Innovation, Personalization and Prevention Across the Lifespan

Aarno Dietz

Professor, University of Eastern Finland / Wellbeing Services County of North Savo

Aarno is a professor at the University of Eastern Finland and chief physician of otolaryngology at Kuopio University Hospital. He specializes in hearing research and rehabilitation, and develops new digital solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairments. Dietz was awarded the 2026 Nordic Medicine Innovation Prize for his digital TrueHear service platform, which enables hearing measurement in situations reminiscent of everyday life.

Outi Forsström

Project Manager,Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

Markus Forsberg

Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland

Markus is a pharmacist and pharmacologist with over 25 years of experience in research, development, and innovation. His work has focused on brain disorders, drug transport across the blood-brain barrier and placenta, and, more recently, the use of real-world data and advanced analytics to identify disease risks and predict health outcomes. Markus has extensive experience in academic leadership, research funding, public–private partnerships, and the commercialization of research. He is a founder of two startups and serves on several committees and executive boards, contributing actively to healthcare innovation and translational research.

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

Jussi is CEO of Biohit Oyj, a Finnish health technology company focused on innovative diagnostic solutions. With extensive experience in leadership, business development, and growth strategy, he is passionate about translating scientific innovation into practical healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and create sustainable business value. At Biohit, he leads the company's international growth initiatives and strategic development in diagnostics and gastrointestinal health.

Katri Harjuveteläinen

CEO, Leading Consultant at Regulyn Oy

Katri is a legal compliance specialist focusing on AI, data protection and clinical trials regulation. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Eastern Finland, researching data protection practices in clinical research. She has lead AI & data protection compliance programs at institutional level across R&D and healthcare organizations. She is the founder of Regulyn Ltd., a boutique legal consulting firm that support healthcare and life sciences organizations navigating EU AI Act, GDPR and clinical trials regulation.

Vesa Janhunen

Project Manager, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo

Vesa leads the KEIKKA project, which aims to strengthen North Savo’s innovation ecosystem by supporting the transformation of research results and need-driven ideas into market-ready solutions. His work focuses on fostering collaboration between research, healthcare, and industry stakeholders, helping to create new opportunities for innovation, commercialization, and regional growth within the RDI sector.

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.

Ville Kainu

Country Medical Lead, Pfizer

Ville is a medical doctor and has broadened his expertise into business leadership with executive MBA. He is an experienced pharma leader currently heading the Pfizer medical affairs team in Finland. He earned his PhD in lipidomics, and after finishing his thesis he gathered clinical experience across multiple healthcare providers before joining pharma. His professional focus lies in improving patient access to novel therapies, advancing patient support initiatives, and harnessing the power of Nordic real-world health data to drive better healthcare outcomes.

Antti Kangas

Nightingale Health Plc.

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

CEO & Co-Founder, Marginum Ltd

Samu, M.D. is a medical innovator with expertise spanning medicine, engineering, and technology. He pioneered microsurgical solutions through his research at the Microsurgery Centre of Eastern Finland. Selected as one of the top 100 influencers in Finnish healthcare, Dr. Lehtonen is the inventor behind Marginum’s core technology and a published author in peer-reviewed journals. Founded in 2020, Marginum is a Finnish medical device company advancing fluorescence-guided oncological surgery. Its CE-marked HIVEN® system enables safer, more precise tumour tissue monitoring by seamlessly integrating into surgical workflows. Marginum’s vision is to help surgeons worldwide perform safer operations and improve patient outcomes.

Ville Leinonen

Professor, Chief Physician, University of Eastern Finland/Wellbeing Services County of North Savo

Ville is Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Eastern Finland and Chief Physician at the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo. His work bridges academic research, clinical practice, and healthcare development. Leinonen’s research focuses on neurological disorders, particularly normal pressure hydrocephalus and neurodegenerative diseases, while his leadership roles at UEF and within the wellbeing services county support the advancement of multidisciplinary healthcare, medical education, and innovation.

