Doctoral Theses 2024

Five doctoral students from the Genetics Research Program and four from the Public Health Research Program defended their doctoral theses at the University of Helsinki.
Pinja Elomaa: Simple devices for single-cell trapping and droplet digital PCR. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 8.5.2024. Supervisors: Päivi Saavalainen, Ville Jokinen.
Natalia Hetemäki: Estrogen biosynthesis in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in women. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 13.12.2024. Supervisors: Hanna Savolainen-Peltonen, Tomi Mikkola, Matti J. Tikkanen.
Jenni Ikonen: Frailty and functioning as determinants of healthcare use. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 20.12.2024. Supervisors: Markus Haapanen, Johan Eriksson, Otso Arponen.
Cedric Korpijaakko: Cardiometabolic health and morbidity in offspring of women with type 1 diabetes. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 16.2.2024. Supervisors: Merja Laine, Johan Eriksson.
Johanna Lehtonen: Genetic and functional studies of ultra-rare diseases. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 22.11.2024. Supervisors: Janna Saarela, Katarina Pelin, Vilma-Lotta Lehtokari.
Salla Mikkola: Feline personality and problematic behaviour: Associations with demographic, genetic, and environmental factors. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 23.8.2024. Supervisors: Hannes Lohi, Anna-Maija Virtala, Milla Salonen.
Kaija Nissinen: Varhaiskasvatusikäisten lasten ruoankäyttö, ravintoaineiden saanti ja stressibiomarkkerit. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 10.1.2024. Supervisors: Maijaliisa Erkkola, Leena Koivusilta, Eva Roos.
Viivi Saari: Growth, puberty, gynecological health, and fertility in women with APECED. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 23.2.2024. Supervisors: Saila Laakso, Elina Holopainen, Outi Mäkitie.
Rebecka Ventin-Holmberg: Biomarkers of the gut fungal and bacterial composition in inflammatory bowel disease. Folkhälsan Research Center, University of Helsinki 16.8.2024. Supervisors: Kaija-Leena Kolho, Päivi Saavalainen, Eija Nissilä.
Read more about our activities in 2024

Director's summary
A summary from the director and key figures from 2024 offer a snapshot of the past year’s highlights and achievements.

Publications
Altogether 186 peer-reviewed articles were published in 2024.

Highlight articles
Some highlights of the publications – reflecting the diversity of our research – are summarized here.