Guangxun Fan is a Doctoral Researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Helsinki. His work focuses on agricultural biotechnology and plant genetics. Research Interests : Guangxun investigates molecular mechanisms governing plant development and climate adaptation, particularly in strawberry species. His studies address epigenetic changes, gene regulation during asexual reproduction, and the role of transcription factors like HANABA TARANU in morphological development. Research trends include methylome/transcriptome interactions, flowering control, and climate-driven phenotypic plasticity in Fragaria vesca . Publications : His recent work explores temperature-induced epigenetic modifications, runner formation in strawberries, and natural variation in flowering traits. These studies reflect interdisciplinary applications of biotechnology to improve crop yield and resilience.
Vinko Palada is an Associate Professor in Neuroscience and Academy Research Fellow at the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki. As supervisor in the Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind, he leads research on chronic pain mechanisms, sleep-pain interactions, and chronotherapies. Research Focus: Investigating molecular and clinical mechanisms of chronic pain Developing circadian-based pain treatments Analyzing analgesic drug effects on sleep architecture Exploring neuroimmune interfaces in pain conditions Current Projects: €20,000 grant from Liv och Hälsa RF (2024–2025) Academy of Finland-funded circadian rhythm synchronization research (2024–2026) Scientific Contributions: 2025: Transcriptomic analysis of circadian disruption in neuropathic pain models 2025: Comparative study of pregabalin/morphine effects on circadian rhythms 2024: Review of analgesics' impact on sleep architecture 2024: SPRTN's role in liver cancer through ER stress pathways 2024: Neuroimmune cytokine profiling in spinal pain patients
Dr. Marjo Salminen is a Senior University Lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Helsinki, specializing in Genetics , Developmental Biology , and Physiology . Her research focuses on transcription factor networks (particularly GATA2 and GATA3) in neuronal and lymphatic development, with significant contributions to understanding midbrain GABAergic neuron specification, inner ear morphogenesis, and mechanosensitive lymphangiogenesis. Key collaborations with Juha Partanen (University of Helsinki) and international institutions Leading expert in mouse models for developmental gene function Research keywords include Neuroscience , Molecular Embryology , and Transcriptional Regulation , with recent work on REM-sleep regulatory neuron development (2022) and mechanotransduction in lymphatic vessel formation (2018). She has supervised numerous doctoral and Master's theses, served on thesis committees, and contributed to textbook development in Finnish. Scientific recognition includes the 2003 Scientific Book of the Year award. Current affiliations include the Veterinary Biosciences department and the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Veterinary Medicine . Her ORCID is 0000-0003-0696-6845 .
Kristiina Hildén serves as a Senior University Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki. She is also affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) and holds the title of Docent in microbial biotechnology. Her research is centered on fungal genetics and biotechnology, with particular emphasis on plant biomass modifying enzymes from fungi and bacteria. Dr. Hildén's research interests span microbial biotechnology, fungal genetics, lignin and lignocellulose degradation, aromatic metabolism of basidiomycete fungi, and enzymatic valorization of lignin. Her work focuses on understanding plant biomass modifying enzymes and their applications in sustainable biorefineries. She employs functional genomics approaches to study plant biomass degrading microbes from various biotopes, with specific focus on genome mining of novel plant biomass modifying activities and fungal carbon metabolism. Her publication record shows consistent output with recent articles (2023-2025) focusing on lignin nanoparticle modification, fungal enzyme applications, and lignocellulose degradation mechanisms. The research demonstrates strong collaboration with international teams, particularly in projects related to lignin valorization and fungal enzyme characterization. Dr. Hildén actively supervises doctoral and master's students and serves as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science and the Doctoral Programme in Microbiology and Biotechnology. She participates in numerous peer review activities for journals including New Biotechnology, Nature Communications, and Biotechnology Advances. Her research is supported by multiple active projects including 'Prospecting natural lignin biodiversity' (EU-funded, 2024-2026) and 'Biocatalytic degradation of lignin carbo' (Novo Nordisk Foundation, 2023-2025), alongside several completed projects on lignin valorization and fungal enzyme production. She leads the Fungal Genetics and Biotechnology research group, which investigates plant biomass modifying enzymes with applications in sustainable biorefineries. The group's work bridges fundamental fungal molecular biology with practical applications in lignin valorization and bioproduct development.
Irina Belaia is a Researcher at the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology , Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering , Åbo Akademi University . Her work intersects Alzheimer's disease , molecular cell biology , and environmental toxicology , focusing on neuroinflammatory mechanisms and cellular responses to pollutants. PhD from University of Eastern Finland (2017) in Exercise-induced cellular and molecular alterations in aging and Alzheimer's disease Research Themes : Role of integrins and PIEZO1 channels in glial cell function and amyloid dynamics Impact of air pollution and ultrafine particulate matter on olfactory system integrity Cell polarity regulation in colorectal adenocarcinoma via tumor-stroma signaling Scientific Recognition : Awarded on Nov. 12, 2021 (specific award name not disclosed) Publications cited 116 times (Scopus metrics across 2022-2024 papers) Collaborative Networks : Engaged in multinational research with teams in Finland, France, and Czech Republic, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and environmental health.
