in the forefront of science Lauri Aaltonen Uskali Mäki Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Cancer Genetics Research Philosophy of the Social Sciences University of Helsinki...... 4 University of Helsinki...... 8

Pertti Haapala Risto Nieminen History of society: Finnish Centre of Excellence in Rethinking Finland 1400–2000 Computational Nanoscience University of Tampere...... 40 Aalto University...... 12

Ilkka Hanski Erkki Oja Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Metapopulation Research Computational Inference University of Helsinki...... 41 Aalto University...... 24

Rauno Julin Matej Orešic Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Nuclear and Accelerator Molecular Systems Immunology based Physics and Physiology Research University of Jyväskylä...... 32 VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland...... 25 Markku Kivinen Finnish Centre of Excellence in Jukka Pekola Russian Studies – Choices of Finnish Centre of Excellence in Russian Modernisation Low Temperature Quantum University of Helsinki, Phenomena and Devices Aleksanteri Institute...... 20 Aalto University...... 16

Markku Leskelä Taina Pihlajaniemi Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research University of Helsinki...... 33 University of Oulu ...... 36

Johanna Mappes Lassi Päivärinta Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions Research Inverse Problems Research University of Jyväskylä...... 28 University of Helsinki...... 17

Marja-Leena Sorjonen Finnish Centre of Excellence in Intersubjectivity in Interaction University of Helsinki...... 9

IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 3 Centres of Excellence – the flagships of Finnish research

Centres of Excellence are the flagships of Finnish research. They are at the very cutting edge of science in their fields, carving out new avenues for research, developing creative research environments and training new talented researchers for Finnish society and business and industry. A Centre of Excellence is a research and training network that has a clearly defined set of research objectives and is run under a joint management. Funding is provided for a six-year term, which means that CoEs can work to long-term plans and even take risks. CoEs are jointly funded by the Academy of Finland, universities, research institutes and the private business sector. The Academy has funded Centres of Excellence since 1995. The fifth CoE programme is scheduled to run from 2012 to 2017, and it involves 15 Centres of Excellence.

4 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 5 Lauri Aaltonen

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Cancer Genetics Research University of Helsinki

The first line in cancer genetics

Cancer research in Finland is recognised as exceptionally high-quality. The field has an ambitious long-term target: to render meaningless the disease that is cancer through state- of-the-art gene technology and collaboration among leading experts from several disciplines.

