneration, and inflammatory disease treatment. The trend shows a growing emphasis on combination therapies, RNA delivery, and cell-mediated drug delivery approaches. Hirvonen has received several prestigious awards throughout his career: CRS/Eurand Grand Prize Award on Innovations in Oral Drug Delivery Technologies (2007) Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun Ritarikunnan I luokan ritarimerkki (2013) The Young Scientist in the University of Kuopio (1993) University of Helsinki Quality Teaching Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy (2005) Visiting Professor award (2015) With 25 instances of supervising doctoral theses and numerous academic activities including conference organization, committee memberships, and editorial work, Hirvonen has made significant contributions to academic mentorship and institutional development. His research has been supported by projects including Generation Green, 3i REGENERATION, and IVIVRe. His work appears to involve collaboration with multiple research teams focusing on drug delivery applications across various therapeutic areas.
Lauri Rautkari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems at Aalto University, Finland. His research focuses on water interactions in biomaterials, particularly wood, with an emphasis on developing advanced analytical methods for water vapor sorption, creating novel low-sorption materials, and investigating hygroscopicity and fungal decay resistance in modified wood systems. Research Highlights: Gas-phase ozone treatment for improved wettability, thermal and chemical wood modification, hyperspectral imaging for moisture prediction, bioinspired coatings for fungal protection, and interlaboratory studies on sorption data quality. Recent Publications: Key contributions to understanding lignin's role in moisture interactions, acetylation reversibility, and the impact of fungal degradation on heat-treated wood. The trend in his publications reflects a strong focus on hygroscopicity, chemical modification techniques (acetylation, melamine-formaldehyde impregnation), advanced imaging methods (hyperspectral, neutron scattering), and the development of sustainable wood-based materials for construction and acoustic applications. Collaborative interlaboratory efforts dominate his work, ensuring standardized methodologies for moisture analysis.
Jukka Alinikula is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Turku's Institute of Biomedicine, specifically within the Unit of Infection and Immunity. He also serves as a University Lecturer in immunology and drug development, and as the Education Director of the Immudocs program. His research focuses on somatic hypermutation mechanisms in B lymphocytes, exploring how antibody diversity is generated while avoiding oncogenic mutations. Alinikula completed his PhD at the University of Turku (Lassila Lab), followed by a postdoc at Yale University (Schatz Lab). Research Interests: Alinikula’s work investigates the targeting of somatic hypermutation to immunoglobulin genes versus proto-oncogenes. His lab uses modern techniques like reporter assays, CRISPR-based screens, and single-cell transcriptomics to dissect mutation enhancer functions. Key topics include genome stability, lymphoma etiology, and the interplay between antibody diversification and cancer risk. Teaching: He teaches immunology and immunopharmacology across bachelor’s, master’s, medical, and doctoral programs, emphasizing case-based learning and practical laboratory training. Supervised students include PhD candidates in immunology and drug development. Labs/Teams: Leads his own research group at the Institute of Biomedicine, collaborating extensively with international teams (e.g., Yale, Czech Academy of Sciences). Active in the InFLAMES Flagship initiative for immune system research.
Tapio Niemi is an Associate Professor (tenure track) in the Department of Physics at Aalto University. He holds a Doctor of Science (Technology) from the former Helsinki University of Technology (now part of Aalto University), awarded in 2002. His research focuses on nanophotonics, plasmonics, quantum dots, and semiconductor materials, with particular expertise in nanofabrication techniques such as block copolymer lithography and nanoimprint lithography. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in solar cell technology and environmental sensor development. Key research areas include the design of optical devices like microdisk lasers, guided-mode resonance gratings, and plasmonic sensors. He has pioneered studies on ZnO nanowire functionalization and nonlinear optical microscopy, with applications in biomedical imaging and environmental sensing. His interdisciplinary approach integrates nanotechnology, photonics, and materials science to address challenges in energy, health, and sustainability. Education: Doctor of Science (Technology), Helsinki University of Technology (2002) Supervision: Advised doctoral student Tommi Isoniemi on carbon nanotubes and graphene in plasmonics (2017–2021) Labs/Teams: Collaborations include the NanoScience Center (University of Jyväskylä) and Aalto’s nanophotonics research groups Recent work emphasizes high-Q resonators, Purcell-enhanced quantum dot light sources, and UV-curable polymer stamp lithography. His publications span journals like Advanced Optical Materials and Applied Physics Letters , with a focus on practical applications in photonics and nanotechnology.
