Innovation, Personalization and Prevention Across the Lifespan

Vittorio Fortino

Professor, Associate Professor (tenure track) of Health Bioinformatics, University of Eastern Finland

Vittorio holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science, a PhD in Bioinformatics, and a Docentship in Health Bioinformatics. His research is centered on developing and implementing machine learning, heuristic optimization, and network data mining algorithms to tackle the principal computational challenges inherent in the precision medicine (PM) approach.

Jussi Hahtela

Jussi Hahtela, CEO, Biohit Oyj

Elizabeth Jennings

Managing Partner, Venture Atlas Labs

Working at the intersection of investment and commercialization, Elizabeth Jennings is known for bringing innovative technologies to commercial success. Focused on healthcare, life science, and social impact, she runs portfolio services firm Venture Atlas Labs, through which she and the VAL team focus on developing successful commercial and market scenarios for international trade organizations, venture capital, private equity, and corporate units. Leveraging experience launching new scientific and medical technologies in some of the most complex and challenging markets worldwide, she frequently speaks at accelerators, institutes, and global summits on fundraising and commercial strategy.

Marjukka Kolehmainen

Professor, Nutrition/Food and health, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland

Researcher with over 20 years of experience in studying the health effects of foods and their bioactive components through acute, short- and long-term clinical dietary interventions. The main scientific interests include whole grain cereals, berries, and other plant-based foods, with research ranging from molecular mechanisms to whole-body physiology. Recent work has focused on gut microbiota-mediated effects, gut barrier function, and the interaction between diet, inflammation, and overall physical and mental wellbeing. Current research also explores the gut–liver axis and diet-related factors that may support gut barrier health and help prevent liver disease.

Samu Lehtonen

MD, Chief Executive Officer, Business & Operation, Marginum Oy

Dr. Samu Lehtonen M.D. is a visionary medical professional with a unique blend of expertise in medicine, engineering and technology. His journey in innovative healthcare has been marked by pioneering research, groundbreaking advancements, and a passion for improving patient outcomes. Dr. Lehtonen’s research focused on investigating microsurgical technology and its seamless integration into medical practice at the Microsurgery Centre of Eastern Finland, culminating in the founding of Marginum.

Janne Martikainen

Professor, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland

Jussi Pihlajamäki

Vice Rector, Research and Innovation, University of Eastern Finland

Antti Poso

Professor of Drug Design at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), School of Pharmacy

With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Poso specializes in computer-aided molecular modeling for drug design. His expertise encompasses a wide array of techniques including Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR), molecular docking, Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM), and Molecular Dynamics (MD). In recent years, he has integrated cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methods into his research and development endeavors.

Chrisna Ravyse

Lead DTx and UX Specialist, HealthFOX Ltd.

A visionary force behind HealthFOX, Chrisna Ravyse blends clinical expertise with innovation, shaping digital health solutions that transform care. She enhances customer relations, and strategic implementation, fostering a supportive ecosystem for both professionals and patients.

Erkki Soini

CEO, ESiOR Ltd

Erkki Soini is an internationally awarded health economics expert, publisher, and innovator. He has extensive expertise in assessing and forecasting the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, other health technologies, and social and healthcare processes. Soini serves as a permanent expert in the Joint Action Towards European Health Data Space project and has been involved in developing the first private, secure data collection and utilization environment, SPESiOR.

Sonja Soininen

MD, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Eastern Finland. Chief Physician and Specialist in General Practice, Teaching Clinic Osmo, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo

Associate Professor in General Practice at the University of Eastern Finland and Chief Physician at the multidisciplinary teaching clinic Osmo in the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, Finland. Has worked as a general practitioner in the city of Varkaus since 2013 and is a Specialist in General Practice with a strong focus on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes care. Also works as a senior researcher in the PANIC Study at the University of Eastern Finland. Research interests include vitamin D, bone health, early-stage risk factors, and the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, with previous doctoral research focusing on vitamin D status, plasma lipids, and bone mineral density in children.

Eino Solje

Research Director, Professor, MD, PhD, Professor Chief of Neurology (Kuopio Univ. Hospital), Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland

Eino has a particular focus on early-onset dementia and serves as the principal investigator for Finland in several major international research networks in the field. Partner in the national FinFTD research consortium. He has led multiple research projects funded by the EU, the Research Council of Finland and various foundations.

Anna-Maija Tolppanen

Professor, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences

Anna-Maija is a tenured professor in pharmacoepidemiology and real-world data analytics. Multidisciplinary background (MSc in bioinformatics, PhD in genetic epidemiology and >15 years’ experience in different fields and application areas of epidemiology since completing her PhD. Her current research focuses on pharmacoepidemiology and clinical epidemiology.

Juha Töyräs

Professor, PhD, Director of Research and Innovation, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo / Kuopio University Hospital

Juha is the Director of Research and Innovation, Kuopio University Hospital and Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, and Professor of Medical Physics and Engineering, University of Eastern Finland. He also holds a position of Professorial Research Fellow in the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland. He has a PhD degree in the field of medical physics and his research is focused on medical devices and sensors, medical imaging, medical signal processing and connective tissue biomechanics.