In 2023 seven young researchers received the Faculty of Medicine’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) funding. After the success of similar funding awarded to 10 researchers in 2018, the Faculty decided to organise another funding round. This latest funding was based on donor contributions to the University of Helsinki. Each researcher received €160,000 for two and a half years to promote their independent research careers.
Although it has been only a year since the funding was awarded, much has been achieved. Here, two of the funded researchers tell us what they are investigating and what role the ECR funding has played.
Better treatment for liver patients
Docent Panu Luukkonen leads a research group focusing on metabolic fatty liver disease. Although about one in three Finns have this common disease, only a small number see it progressing to cirrhosis requiring hospitalisation. The reason for this is unknown. Luukkonen and his group are studying why patients at higher risk of developing the disease could be duly identified and treated.
“We have a pretty good idea of what’s going on. In these cases, liver cell mitochondria don’t function properly. We’re trying to find out why and how this dysfunction could be addressed,” says Luukkonen.
Luukkonen combines research with clinical work as a doctor at Helsinki University Hospital, with some of his research involving clinical trials centred on patient care settings. In addition, his research group is using biobank data and studying at the molecular level how mitochondria function and why in certain cases they malfunction.
“Our research is directly linked to patients, as it’s about identifying and treating at-risk patients more effectively. We’re also investigating drugs that boost liver function.”
Effects of climate change on pathogens
University Researcher and virologist Essi Korhonen teaches and pursues research in both in Finland and Kenya. She is studying mosquito- and tick-borne pathogens, viruses and the influence of climate change on the distribution of such viruses, including shifts in distribution, and on the incidence of disease.
“We’re striving to identify where pathogens occur right now and what areas will be at risk of disease in the future. We’re developing diagnostics to identify pathogens and prevent their spread,” she explains.
Korhonen and her research group work at the University of Helsinki’s research station in the Taita Mountains of Kenya and collaborate with the University of Nairobi. Africa is an important site for viral research, as many viruses originate there. Today, however, viruses can cover vast distances in a short time, circling the globe in just 36 hours.
“In the Taita region, the effects of climate change are visible in many ways. Forests are fragmented, as the population requires arable land to produce more food. Humans and wildlife come into contact in new ways. And new opportunities open up for mosquitoes too. How will all this affect diseases?” Korhonen asks.
ECR funding creates a positive snowball effect
Both researchers emphasise the significance of ECR funding for them. It has supported their research, increased their commitment to their home university and boosted their confidence.
“ECR funding helped us shift into high gear. We’ve been able to use methods that would otherwise have been out of our reach. The effects are already evident in our research results and publications. This will create a positive snowball effect, as the results increase our chances of success in future funding calls. I’m extremely grateful,” Luukkonen notes.
Korhonen describes similar positive effects. The size of her research group has increased during the year from one to five doctoral researchers. The group has also produced a record number of publications. In addition, she stresses the psychological significance of the funding.
“Receiving this type of funding from your own University is incredibly important for engaging young researchers. It means a lot to see that your University believes in your research. The funding provides security and has allowed me to focus on my research and developing my group. The ECR funding has marked a key turning point for my research,” she says.
Dean Johanna Arola of the Faculty of Medicine is pleased with the impact of the funding instrument.
“I’m really happy that we’ve been able to support these seven young researchers and it’s been great to see the effects the funding has already had. The University Board too has decided to support research with €10 million per year. This boost is absolutely necessary right now,” states Arola.