Ville Paavilainen is a Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, and supervisor for doctoral programs in Biomedicine and Integrative Life Science. With a postdoctoral background at the University of California, San Francisco (2008–2014), he focuses on Biochemistry , Cell Biology , and Molecular Biology , particularly mechanisms of protein translocation, membrane biology, and structural modeling. His research includes groundbreaking work on Sec61 translocon inhibition for cancer therapy and mitochondrial gene expression noise . Recent publications address lipid scrambling pathways, glioma stem cell targeting, and actin regulation. Active projects span EU-funded drug discovery and NIH collaborations. Key scientific contributions include Elucidating Sec61-client interactions Developing computational models for signal peptide prediction Uncovering mitochondrial-ER communication mechanisms He has supervised PhD theses (e.g., Paul Carlson) and contributed to over 39 research outputs. His work bridges structural biology, computational modeling, and translational pharmacology, with applications in tumor biology and neurodegenerative disease research.
Mikko Hiltunen is a Professor of Tissue and Cell Biology at the Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). He leads several research groups including the Molecular Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease (Hiltunen Lab) and participates in the Brain Research Unit and Genome Center of Eastern Finland. Research interests span Alzheimer's pathogenesis, neuroinflammation, genetic risk factors, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development. His work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and clinical neuroscience to investigate microglial function, amyloid pathology, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. Key areas include APOE genetics, PLCγ2-mediated neuroprotection, and machine learning applications in neurodegeneration. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, genetic association studies, neuroinflammation mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions. Article themes consistently emphasize microglial biology, genetic risk modifiers, and translational approaches for Alzheimer's and iNPH. Collaborative projects include Neuro-Innovation (2021-2026) and NOVEL MSCA Postdoctoral Programme (2024-2029). Hiltunen leads the Clinical Alzheimer Research group and co-directs the UEF Brain Research Unit. His team utilizes advanced models including iPSC-derived microglia and pericyte systems to study neurovascular interactions. Current work explores phospho-tau immunotherapy, lysosomal dysfunction, and polygenic risk score applications across diverse populations.
Jussi Ryynänen is a Professor and Dean at Aalto University's School of Electrical Engineering, leading the Electronic Circuit Design (ECD) unit within the Department of Micro and Nanosciences. His research focuses on integrated circuits, wireless transceivers, and millimeter-wave systems, with a strong emphasis on RF, analog, and digital IC design. The ECD unit is internationally recognized for its work in nanoscale IC technologies and advanced measurement infrastructure. Key research areas include time-based integrated circuits, beam-steering/MIMO systems, antenna-IC co-design, and RF DAC/ADC development. His work combines cutting-edge semiconductor technologies with innovative circuit architectures for high-speed communication and sensor applications. The group maintains extensive collaborations and funding networks supporting its interdisciplinary projects. Ryynänen's research has been honored with awards such as the ECCTD Best Student Paper (2015), Crowncom Student Award (2011), and a best paper at the Advances in Cognitive Radio Conference (2012). His group actively publishes in top-tier venues like IEEE Transactions on VLSI Systems and IEEE Access, addressing challenges in mmWave circuits, neural network accelerators, and reconfigurable DSP hardware. Current projects span automated design frameworks for analog circuits, passive CMOS circulators for nonreciprocal systems, and energy-efficient signal processing architectures for 5G/6G transmitters. His work bridges fundamental circuit theory with practical implementations for next-generation communication systems.
Anna Lähde is a Professor in Aerosol Technology at the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland. She leads the Sustainable Materials Group at the Fine Particle and Aerosol Technology Laboratory . Her work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of sustainable nano- and microparticles for clean energy and environmental applications. Academy of Finland Research Fellow (2017-2022) Specializes in graphene, carbon nanostructures, and metal oxides via aerosol processes Key methods: induction annealing, chemical vapor synthesis, spray pyrolysis Her research spans Li-ion battery materials , water treatment nanocomposites , and toxicological analysis of airborne particles . She has published extensively on carbon-based anode materials , photocatalytic systems , and environmental applications of aerosol technology . Recent work includes CO2 adsorption catalysts and biomass-derived graphene . She has received recognition through the Academy of Finland Fellowship and contributes to circular economy projects like EKOAKKU.