Jani Huuhtanen is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Computer Science , focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of immunology, bioinformatics, and oncology. Their work spans 26 publications since 2020, with a primary focus on immune mechanisms in hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Key Research Areas: Immunology, Microbiology, Medicine, Bioinformatics, Oncology Notable Collaborations: University of Helsinki, Finnish biotech firms, international leukemia research groups
Johanna Rinta-Kanto is a University Lecturer in Materials Science and Environmental Engineering at the University of Helsinki. She holds a PhD from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2007) and was appointed as a Docent in Microbial Ecology at the University of Helsinki in 2013. Her research focuses on microbial community dynamics, biogas production, microbial electrosynthesis, and environmental biotechnology, with applications in sustainable waste management and renewable energy systems. Key projects include optimizing bioelectrochemical systems for carbon utilization and studying microbial responses to environmental stressors like hypoxia and temperature shifts. She has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications and serves as a reviewer for journals such as Environmental Microbiology and Scientific Reports . Her work bridges engineering and microbiology, addressing global challenges in sustainability through innovations like microbial electrosynthesis for carboxylate production and anaerobic digestion of lipid-rich wastewater. Ongoing research explores microbial community assembly in granular biofilms and the ecological roles of archaea in boreal forest ecosystems.
Matti Nykter is a Professor of Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology within the Department of Biomedicine at Tampere University. His research focuses on computational biology, cancer genomics, and systems medicine with an emphasis on prostate cancer, gliomas, and epigenetic mechanisms. Key areas of investigation include: Cancer evolution and therapeutic resistance using liquid biopsy approaches Integration of multi-omics data (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics) Bioinformatic methods for analyzing tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution Zebrafish models for studying host-pathogen interactions His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, developing biomarkers and computational tools for precision oncology. Recent studies explore immunogenomics of cancer, single-cell profiling of tumor microenvironments, and molecular characterization of metastatic progression. Major contributions include: Epigenetic profiling of endocrine-resistant prostate cancer Genomic analysis of Lynch syndrome-associated cancers Development of UCLIB diagnostic panel for non-invasive cancer detection Identification of therapeutic targets via single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Riikka Lund is an Adjunct Professor in Molecular Biology and a Research Director (10%) at the Turku Bioscience Centre, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku. She also works as a Senior Scientist in Bioinformatics at Orion. She leads the Biomedical Epigenomics research group and has held leadership roles in national research platforms. Education: M.Sc. in Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku (2001) Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku (2004) Postdoctoral training, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield (2007–2008) Her research focuses on epigenomics and genomics, particularly using next-generation sequencing to study molecular mechanisms in development, aging, and diseases such as type 1 diabetes and cancer. She integrates bioinformatics and functional genomics to uncover disease markers and therapeutic targets. Her work emphasizes epigenetic regulation , pluripotent stem cells , and genome-wide methods . The recent publications (2020–2023) reflect a strong focus on DNA methylation dynamics in developmental and disease contexts, including maternal health, autoimmunity, and cancer. The studies employ advanced bisulfite sequencing, single-cell analysis, and computational modeling, highlighting her expertise in bioinformatics and epigenetic data analysis. Scientific Awards: Millennium Distinct Technology Award (2013) for contributions to stem cell research She has been actively involved in research leadership, including as Head of the Finnish Functional Genomics Centre (2013–2022), co-PI of the Biocenter Finland Genome-wide Methods Platform, and co-director of the CompLifeSci Research Programme. She has also served on the editorial board of Scientific Reports . Although no students are listed, she has engaged in teaching in epigenomics, genomics, and stem cell biology. Her research is supported through national and international collaborations and infrastructure platforms. She leads the Biomedical Epigenomics Group and has conducted short research visits to institutions including the Broad Institute (USA), Diagenode (Belgium), and the University of Southern Denmark, reflecting her international engagement in cutting-edge genomics technologies.
Riikka Keto-Timonen is a Senior University Lecturer in Food Hygiene and Vice Dean at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She is affiliated with the Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health and the Helsinki One Health research organization. Her work focuses on foodborne pathogens, particularly Yersinia species, emphasizing their control in food chains and mechanisms of stress tolerance such as cold resistance. She has supervised numerous veterinary students and researchers, contributing to over 40 peer-reviewed publications since 2000. Recognized with the 'Excellent Teacher 2013 Award,' she also leads projects like the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis research initiative (2024–2025) and the Tulevaisuusrahasto/Keto-Timonen foundation-funded study (2023–2028). Education: Title of Docent in Food Hygiene (University of Helsinki, 2021). Research Interests: Epidemiology and control of foodborne pathogens Yersinia species’ cold tolerance mechanisms Antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria Food safety in meat and dairy products Recent Work Trends: Her articles (2018–2024) highlight studies on Yersinia’s cold adaptation, Campylobacter distribution in beef liver, and Listeria contamination in modified-atmosphere packaged foods. She also investigates outbreaks linked to restaurant inspections and develops online veterinary education platforms. Awards: Excellent Teacher 2013 Award Grants & Labs: Leads projects funded by the Finnish Veterinary Foundation and private trusts. Collaborates internationally on veterinary education and food safety initiatives through organizations like EAEVE and the Finnish Veterinary Association.