Timo Lukkarinen

Duodecim

Tarja Malm

A.I.Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland

Tarja is Professor in Molecular Neurobiology and the head of the Neuroinflammation research group at the A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland. She is also the head of the “In vitro and ex vivo electrophysiology core facility” belonging to the Biocenter Kuopio and Biocenter Finland and the head of the Biocenter Kuopio. She obtained her PhD in 2006 in Neurobiology with the focus glial cell biology and carried out her postdoctoral training at the Case Western Reserve University, USA. Her research focuses on understanding microglia-neuron signalling. Her group uses interdisciplinary approaches and develops novel, human based models to find therapeutic strategies to combat brain diseases. Her research group has pioneered development of methodologies to differentiate microglia and microglia containing cerebral organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells. In the past years, her research group has established methodologies to evaluate neuronal circuit functionalities from cortical biopsies obtained from patients of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) offering a novel source to study AD-related events at the molecular, functional and structural level.

Arto Mannermaa

Arto Mannermaa, Professor, University of Eastern Finland, Director, Biobank of Eastern Finland

Professor Arto Mannermaa has 30 years of experience in the research field of molecular pathology of cancer and the components of breast cancer risk. He is head of the Multidisciplinary Cancer Research Community at UEF and director of the Biobank of Eastern Finland. Mannermaa has expertise in cancer genomics and methodologies to study tumor-specific circulating molecules. He has also implemented deep machine learning and Big Data analysis to reveal the interaction of features affecting cancer risk and outcome. Mannermaa has over 300 peer-reviewed publications with over 16,000 citations. While out of office, Mannermaa enjoys outdoor activities, such as sailing and trekking.

Janne Martikainen

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

Janne’s research focuses on data-driven health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), with particular expertise in real-world data analytics, health technology assessment, pharmacoeconomics, and value-based healthcare. Martikainen leads a research group investigating the economic impact of precision medicine, digital health solutions, and population health management approaches in the prevention and treatment of major chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia. In addition to his academic work, he has extensive experience in translating research into practice through healthcare analytics and the commercialization of health data innovations.

Timo Nykopp

MD, Ph.D, FEBU, Associate Professor of Urology (tenure track), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Chief Physician, Finnish Cancer Center FICAN

For the past few years, Timo has been actively involved in the preparation of Finland’s first national cancer strategy and its implementation roadmap. Other important national initiatives include the ongoing development of a national cancer quality registry together with the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. In addition, Timo is a surgeon-scientist with active clinical, educational, and research responsibilities. He also serves as the corresponding author for the Finnish Current Care Guideline (Käypä Hoito) on prostate cancer.

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, Dr. 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.

Tim Sheppard

Senior Vice President, IQVIA

Tim is responsible for IQVIA’s commercial business in North Europe including France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and the Nordic Countries as well as our businesses in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Tim also leads IQVIA’s Global Public Health initiatives. Tim joined IQVIA in 2014 as General Manager of the UK and Ireland business. Tim led the diversification of that business into Healthcare, Contract Sales and Clinical Support programmes. From 2018 Tim has led a broader region including France, Netherlands, Belgium, and the Nordic countries as well as the UK. Prior to IQVIA Tim led consulting teams working with hospitals to make improvements and efficiencies by empowering clinical teams. Tim has also held senior roles within the Healthcare technology industry, at Dell and Perot Systems he ran a large European healthcare practice. In his early career, Tim worked in humanitarian roles in Greece, Bosnia, Croatia and Rwanda. Tim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Kings College, London.

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.

Alina Solomon

Professor, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland

Mikko Tiihonen

Forsante Oy

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.

Mikko Turunen

PhD, CSO and co‑founder of RNatives Oy

Mikko is the CSO and co‑founder of RNatives Oy, a Finnish biotech developing first‑in‑class RNA activation therapies powered by the company’s RNAIntel™ platform. With more than two decades of experience in RNA biology and gene regulation, Turunen is known for pioneering transcriptional gene activation by small RNAs and has published over 60 peer‑reviewed articles. As Docent of Molecular Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland, he has shaped the field through research, mentorship, and translational insight. His current work focuses on building clinically viable RNA therapeutics that unlock new treatment possibilities in areas where conventional modalities fall short.

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.

Mikko Ylilauri

R&D Manager, PhD, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Cell and molecular biologist (PhD) with a background in biotechnology. Wide experience and knowledge in the field of bioproducts and therapeutics - all the way from drug design and discovery to industry level GMP manufacturing. Currently working as a Research and Development Manager at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, responsible for Wellbeing Technology focus area. Previously (2014-2023) worked in various positions (e.g. Quality Control Team Lead and Project Manager) at FinVector Oy, a world leader in the research and development of viral-based gene therapy products. Also certified teacher of chemistry and biology with emphasis on adult education. Interested in information technology and astrobiology.