University of Helsinki
My research capitalizes on the unique opportunities provided by the large-effect gene genetic architecture of salmon age at maturity, combined with the strengths of Atlantic salmon as a model for functional genomic, ecological and evolutionary research. My aim is to link genotype, phenotype and fitness in this important life-history trait using approaches ranging from investigating the cellular-level processes in the laboratory to estimating reproductive success in completely natural populations. I also apply the obtained knowledge for improving salmon conservation and management in collaboration with managers.
Contact: craig.primmer@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
Throughout my research career, I have explored the evolution, development, and physiology of teleost fish at the molecular genetic level, emphasizing a gene-network approach over traditional single-gene studies. My work focuses on reproductive biology, Evo-Devo, and adaptive morphogenesis, with a strong interest in molecular pathway interactions. Currently, I study the molecular mechanisms behind maturation timing in Atlantic salmon, aiming to uncover the regulatory processes driving this key life-history trait.
Contact: ehsan.pashayahi@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
Contact: tutku.aykanat@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
My research interests are mainly Population Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Conservation; I am also a Bioinformatics enthusiast. Currently, I study the population and evolutionary genetics of large-effect life history-linked genes in long-term time series of European Atlantic salmon populations.
Contact: maria.cadiz-escobar@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
I began my research career by investigating how maternal protein intake during gestation affects the brain development of the offspring at molecular and cellular level in rats. This led me to develop a growing interest in functional genomics, focusing on the regulation of gene expression. My current research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind polymorphisms associated with life-history traits in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. The observed variations in life-history traits between individuals and their association with large-effect loci, as well as the presence of a recent genome duplication in these salmonids, directed my scientific curiosity towards teleost fish.
Contact: morgane.frapin@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
My research interests are the eco-evolutionary dynamics, persistence, and adaptation of (meta)populations. I am using a modelling approach to study life-history traits evolution of several populations of Atlantic salmon under different genetic architectures and selective pressures.
Contact: amaia.lamarins@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
Understanding how organisms adapt to changing environments is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. As a postdoctoral researcher in quantitative evolutionary genetics, I study the dynamics of gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions and the evolution of reaction norms, which ultimately shape how organisms adapt to novel environments. Using common-garden experiments with Atlantic salmon and Rainbow trout, I investigate how genetic variation influences adaptive responses to diverse environmental conditions, with a particular focus on four major life-history loci. By conducting large-scale experiments in settings that closely resemble natural environments, the goal Is to understand how environmental factors such as temperature and food availability shape critical life-history traits, including developmental timing, body size, and age at maturity, as well as other survival and behavioral strategies.
Contact: ana.lindeza@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
I am interested in the physiological mechanisms behind the regulation of life history traits, such as growth, reproduction, migration, and adaptations to environmental changes. I have been studying the functional evolution of endocrine systems in teleosts.
The purpose of my current project is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which genotypic changes in salmonid populations modulate endocrine regulation to generate different reproduction or migration trajectories.
Contact: gersende.maugars@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
My PhD explores the genetic basis of smoltification and migration in salmonids, focusing on how environmental factors influence gene expression and shape phenotypic traits linked to life history strategies and adaptation.
Contact: amine.ejjite@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
Maturation-related gene expression patterns and regulatory networks in Atlantic salmon individuals of different life-history genotypes.
Contact: xindi.huang@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
In my PhD, I study how genes and environment influence maturation and reproductive traits in female Atlantic salmon. I’m particularly interested in trying to understand how maternal genotype and phenotype affect different egg traits and how these egg traits, in turn, influence offspring early-life growth and survival. My PhD is partly funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, OLVI foundation, and Societas pro Fauna et Flora Fennica.
Contact: katja.maamela@helsinki.fi
Lammi Biological Station, University of Helsinki
Contact: sergey.morozov@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
I am interested in all aspects related to animal life-history strategies and their evolution. During my PhD, I am investigating the genetic and environmental factors influencing variability in life-history traits among salmonids. Specifically, I am studying the impact of key genetic loci (Greb1L, Six6, Omy05, and Vgll3) alongside environmental variables, such as temperature and food availability, on traits including age at maturation, migration timing, and energy-allocation tradeoffs. My objective is to uncover the underlying mechanisms shaping these traits to better understand the phenotypic diversity observed in salmonids. I hope this research will contribute not only to improved management and conservation of salmonid populations worldwide but also enhance our broader understanding of the evolution of life-history strategies and pace-of-life syndromes.
Contact: lilian.redon@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
My master’s project explores the effects of the environment and major effect loci on early life-history traits in juvenile rainbow trout.
Contact: corinne.suvanto@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
I am responsible for maintaining the fish facilities, assisting in the husbandry, data collection and sampling of the salmonids stock.
Contact: joao.lopes@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
I'm assisting our team with the husbandry, measuring and sampling of Salmonids stock. I'm helping managing the data related to our fish.
Contact: gautier.magne@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
Contact: bineet.panda@helsinki.fi
University of Helsinki
I take care of our fish and their facilities.