Lea Sistonen, PhD, is a Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering , Biochemistry and Cell Biology department of Åbo Akademi University . With over 154 publications spanning four decades, her research focuses on heat shock factors (HSF1/HSF2) as central regulators of cellular stress response , transcriptional regulation , and proteostasis networks . She leads the CellMech Center of Excellence in Cellular Mechanostasis (2019-2024), a multidisciplinary project investigating mechanical stress responses. Active in transcriptional regulation and stress biology research Principal investigator in CellMech project with collaborators across Finland Key expertise in heat shock factors , sumoylation , and cell adhesion mechanisms Her work reveals novel connections between mechanotransduction and nuclear gene expression , particularly through nuclear talin-1 functions. Recent studies (2024-2025) explore HSF2's role in viral gene expression and cancer progression . Publications in FEBS Journal , iScience , and Cell Stress and Chaperones demonstrate her impact across molecular chaperones, transcriptional memory, and stress-induced cellular adaptations.
Tero Ahola is a Senior University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. His research focuses on RNA virus replication mechanisms, antiviral strategies, and host-pathogen interactions. He is actively involved in doctoral supervision and editorial roles in virology journals. Research Interests: Virology RNA Replication Factories Alphavirus Biology Host Cell Membrane Remodeling Antiviral Drug Development Host-Targeted Inhibition Advising & Grants: Supervised doctoral students including Aditya Thiruvaiyaru and Tania Quirin Leading projects such as 'Host cell factors as antiviral targets' (2024–2028) funded by the Academy of Finland Recipient of grants from private foundations and governmental bodies Labs/Teams: Member of the Helsinki One Health Research network, collaborating on interdisciplinary virology initiatives.
Hanna Grobe is a Project researcher at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Her research focuses on quantitative cell biology, emphasizing cell tracking, migration dynamics, and data analysis. Research Interests : Cell tracking, migration dynamics, filopodia dynamics, behavioral trends, data clustering, and analysis modules. Publications : Recent works include the development of CellTracksColab (2024) and methodological frameworks for data exploration (2025), addressing challenges in quantitative cell biology. Collaborations : Collaborates with researchers like Gómez-de-Mariscal, Pylvänäinen, Xénard, Henriques, Tinevez, and Jacquemet. Contact : hanna.grobe@abo.fi
Prasannakumar Deshpande is a Project Researcher at the Åbo Akademi University , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Turku Center for Biosciences . His work focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Research Interests : Proteostasis, Parkinson's disease, LRRK2, KIF5C, chondroitin sulfate, protein synthesis regulation. Key Projects : Development of molecular spherical nucleic acids for neurodegenerative therapeutics; translational repression in Parkinson's fibroblasts. Collaborations : Active in interdisciplinary research networks across Europe. Scientific Contributions : Co-inventor of a diagnostic patent for Parkinson's disease (EP3555319), with significant work on KIF5C mutations and JNK pathway regulation of GABAAR.
Anna Vähärautio is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme. She supervises the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science and the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine. Her research focuses on cancer genomics, drug resistance mechanisms, and single-cell transcriptomics in ovarian cancer. She leads multiple funded projects, including a €1.99M ERC grant (2024–2029) for studying cancer resistance, and collaborates extensively on initiatives like the iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine flagship. Her work employs advanced genomic techniques to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities in ovarian cancer. Dr. Vähärautio organizes academic events such as the Single Cell Transcriptomics Symposium and Eurooppalainen tutkijoiden yö (European Researchers' Night).
Gabriella Antignani is a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine. Her research focuses on oncolytic immunotherapy, cytokine-armed adenoviruses, and immune receptor engineering for cancer treatment. Research Interests: Development of viral cancer vaccines FC receptor-targeted immunotherapy PD-L1 inhibition strategies Epigenetic modulation of tumor immunity Immunopeptidomics for antigen discovery Adaptive and innate immune system synergy Research Trends: Her recent work explores oncolytic adenovirus-based delivery systems, combining cytokine therapy with epigenetic drugs to enhance tumor-specific immune responses across renal cell carcinoma and mesothelioma. Grants & Collaborations: Actively participates in the Finnish Academy-funded project Oncolytic precision immunotherapy for mesothelioma and renal cell cancer (2023-2027). Collaborates with experts in virology, immunology, and oncology across multiple institutions.
