Precision health brings together detailed knowledge of human biology and lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. This supports more accurate diagnostics, treatment and disease prevention.
The University of Helsinki's strenght comes from seamlessly combining Finnish health data, biobanks and leading research with interdisciplinary expertise across the life, natural and human sciences. Our world-class research is underpinned by close collaboration with HUS Helsinki University Hospital.
Our areas of particular expertise include cancer and drug development, human genomics, metabolism, AI applications in health research, and population health research.
The Research Council of Finland is among the key research funders in Finland. The Council grants funding broadly in all fields on the basis of open competition and independent assessment. Success in its funding calls is evidence of distinguished scholarly efforts.
The Flagships funded by the Council combine world-class research and a diverse range of collaboration with businesses and the wider society. In contrast, profile-building areas funded by the Council must be strategically significant elements of research conducted at the University to be further advanced. The Centres of Excellence funded by the Council bring together the best research groups in specific fields, representing the top internationally.
Our top research area precision health is a prominent part of both the University’s profile-building areas and Centres of Excellence.
The Flagships associated with the Precision Health area are developing individualised cancer therapies as well as gene and nanotherapies for chronic diseases. AI-powered research supports disease identification as well as the mapping of therapeutic options, while mathematical modelling and imaging help to establish a more accurate picture of the human body.
The Finnish Flagships successfully combine close collaboration with businesses and society, adaptability, and a strong commitment from host organisations. All Flagships are composed of researchers and research groups from several Finnish universities.
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The profile-building areas associated with Precision Health have focused on conducting comprehensive research on the common health of humans and animals, promoting long-term health, and developing safer and increasingly effective drug therapies.
Profile-building areas can constitute a research field or a research module focused on a specific theme. Some profile-building areas continue their operations after the actual Council funding period ends.
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Understanding the Human Brain profile-building area promotes research-based innovations for the prevention and treatment of brain disorders.
The high standards required in terms of quality, safety, acceptability and sustainability, and the advent of emerging technologies such as the alteration of an organism’s genome for agri-food and pharmaceutical applications are just some of these common challenges. By ensuring access to healthier, more secure food and medications, Systems of Food and Drug Security profile-building area is very close to everyone’s everyday life.
Sustainable Wellbeing Across Lifespan (SWAN) profile-building area is aiming to reorient from managing chronic diseases to promoting “chronic health” and enhance healthy years in the population.
The aim of the Research Council of Finland's Centres of Excellence is to carry out innovative research, develop creative research environments and train new talented researchers, responding to society’s needs.
The top research area future technologies is visible in the research of the following Centres of Excellence. Some of the Centres are coordinator from other universities.
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The Centre of Excellence in Immune-Endothelial Interfaces (IMMENs) investigates the role of lymphatic vessel endothelium in controlling immune responses.
Academy Professors are internationally recognised leaders in their fields. Academy Professors are expected to produce significant research results and advance research in their field. The Research Council of Finland appoints new Academy Professors each year for a fixed term of five years.
Anu Wartiovaara is a professor of clinical medicine. Wartiovaara studies mitochondrial diseases.
The European Research Council (ERC) is among the most respected research funders. With a multidisciplinary approach, it promotes top-level research by awarding long-term research grants. The European Union also directly supports research through various funding schemes.
Description of the projects can be found on our ERC pages.
Funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the doctoral education pilot aims to ensure the completion of doctoral theses over a three-year term of employment. To begin with, the new doctoral researchers will study both researcher and career skills. Another goal of the doctoral education pilot is to increase doctoral graduates’ diverse employment in various sectors of society.
Launched in 2024 at the University of Helsinki, the doctoral education pilot offered 236 positions in 11 programmes.