Contact: nikolai.piavchenko@helsinki.fi
Samuel Andrew
Henry Barton
Matthieu Brunneaux
Paul Debes
Helena Johansson
Susan Johnston
Johanna Kurko
Erica Leder
Kenyon Mobley
Hannu Mäkinen
Petri Niemelä
Spiros Papakostas
Victoria Pritchard
Frode Skarstein
Olaf Thalmann
Silva Uusi-Heikkiä
Anti Vasemägi
Jukka-Pekka Verta
Paul Bangura (2025, University of Helsinki): Links between large-effect loci and behavior in juvenile Atlantic salmon. Thesis co-supervised by Katriina Tiira, SmartDOG oy.
Antti Miettinen (2023, University of Helsinki): Genomic approaches to guide the conservation and management of wild Atlantic salmon. Thesis co-supervised by Victoria Pritchard, University of the Highlands & Islands.
Eirik Åsheim (2023, University of Helsinki): Genetic and environmental influences on Atlantic salmon life history: vgll3 and the physiology of maturation. Thesis co-supervised by Jenni Prokkola, University of Helsinki.
Andrew House (2023, University of Helsinki): Factors affecting lipid profiles in juvenile Atlantic salmon. Thesis co-supervised by Paul Debes, Hólar University.
Marion Sinclair-Waters (2021, University of Helsinki): Refining the genetic architecture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) maturation using genomics-enabled approaches. Thesis co-supervised by Nicola Barson, Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
Ksenia Zueva (2021, University of Turku): Evolutionary genomics of adaptation in Atlantic salmon from Northern Europe.
Yann Czorlich (2019, University of Turku): Population dynamics and evolutionary genetics of life history variation in Atlantic salmon.
Johannes Holmen (2013, University of Oslo): The Eurasian minnow: Post-glacial dispersal history and recent invasion patterns in Norway. Thesis main supervisor Asbjörn Vollestad, University of Oslo
Veronika Laine (2013, University of Turku): The genetics of behaviour and other adaptive traits in nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius). Thesis co-supervised by Gabor Herczeg, University of Helsinki.
Claudia Junge (2011, University of Oslo): Spatio-temporal population structuring in complex environments: insights from the European grayling (Thymallus thymallus). Thesis co-supervised by Asbjörn Vollestad and Glenn-Peter Sætre, University of Oslo
Paula Lehtonen (2010, University of Turku): The molecular mechanisms and evolutionary significance of plumage colour variation in pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). Thesis co-supervised by Toni Laaksonen, Finnish Museum of Natural History.
Kalle Rytkönen (2010, University of Turku): Molecular evolution of metazoan hypoxia-inducible factors. Thesis main supervisor Mikko Nikinmaa, University of Turku.
Akarapong Swatdipong (2009, University of Turku): Conservation genetics of exploited Finnish salmonid fishes. Thesis co-supervised by Anti Vasemägi, University of Turku.
Anni Tonteri (2008, University of Turku): Phylogeography and population genetics of north European Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Thesis co-supervised by Jaakko Lumme, University of Oulu.
Laura Buggiotti (2007, University of Turku): Avian evolutionary genomics: studies of Fiducula flycatchers
Juha-Pekka Vähä (2007, University of Turku): Conservation genetics of Teno River Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): genetic structure in space and time and the effects of escaped farmed salmon. Thesis co-supervised by Jaakko Erkinaro, Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute.
Heikki Ryynänen (2006, University of Turku): Applications of gene sequence polymorphisms in evolutionary genetic studies of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and other teleost fish species
Markus Johansson (2004, Uppsala University): Effects of agriculture on abundance, genetic diversity, and fitness in the common frog, Rana temporaria. Thesis co-supervised by Juha Merilä, University of Helsinki.
Mikko Koskinen (2002, University of Helsinki): Genetic studies of population history and contemporary microevolution in grayling (Thymallus: Salmonidae)
Katriina Lahti (2001, University of Helsinki): Integrated analysis of aggression in salmonids. Thesis supervisor Esa Ranta, University of Helsinki.
Aino Alasentie (co-supervised by Sakari Kuikka and Juha-Pekka Vähä): Conservation genetics of Finnish pike populations.
Paul Bangura: Is there a link between vgll3 genotype and aggressive behavior in juvenile farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)?
Mikko Ellmen: Reproductive success of Teno River Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Tanzeela Hanif: Annotation of the Gyrodactylus salaris transcriptome.
Dorian Jagusch (main supervisor Kenyon Mobley): Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in regard to vgll3 (and akap11) genotype and environment
Tiina Korkea-Aho (co-supervised by Mikko Koskinen): Individual-based population genetic analysis of grayling (Thymallus thymallus) from a single water system.
Jan Laine (co-supervised by Tutku Aykanat): Breeding success and survival in relation to major effect loci affecting the age at maturation in Teno river Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Paula Lehtonen (co-supervised by Anni Tonteri): Spatio-temporal genetic structuring of brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations from the Luga River in Northwest Russia
Katja Maamela (co-supervised by Kenyon Mobley): Maturation and egg traits of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) females with different life-history genotypes in two feeding treatments
Tuuli Mäkinen (co-supervised by Nina Peuhkuri): The effect of genetic diversity on survival and growth of Saimaa land-locked salmon.
Laura Quispe (co-supervised by Morgane Frapin and Ehsan Pashay Ahi): Effect of population density and age at maturity genotype on m6A RNA methylation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Anni Tonteri (co-supervised by Jaakko Lumme): Phylogeography of salmon (Salmo salar) populations in northwest Russia as revealed by microsatellite loci