Mikaela von Bonsdorff appointed Folkhälsan’s new Research Director

“Within our two research programs in genetics and public health, we have outstanding researchers who are motivated, committed and forward-looking. It is a great honour to lead a research center with such a long and strong tradition,” says Mikaela von Bonsdorff, who takes up her position as Research Director on 1 September.

Mikaela von Bonsdorff holds a PhD in Health Sciences, holds the Title of Docent in Gerontology at the University of Helsinki and is a Professor of Gerontology and Public Health at the University of Jyväskylä. She is also Program Director of the Public Health Research Program at the Folkhälsan Research Center and leads the Healthy Aging research group. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on healthy and active aging from a life-course perspective, with a particular interest in physical, mental, social and cognitive health and functional ability.

“I look forward to further developing our research together with my colleagues and to creating new opportunities for collaboration, both between the research programs, within Folkhälsan and with external partners,” says von Bonsdorff.

Folkhälsan CEO Anna Hellerstedt is very pleased that Mikaela von Bonsdorff is the new Director of the Folkhälsan Research Center, which currently comprises the Genetics Research Program and the Public Health Research Program.

“Mikaela played a central role in developing Folkhälsan’s new strategy and has demonstrated strong commitment and a clear ambition to develop our activities. She is also a highly regarded and ambitious leader,” says Hellerstedt. “I am convinced that Mikaela will contribute to the continued success and development of the entire Research Center, where collaboration with Folkhälsan’s other activities and external partners is essential.”

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Research Director Anna-Elina Lehesjoki for the outstanding work she has done in leading the Folkhälsan Research Center,” Hellerstedt says.

Brain health at critical stages of life

Mikaela von Bonsdorff, whose own research focuses on the conditions for active and healthy aging, looks forward to working with Folkhälsan’s new strategy. It focuses on brain health at critical stages of life by providing a good start in life, strengthening confidence in the future among children and adolescents aged 9–16 and strengthening brain health among older adults.

Folkhälsan combines research, service provision, expertise, volunteer activities and active local associations. This unique combination is a strength in our work to prevent ill health and create societal benefit.

“Folkhälsan has a unique ecosystem of research and activities, and I believe and hope that this gives us an opportunity to create societal benefit. Our strength lies in our ability to work together across Folkhälsan,” says von Bonsdorff.

“But no single organization or group can do this alone, which is why we need to find the right partners.”

Diverse research

Today, more and more people are living longer, while younger generations are becoming smaller. Addressing the public health challenges arising from this demographic development requires research that examines health from several perspectives. Mikaela von Bonsdorff sees Folkhälsan’s broad research environment as a particular strength in this respect.

Folkhälsan Research Center conducts research in genetics and public health. In the Genetic Research Program, researchers study both rare hereditary diseases and common diseases such as diabetes, in which both genes and lifestyle play a role. In the Public Health Research Program, research focuses on ways to promote the wellbeing of children, young people and families, as well as opportunities for active and healthy aging.

“We are a relatively large research center with around 200 researchers. We have resources and conditions that cannot be taken for granted in research today. I see it as my task to make the most of the opportunities we have and use them as effectively as possible to promote both scientific excellence and societal benefit,” says von Bonsdorff.