Cutting-edge research in genetic epidemiology, new research infrastructure and regional RDI development projects were presented at the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Day in Kuopio on 3 December.
“Identifying and leveraging new RDI project and funding opportunities is crucial as the operating environment and priorities are changing rapidly. This calls for agility and close collaboration both internally and within our networks,” Dean Markus Forsberg noted in his opening remarks.
Deeper understanding of the link between sex and health
“Most diseases show sex differences, for example in their prevalence, age of onset and progression,” noted the morning session’s keynote speaker, Taru Tukiainen, the university’s new Associate Professor of Genetic Epidemiology.
Her presentation highlighted how genetic and genomic methods can help explain sex-related health disparities. Tukiainen’s research group investigates, among other things, the genomics of sex chromosomes and the combined effects of reproductive history and genetic background on disease risk. For instance, based on the FinnGen dataset, which integrates Finnish genomic and health data, multiple childbirths may slightly reduce the risk of breast cancer associated with genetic predisposition.
A peek into research infrastructure – established and emerging enablers of research
Versatile infrastructures support the faculty’s research and open new avenues for collaboration. During the day, a selection of both established and recently launched infrastructures was presented. Among the newcomers is the Zebrafish Research Unit, led by Postdoctoral Researcher Henriikka Hakomäki.
According to Hakomäki, zebrafish is a versatile and widely used research model, particularly due to its rapid embryonic development and transparency. In the unit’s current projects, zebrafish are used in cancer and pharmaceutical research as well as in foetal toxicity testing. Zebrafish are also highly suitable for developing disease models, including a fatty liver model currently under development by Hakomäki.
Senior Researcher Pedro Andrade presented the Video-EEG Core Facility, which provides advanced technology for continuous monitoring of brain activity in experimental models of neurological human diseases, such as epilepsy and sleep disturbances. This system enables long-term, round-the-clock video-EEG recording in rodents, supporting research into disease mechanisms and drug development. “Future upgrades will include automated seizure detection, brain stimulation and integration with behavioural tracking, further strengthening neuroscience research capabilities.”
The Protein Engineering and Expression Facility (PEBBLE) enables the production and customisation of proteins for a wide range of research and drug development needs. Proteins are produced in bacteria, insect and mammalian cells. The facility’s contribution to advancing fundamental research within the Faculty of Health Sciences was emphasised during the event. Senior Researcher Vijay Saxena, who is in charge of PEBBLE, presented the facility’s services and highlighted ongoing projects.
Key figures from ongoing ERDF-funded projects took part in the panel discussion. Pictured from left: Kirsi Ketola representing the Living Biobank – Cancer Laboratory SYLI project, Ville Saari and Aarno Dietz representing the Hearing Valley project, and Ville Leinonen, who presided over the discussion.
Strengthening health sector RDI in North Savo
The Research Day also featured current ERDF-funded projects. The Hearing Valley project is creating an RDI infrastructure and business ecosystem to support the adoption of audiology and signal processing technologies. The Living Biobank – Cancer Laboratory SYLI project is establishing a cancer laboratory to advance research and innovation through novel analytics that also cater to the needs of healthcare and business. The New Solutions with DNA Analytics (DNA-TUUMA) project offers cutting-edge molecular biology analysis technologies to meet the needs of the health, environmental and food sectors.
Also showcased were ERDF-funded RDI projects run in parallel by the university and the North Savo Wellbeing Services County, which aim to strengthen clinical research, development and innovation activities in the region.
“The RDI project portfolio seeks to accelerate the development and implementation of health sector solutions,” noted Professor Ville Leinonen, the Head of the School of Medicine.
“Key measures include assessing and renewing clinical RDI processes, developing research services with a business-oriented approach and deepening strategic collaboration between the university and the wellbeing services county.”
A panel discussion organised by the UEF-RDI project explored how academic research could drive regional vitality. The discussion focused on opportunities offered by the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), particularly for developing RDI infrastructures, as well as on challenges in project planning and implementation, and embedding results into permanent structures. The panel also emphasised the importance of industry collaboration in promoting innovation and enhancing research impact. Additionally, it touched on a topical theme – how the international situation and comprehensive security create new operating models and opportunities, especially in health sector development.
The audience participated in the discussion using the Mentimeter tool. “The audience highlighted the importance of an innovation-fostering atmosphere and strong investment in basic science and translational research, which closely connects the university, the North Savo Wellbeing Services County, Kuopio University Hospital and businesses. Flexible collaboration and world-class infrastructure were also recognised as significant competitive advantages,” Development Manager Anna Karjalainen summed up.
More information on the ERDF-funded projects:
Living biobank - Cancer Laboratory SYLI
UEF Clinical RDI Ecosystem (UEF-RDI)
The researchers’ contact information can be found in UEF Connect
For further information, please contact:
Development manager Anna Karjalainen, https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/anna.karjalainen/
Head of Research and Innovation Emilia Kansanen, https://uefconnect.uef.fi/en/emilia.kansanen/