6 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 7 Lauri Aaltonen predisposition. Clinical screening pro- grammes have been made available for Finnish Centre of Excellence in the individuals at risk. The incidence Cancer Genetics Research of colon cancer, for instance, has signifi- University of Helsinki cantly decreased in at-risk families. Furthermore, together with our part- ners, we have studied how the informa- tion gained from genetic cancer research impacts people’s quality of life. In principle, our research mission will be complete once cancer has become lit- What are the aims of tle more than a minor inconvenience. your research? And we are convinced this will happen – not during the term of this CoE, but Our CoE studies the aetiology and certainly in the long run. We would have worked together in development of cancer, focusing espe- this set-up, at least at some levels, regard- cially on hereditary predisposition to less of the outcome, but funding through tumours and somatic changes in neopla- What is it that makes you the CoE programme means firm commit- sia. In recent years, genome research has a Centre of Excellence? ment and a longer-term view to cooper- advanced at such a pace that we are now ation. in the position to analyse the complete When the Academy announced the We are a very significant CoE in terms genome of the individual; both the germ- CoE call, things happened very quickly of our social impact as well because we line as well as the respective tumour. But indeed. We knew how we would set are pioneering the studies of the whole our interests span a much wider range up our organisation and what research human genome. This type of informa- and cover everything from epidemi- themes we would pursue in a matter of tion is extremely valuable and at the same ology to computer science. minutes! We set ourselves the target of time sensitive, too. Genetic information Our research has fine traditions. creating a set-up of leading experts from can help improve everyone’s quality of The first CoE in hereditary disorders different fields, who together would life, but there are potential problems in Academy Professor Lauri Aaltonen research was founded in 1995, and CoEs make up a stronger force than the sum obtaining this information. The interpre- in disease genetics and translational of their individual efforts. tation of genetic information is still in its genome-scale biology followed in its other similar patients. This is a unique infancy, and the infrastructure for using footsteps. This history is reflected in the register providing details on all cancer “We’ve taken on the role that information in public healthcare, for composition of our current CoE that is cases diagnosed since 1953, a total of instance, still remains underdeveloped. composed of five teams. We are a multi- some one million patients. It serves as of bell ringer and messenger This is why we have taken on the role disciplinary unit in a way that everyone a virtual biobank and a research regis- in relation to the Ministry of of bell ringer and messenger in relation to can understand. ter with relevant information on every Social Affairs and Health the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health We are currently conducting genome- patient and tissue sample. The support and other policy-makers” and other policy-makers. Significant ben- wide analyses in lines of research that we we are receiving from the Academy efits and major drawbacks are at stake, believe hold the greatest promise. This through the CoE programme means we and making sure we can achieve the for- is generating vast quantities of data as can now hire a full-time researcher to mer and avoid the latter requires signifi- work is being done on up to a thousand work in the Cancer Registry. cant input in training and education. samples at the same time. This data flow is managed in two stages. First, using the tools of computer science, we perform How will your research sophisticated sequence analyses, sorting change the world? CoE facts millions of sequence reads into optimal order. This allows us to identify real dif- If our studies uncover gene mutations Total number of research staff: Just over 50 ferences between samples from among that explain hereditary tumour suscep- Sites of research: University of Helsinki and Finnish Cancer Registry the background noise. tibility, we will have at our disposal a Number of research staff recruited from abroad: Nine. We are not the most Next, our systems biologists set to predictive test. This will allow us to international unit because our research relies heavily on Finnish research work to find out which part of the vari- translate the findings into clinical tools infrastructures. ation has to do with tumour predisposi- to reduce cancer morbidity and mor- Average age of research staff: 35 years tion. Once we have formed an impres- tality. There are hundreds of families in Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 22.8 million euros. sion, we conduct searches in the Finnish Finland that according to our studies Academy funding is crucial, but we also have significant funding from other Cancer Registry in order to identify show mutations indicative of hereditary sources.

8 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 9 Uskali Mäki Marja-Leena Sorjonen

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Philosophy of the Social Sciences Intersubjectivity in Interaction University of Helsinki University of Helsinki

Interdisciplinary Focus on mutual bridge-builder understanding

The focus of our research is on the chang- Our research focus is intersubjectiv- ing practices of knowledge production ity, the achievement and maintenance and interdisciplinary dynamics in its con- of mutual understanding in the context temporary setting. Among the main tar- of human interaction. The CoE is home gets are interdisciplinary relations within to a multilingual and multidisciplinary social sciences and between them and other community of researchers specialising fields such as cognitive neuroscience and in linguistics, social sciences and speech evolutionary biology. Through empirical science. The common denominator in case studies we examine the conceptual our work is ethnomethodological con- frameworks, methods and models used in versation analysis. In addition, we apply these disciplines. We seek to understand the tools of interactional linguistics, con- their similarities, differences and interac- struction grammar, psycho-physiologi- tions by way of an analysis of their intel- cal methods and the study of gestures. lectual toolboxes. Much of our research is handwork. Professor Uskali Mäki Professor Marja-Leena Sorjonen One aim is to understand and improve Using our extensive collections of audio the practices of knowledge production and video recordings of different types by identifying and analysing strategic “By studying interdisciplinary “The CoE is home to a of interaction situations, our aim is to concepts, arguments and debates. By encounters as well as the lack of multilingual and multi- find answers to three main questions: studying interdisciplinary encounters First, we are interested in how mutual as well as the lack of interdisciplinary interdisciplinary connections, disciplinary community understanding is reached in interaction connections, we aspire to contribute to we aspire to contribute to build- of researchers specialising through the construction, identifica- building bridges between different disci- ing bridges between different in linguistics, social sciences tion and interpretation of actions and plines more generally. sequences of actions. Second, our aim To a greater extent than is customary disciplines more generally” and speech science” is to describe in detail how structures in the case of the humanities and social of language support the achievement of sciences, our CoE encourages collabora- The research team consists of devoted mutual understanding among the parties tive research, dialogue and as co-author- philosophers of science and scholars of to interaction. Our third area of focus ing, also with practitioners in the target the ontology of social reality, all world- is the role of emotions in social interac- disciplines. class experts in their respective fields. tion. Our main focus is on Finnish and Finland Swedish. CoE facts CoE facts

