Teaching at the University of Helsinki is based on research and provided by researchers well-versed in their discipline, teaching the topics of their research.
In addition to relevant research-based knowledge, university education utilises diverse teaching and assessment methods promoting students’ learning, the development of scholarly thinking and the establishment of expertise.
From the beginning of their studies, students are part of the academic community. They get to familiarise themselves with the latest research. In many fields, students have the opportunity to complete their thesis in collaboration with research groups.
We develop and use computational models, machine learning and bioinformatics to understand the dynamics of human microbial communities – predominantly the gut microbiomes – and their implications to human development, health and wellbeing.
Eco-physiology, genomics, transcriptomics and metabolism of wood-decaying forest fungi are our topics of research. We aim at opening fungal interactions and bioconversion of wastes and lignocelluloses to biofuels and products. Principal investigator is Taina Lundell.
The Fungal Genetics and Biotechnology group studies various aspects of fungal molecular biology and enzymology in terms of plant biomass degradation. Principal investigator is Kristiina Hildén.
We take an unconventional approach to study how cells work, we use viruses! After millions of years of evolution, these miniaturised 'trojan horses' have learned all the 'PIN codes' and 'passwords' to access cellular resources and, at the same time, escape the defence mechanisms of our immune system. By following the infection path of selected viruses, from their arrival to the cell surface and intracellular trafficking to their amplification and spreading, we focus on the complex dynamics and regulation of macromolecular assemblies such as membrane vesicles, organelles and ribonucleoprotein complexes. Using an arsenal of interdisciplinary approaches and state-of-the-art imaging techniques, this journey takes us through virtually all aspects of cell biology and virology. Our goal is to identify the 'Achille's heel' of viral infections and develop innovative antiviral strategies.
Microbes have a major effect on the ecosystem and humans. Microbes run biogeochemical cycles of the elements, play a major role in the intestines of animals and biotechnology such as wastewater treatment and food production, just to mention some. On the other hand, microbes cause diseases for plants, animals and humans.
Our research aims at molecular level understanding of viral replication mechanisms and self-assembly pathways. These functions are critical in viral disease development and important targets for antivirals.
Our work focuses on understanding structures and functions of macromolecular complexes, including viruses infecting host organisms belonging to Eukarya, Archaea or Bacteria. Principal investigator is Juha Huiskonen.
The coolest tRNA lab @ 60° 13' 36.15" N 25° 00' 54.77" E
We are interested in the basic mechanisms involved when bacteria infect the human host and the focus is on pathogens causing recurrent urinary tract infections and newborn meningitis.
Our work aims to understand the structure, assembly and function of biological macromolecule complexes. We embed unstained, unfixed specimens in vitreous ice to preserve their structures. Transmission cryo-electron microscopy is then used to visualize the specimens, but the images recorded are difficult to interpret because they are projections of the specimen degraded by noise.
We focus on plant cell-virus-interactions: molecular mechanisms underlying plant virus infection and interplay between viral and host proteins during potyviral replication / translation cycle.
We aim towards deep understanding of RNA virus replication at the molecular level. Through the discovery of basic mechanistic principles, we develop new and general antiviral strategies.
What are the characteristics that enable viruses to jump from animals to humans and cause disease? Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of viruses from small mammals in Europe, with the aim of understanding their zoonotic potential.