Ruska Rimhanen-Finne’s research produces knowledge that can be used to improve food and water safety as well as, among other things, the occupational safety of those working with animals. At the moment, she is particularly interested in investigating the disease burden caused by human infectious diseases. Without research, there is no expertise in disease control.
“I've worked for 20 years as an infectious disease epidemiologist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and seen the effects of governmental cuts on the surveillance and control of infectious diseases. Research helps in allocating the resources for disease surveillance and control in Finland to diseases most relevant to public health, which is why studies on disease burden are important right now.”
Alongside her associate professorship, Rimhanen-Finne will continue to serve as a visiting researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
“In my new position at the University of Helsinki, I wish to carry on research that advances infectious disease control and to share my expertise. I have been really warmly welcomed, and it’s been wonderful to feel as if I’ve arrived home.”
2006: A doctoral degree in veterinary medicine in the field of parasitology provided the skills needed for scholarly research
2009: European Programme for Infectious Disease Epidemiology Training (EPIET) gave the skills needed for infectious human disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, infectious disease control and training
2009: Specialist veterinary degree in environmental health provided the competencies needed to control and manage environmental health emergencies
2011: Docentship in zoonotic epidemiology laid the groundwork for serving as a research supervisor in the One Health field
2020: Received the Veterinarian of the Year award from the Finnish Veterinary Association for her long-term promotion of food and water safety as well as the control of pathogens common to animals and humans, and for being an excellent colleague who values and supports others