Total number of research staff: More than 20 Total number of research staff: About 40. However, not all of us Site of research: University of Helsinki engage in research full-time but also have teaching duties. Number of research staff recruited from abroad: Site of research: University of Helsinki Only a few, but number will rise considerably. Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 3 Average age of research staff: 44 years Average age of research staff: About 35 years Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 2.5 million euros Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 5.3 million euros

10 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 11 Aims

The CoE programme is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Finnish research and to increase its visibility and appreciation. In addition, it is aimed at developing creative and productive research and researcher training environments that generate excellence and contribute to the overall progress of science and society. The CoE programme facilitates the establishing of research consortia between different fields of science and research. It promotes the efficient and cost-effective use of research infrastructures and opens up new opportunities for increased national and international cooperation. Furthermore, the CoE programme creates favourable conditions for scientific breakthroughs and in this way stimulates the regeneration of science and research. In general, the CoE programme supports the development of the Finnish research system.

12 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 13 Risto Nieminen

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Computational Nanoscience Aalto University

In search of answers at the atom and molecule level

Nature itself has chosen to operate on the nanoscale when creating the functional structures necessary for the maintenance of life. This is why the new materials arising out of nanoscience research will contribute to meeting the biggest challenges faced by humankind.

14 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 15 Risto Nieminen which is the traditional approach taken to the manufacture of microelectronics Finnish Centre of Excellence in and nanoelectronics components, for Computational Nanoscience instance. Aalto University What is it that makes you a Centre of Excellence?

The leaders of our CoE have always done an excellent job in their three core What are the aims of tasks: recruitment, recruitment and your research? recruitment. You need to have talented people to get your research centre onto Our CoE is focused on researching and While nanoscience research never a positive spiral, which in turn will lead understanding structures and systems reaches closure, the work of all our nine to good results, publications and more at the atom and molecule level from a research teams is organised in projects. funding. materials physics point of view. This is Each project has not just general objec- Another key principle – and for us a fascinating field of study that com- tives in the realm of basic research, but this is a crucial foundation for CoEs – prises a rich variety of phenomena and also some very specific and concrete is working to a long-term horizon of up that constantly brings up surprises in the goals that they are expected to deliver. to decades. We have managed to build shape of new discoveries. The best way to sum up our research up an exceptionally broadly based team Conceptually, our work is grounded is to describe it as natural sciences and of leading-edge computational science in quantum physics, and we have a very engineering research aimed at improv- experts. At the same time, the large size solid theoretical framework whose foun- ing the quality of life and the environ- of our CoE means we are in the position dations were originally laid in the 1930s. ment. A concrete example is the model- to allocate a large number of research- But today, of course, we no longer have ling of the energy transfer mechanisms ers to address a specific issue from very to operate with abstract concepts only. in photosynthesis, which is a complex different perspectives and using differ- Professors Risto Nieminen and Päivi Törmä One distinctive feature of our CoE is and exotic, partly a quantum physical ent approaches. that a large part of our work draws on process. If we succeed in identifying and We are known for our exceptional computer-based methods, modelling modelling its mechanisms theoretically standards of postgraduate training, and large-scale computation. and computationally, then we can also which has produced a number of pro- Nanoscience has paved the way to ply, water cleanliness, environmental create the process artificially. fessors who are now working at top uni- a synthesis of several branches of nat- protection, novel information technol- Nanostructures and nanomateri- versities both at home and abroad. ural sciences, with phycisists, chemists, ogies and advanced medical treatments. als are made in two different ways. The We have always worked closely with biologists and materials scientists all Catalysis research is one of the areas first way is to create something com- other research institutes and industrial working on the same research problems. that brings us close to raw materials pletely novel using building blocks partners. One area in which we devote Common areas of interest range from and chemical industry. Apart from basic that are already available. This is how special effort is the development of new DNA molecules to electronics materials. research interests, a major motivation humans work: the great nanomachine materials and nanoscale structures that Our mission is to harness the meth- for our work comes from the needs of that is our body produces proteins, for have practical applications. ods of nanoscale research to find answers society. instance, to the accuracy of an atom. Our aim is to be where others aspire to the major issues facing humankind, The other approach is miniaturisation, to be. which include securing the energy sup- How will your research change the world? CoE facts

