The Metabolic Diseases research community is looking for solutions to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Genetics and genomics, understanding the physiological mechanisms and gene-lifestyle interactions underlying diseases, nutrition and exercise interventions, and raising health awareness are important tools for us. With these, we produce reliable scientific evidence for the early identification, diagnosis, prevention and personalized treatments of individuals at increased risk of metabolic diseases and their complications. Our goal is to improve the cost-effectiveness of healthcare and curb rising costs throughout the life cycle.
The multidisciplinary Metabolic Diseases research community utilizes the extensive research infrastructure, expertise and collaboration of the University of Eastern Finland in basic research, applied and clinical research, and population research.

By understanding the effects of genetic and lifestyle factors, we can improve the prediction, prevention, and diagnostics of metabolic diseases and develop new, personalized treatments.
Timo Lakka and Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä

News and events
News
- Vittorio Fortino, Biomedicine
- Steffi Goffart, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Kati Hanhineva, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Jarmo Jääskeläinen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Leea Keski-Nisula, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Tuure Kinnunen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Johanna Kuusisto, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Olli Kärkkäinen, Metabolomics, School of Pharmacy
- Markku Laakso, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Timo Lakka, Internal Medicine, Biomedicine
- Jari Laukkanen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Jaakko Pohjoismäki, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Pirkko Pussinen, Institute of Dentistry
- Jaana Rysä, School of Pharmacy
- Kai Savonen, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine
- Ursula Schwab, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Pasi Tavi, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Tommi Tolmunen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Kirsi Virtanen, University of Turku
2023-2024
- Timo Lakka, Chair, Biomedicine
- Minna Kaikkonen-Määttä, Vice Chair, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Jarmo Jääskeläinen, Institute of Clinical Medicine
- Jaakko Pohjoismäki, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Jaana Rysä, School of Pharmacy
- Kai Savonen, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine
- Ursula Schwab, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
- Pasi Tavi, A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- Kirsi Virtanen, University of Turku