Kaia Kala is a University Researcher at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme . She holds the title of Academy of Finland Research Fellow and is actively involved in supervising doctoral students in the Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind and Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science . Education: PhD in Physiology and Neuroscience (University of Helsinki, 2005–2010) Her research focuses on genetics , developmental biology , and physiology , particularly the regulation of GABAergic neuron development , transcriptional networks , and mitochondrial metabolism in stem cells . Her work spans evolutionary biology, neurogenetics, and single-cell sequencing technologies. Recent publications highlight her exploration of chromatin accessibility , gene regulatory mechanisms in brainstem development, and REM sleep neuronal subtypes . She has secured a major grant from the Research Council of Finland (2024–2028) for her project on Gene regulation in the developing brainstem and its variation in behavioural disorders . Scientific Awards: Academy of Finland Research Fellow
Ehsan Pashay Ahi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme . Holding a PhD in Biology from the University of Iceland, his research bridges Genetics, Developmental Biology, Physiology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology . PhD, Biology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik His work focuses on: Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) Epigenetic regulation (m6A RNA modification) Gene co-expression networks in fish Hippo signaling pathway evolution Environmental adaptation mechanisms Phenotypic diversity in cichlids Recent publications (2023-2025) examine: Sex-specific maturation timing in Atlantic salmon Carotenoid-based color evolution Environmental RNA research beyond mRNA Leptin signaling in zebrafish reproduction Scientific contributions include: European Research Council (ERC) funded project (2023-2027) on life-history genes in fishes Collaborative studies with teams across Finland, Austria, and Iceland Research trends highlight cross-disciplinary integration of: Transcriptomics Epigenetics Gene regulatory networks Comparative physiology Ecological adaptation Developmental pathway evolution
Academy Research Fellow and Principal Investigator Maija Sierla works at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, leading the Plant Environmental Signalling Group. Specializing in stomatal regulation and plant water relations, her research integrates guard cell signaling networks with vascular transport mechanisms through GHR1-mediated pathways. PhD in Molecular Plant Biology (Imperial College London, 2011) Master's in Biology (Helsinki, 2006) BSc in Biological Sciences (East Anglia, 2002) Her publications across 12 articles demonstrate expertise in: Guard cell molecular mechanisms Stomatal CO2 sensing Plant water transport regulation Redox signaling networks Pathogen resistance mechanisms Tree biology signaling Scientific awards include: Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence funding Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation grants Research Council of Finland project leadership As supervisor for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, she leads: University of Helsinki Plant Environmental Signalling Group Viikki Plant Science Centre initiatives Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences
Anne Vaten is an Academy Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki . She leads the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) research group, focusing on stomatal development and its environmental regulation. Education: PhD in Plant Biology Affiliation: University of Helsinki Her research explores how environmental cues like elevated CO 2 influence stomatal density and developmental plasticity. She employs Arabidopsis thaliana , Silver birch , and Norway spruce as model systems, integrating genetic, molecular, and physiological approaches to uncover regulatory mechanisms in plant development. Recent publications highlight her work on stomatal lineage dynamics , asymmetric cell division diversity , and genetic basis of plant-environment interactions , appearing in top-tier journals like Nature Plants , Developmental Cell , and Science . Her studies span topics from plasmodesmal regulation to vascular patterning and hormone signaling . Scientific recognition includes: Academy Research Fellow (2024–2026) EU Horizon Europe: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023–2025) She actively contributes to doctoral education as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences and has participated in numerous international conferences as speaker or organizer.
Anna Hartikainen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Human Microbiome Research (HUMI) unit, University of Helsinki, specializing in gut microbiome dynamics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for gastrointestinal disorders. Her work bridges clinical practice and microbial ecology, with extensive collaboration across European institutions including University College Cork. Her research focuses on Microbiome Research , Gastroenterology , and Biomedicine , particularly FMT applications for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pouchitis. Methodologically, she integrates clinical trials, mucosal gene expression analysis, and microbial culturomics to investigate host-microbe interactions in inflammatory conditions. Hartikainen has received significant recognition including: Nutrients 2020 Best Paper Award for collaborative research on microbiome analyses She actively contributes to the scientific community through invited talks at Nordic Microbiota Meeting and Cell Symposia, alongside academic visits to APC Microbiome Ireland. While specific advising details are unreported, her 14+ publications since 2018 demonstrate strong mentorship within collaborative teams. Her research occurs within the HUMI unit’s interdisciplinary framework, connecting clinicians, microbiologists, and bioinformaticians in advancing microbiome therapeutics.