The sight of nanoscience is always set beyond the horizon. Since it is hard to Total number of research staff: About 90 – we have grown organically. predict new discoveries, the flexibility Sites of research: Aalto University and Tampere University of Technology “Since it’s hard to predict new that comes with CoE funding from the Number of research staff recruited from abroad: About 30 discoveries, the flexibility that Academy is just what we need in our Average age of research staff: Just under 35 years. Most are doctoral comes with CoE funding from field of research. However, that does not students and postdoc researchers. Among team leaders the age structure is mean we can switch off and take a nine- well balanced. the Academy is just what we to-five attitude. We are as committed as Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 9.2 million euros need in our field of research” ever, at all levels.

16 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 17 Jukka Pekola Lassi Päivärinta

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Low Finnish Centre of Excellence in Temperature Quantum Phenomena and Devices Inverse Problems Research Aalto University University of Helsinki

Cold From theorems science to patents

Our mission is to investigate quantum The exact natural sciences are all based phenomena at low temperatures and to on solutions to inverse problems: their identify possible applications. Some of foundation lies in inferences drawn from our research faculty work at temper- experimental knowledge and interpre- atures very close to absolute zero to tations of that knowledge within the study such low temperature phenom- frame of mathematical models. Our CoE ena as superfluids. Another increasingly engages in multidisciplinary research that important research focus in this field ranges from the results of pure mathemat- includes phenomena in nanostructures. ics to industrial and commercial applica- Work at our own CoE concentrates on tions. This is made possible by our appli- the area of nanoelectronics where quan- cation of mathematical formalism. tum phenomena are significant, as well Our aim is to produce workable and as thermal phenomena on nanoscale and well-reasoned solutions to practical nanomechanics. inverse problems. This serves to demon- Professor Jukka Pekola Professor Lassi Päivärinta More specifically, research at our strate the power of mathematical meth- CoE includes charge and heat transfer ods with the phenomenal accumulation and related fluctuations, and mechanical and growing complexity of experimen- motion governed by quantum mechan- tal knowledge and mathematical models. ics. The materials we study include The problems we address include helium superfluids, superconductors, “Some of our research “For us, research is a medical and industrial imaging, asteroid graphene and carbon nanotubes as well faculty work at temperatures way of life, a passion and modelling, new-generation radar meas- as ordinary metals. very close to absolute zero” an adventure” urements, biomass and carbon footprint measurements, and practical invisibility techniques. Based at six universities, our teams make up an integrated and interactive network in the fields of mathematics, physics, statistics and computational science. For us, research is a way of life, a passion and an adventure. CoE facts CoE facts

Total number of research staff: About 70 Total number of research staff: About 77 Sites of research: Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Sites of research: University of Helsinki, University of Jyväskylä, University Centre of Finland of Oulu, University of Eastern Finland, Tampere University of Technology and Number of research staff recruited from abroad: Around 25 Lappeenranta University of Technology Average age of research staff: About 35 years Number of research staff recruited from abroad: About 15 Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 20.8 million euros Average age of research staff: About 34 years Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 8.8 million euros

18 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 19 Impact

CoE programmes are the most notable success stories of Finnish research. They have laid the foundation for the development of creative and productive research and training environments that advance internationally pioneering research. The programmes have brought increased international visibility to Finnish research, showcasing the best that Finnish science and research have to offer. CoE programmes have broad-ranging impact on Finnish research as well as on the research, development and innovation field. They are also extremely important environments for training and education. The added value gained from CoE programmes is mainly reflected in the improvement of research environments and research cooperation. An ambitious and high-quality research environment is best placed to produce new top researchers, news ideas, new methods and new approaches.

20 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 21 Markku Kivinen

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Russian Studies – Choices of Russian Modernisation University of Helsinki, Aleksanteri Institute

Mapping the dimensions of Russian modernisation

The Russian nation is facing a number of important choices in the years ahead. The researchers at the Aleksanteri Institute are going to examine the structuration of the new Russian society and the challenges of modernisation.

22 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 23 Markku Kivinen in developing relations between Russia and the European Union. Finnish Centre of Excellence in Russian At a more practical level, exports of Studies – Choices of Russian Modernisation Finnish innovations to Russia may help University of Helsinki, Aleksanteri Institute resolve some difficult challenges in the social and healthcare sector. In other words, our research will also benefit Finnish companies, NGOs and author- ities that have contact with Russia on a daily basis. Ultimately, the most significant result What are the aims of is the ending of the Cold War. Both Rus- your research? sia and the United States still have stra- tegic nuclear weapons ready to launch, Quite a lot of research is being con- and Russia has still not been integrated the group complement one another. We ducted on Russia at the moment, but no- fully into Western structures. This is an are not interested in studying only the one is looking at the country as an inte- enormous global challenge, where fail- Russian elite, but also everyday life, gral whole. Instead, what we see is econ- ure is not an option. institutions and grassroots activities. omists studying economy, political sci- Our research team is built around the entists politics, cultural scholars culture. key choices that Russia has to make However, it is impossible to understand What is it that makes you regarding modernisation: economic the Russian economy without consider- a Centre of Excellence? diversification, the development of ing politics, which in turn is very much democracy and the welfare state, foreign influenced by culture. For this rea- We have a great team and great team policy and cultural identity. However, son, we have set up a multidisciplinary players. The different perspectives inside the research teams all share a common research team, which will be looking at point of departure and they are all com- the entire whole from the same research mitted to the same objective. Our aim is perspective. Our aim is to create a new to become a world-leading research cen- Professor Markku Kivinen paradigm, challenging current prevailing tre in this field. views. In this sense, Finland could emerge It would not be possible to study as a superpower in Russian studies. Russian modernisation without inten- We will be exploring Russia’s mod- sive national and international net- ernisation from multiple angles – at the extensive interview and statistical mate- working. Our CoE combines the drive macro, meso and micro level, as well rials dating from the final years of the of ambitious young scholars and the as from a historical viewpoint. Spe- Soviet Union to the present day. These intellectual capital of more experienced cific concerns at the macro level include will help us analyse the development of researchers. CoE funding means that changes in the political, social and eco- social structures, for instance. Anthropo- what we can achieve is no longer a mat- nomic system, while the focus at the logical observations, archive materials and ter of resources – now it only depends micro level will be, for instance, on case studies will in turn allow us to iden- on ourselves and our abilities. consumers and entrepreneurs. In other tify the challenges of modernisation at words, our research agenda covers Rus- the micro level. Wherever possible, we sia as a whole, from major issues to small will also try to enter behind the scenes details, from past to future. by interviewing anonymous experts, We will be applying a broad range of so uncovering the interests of differ- CoE facts research tools. We have at our disposal ent parties.

Total number of research staff: About 40 How will your research Sites of research: University of Helsinki and University of Tampere change the world? Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 5–6. One team leader is “Our CoE combines the Russian. All projects involve international cooperation. drive of ambitious young Our plan is to publish the book on Rus- Average age of research staff: About 40. The social sciences and humanities are typically disciplines where it is very rare for younger scholars to reach the scholars and the intellectual sia’s modernisation par excellence. It will give politicians and authorities both very highest level. capital of more experienced in Finland and abroad the background Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 4.2 million euros researchers” they need for informed policy-making

24 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 25 Erkki Oja Matej Orešic

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Molecular Computational Inference Systems Immunology and Physiology Research Aalto University VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

In search of Understanding meaningful information molecular mechanisms

Our main specialisation is in computa- Comprehending living organisms in the tional inference, a discipline that falls in context of coordinated gene and molec- the middle ground between computer ular function and translation of this science, data analysis and statistics. More knowledge into better human health is and more often today, research in dif- a great challenge and one of the central ferent fields draws on existing datasets, aims of medical systems biology. and it is crucial to know how to identify Our CoE in Molecular Systems and extract information that is relevant Immunology and Physiology Research to end-users. This trend is most clearly (SyMMyS), comprising five research evident in biomedicine and molecular teams, is highly interdisciplinary and biology. We conduct computational translational, covering competencies methods research, where one of the key from clinical immunology and cohort resources is adequate computational and studies to molecular systems immu- data storage capacity. nology, metabolomics, diagnostics and Professor Erkki Oja Research Professor Matej Orešic We are a pioneer in the development computational systems biology. of increasingly powerful computational Our objective is to understand the inference methods for application in “We’re a pioneer in the “We’re one of the global molecular mechanisms that control the systems biology and medicine. Another development of increasingly leaders in metabolomics immune system as well as the interac- important field of application is the tions between the immune system and development of new types of interfaces powerful computational as applied to biomedical other physiological systems in health that can be used on the move to search inference methods for research” and disease. With this knowledge we for real-time information about items in application in systems hope to create novel treatment and pre- the environment. vention strategies of inflammatory or Our CoE comprises seven research biology and medicine” immune-mediated disorders. teams from Aalto University and the In our CoE, valuable and unique clin- University of Helsinki. We work closely ical resources such as the Finnish Type with other groups both at home and it has been shown that we deliver high- 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention abroad, and attach special priority to the quality research that is at the cutting study are integrated with state-of-the- training of young researchers. Indeed, edge internationally. art systems biology and immunology and cutting-edge research infrastructure.

CoE facts CoE facts

Total number of research staff: 77 Total number of research staff: 90 Sites of research: Aalto University and University of Helsinki Sites of research: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, University Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 24 of Helsinki, University of Turku, Aalto University, Hospital District of Average age of research staff: 33 years Southwest Finland Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 15.2 million euros Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 30 Average age of research staff: Slightly under 30 Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 5.5 million euros

26 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 27 selection

The key criteria on which Centres of Excellence are selected are the quality, importance and innovativeness of their work. Other factors that are considered include the feasibility of their research plan, the qualifications of team members, networking contacts and the contribution to the promotion of professional research careers and researcher training. CoE applicants are also assessed in terms of how they compare with the standards of the international forefront. Furthermore, the added value from the CoE and the significance of its research are weighed, together with the impact of its research on society and business and industry. CoE programme calls are divided into two stages. Selection is based on thorough international peer reviews.

28 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 29 Johanna Mappes

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions Research University of Jyväskylä

Seeking to understand the natural environment

Biological interactions pervade all of life’s complexity. Why does in some cases collaboration, and in other cases conflicts emerge in bacteria, social insects and humans? The answers may be surprisingly similar.

30 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 31 Johanna Mappes

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions Research University of Jyväskylä

What are the aims of your research?

We are particularly interested in events Such conflict situations keep recur- Everyone is really excited about the occurring between different organisms, ring. People understand that the task or future research challenges and discov- and between different individuals of the duty they are assigned may impact the eries that lie ahead. We are now in the same species. The big questions for us whole community. Conversely, as indi- position to take a longer-term focus and are often the same regardless of whether viduals they may consider action an tackle even tougher challenges. We can we are studying plants, fungi, insects, inconvenience that they would rather even take risks now – something with- bacteria, humans or complete ecosys- avoid. The same concept can be applied out which many genuinely new innova- tems. These interactions can be based to a host of other processes, from the tions would never happen. on either cooperation or competition, payment of taxes and air pollution to Our CoE includes research teams and may entail predator-prey or host- shared grazing and overfishing. from the University of Jyväskylä and parasite interactions, or social interac- The only way we can hope to change the University of Helsinki. We strive tions within a single species. Surpris- human behaviour is by education and to create close links of cooperation ingly often we see conflicts of interest incentives. Economists, trainers and between the two cities so that everyone between different levels of organisation, various authorities, for instance, are can exchange ideas and expertise regard- Academy Professor Johanna Mappes individuals and populations. extremely interested in understanding less of where they are based. For our A comprehensive and in-depth study what makes groups work together rather younger researchers in particular this is of biological interactions requires that than against each other. a great opportunity for networking. we have a common frame of reference. For us, that frame of reference is natural selection, which acts at all levels of life. which causes disease in both cultured What is it that makes you and wild fish, and is responsible for a Centre of Excellence? yearly losses worth billions of euros. Or How will your research how and why does the Colorado potato Our aim is to take a new and more prac- change the world? beetle spread to Finland. The answers tical approach to the study of biological to these questions will allow us to cre- interactions. We have an exceptionally One of the most ambitious objectives in ate models for predicting such events. diverse team that includes virologists, all natural science research is to achieve Thus, our aim is not to remedy failures, microbiologists, behavioural ecologists, predictability. For instance, we would but to understand causes and predict geneticists, physiologists and theoreti- like to understand the pathogenic mech- consequences based on the analysis of cians. We hope that our excitement and anisms of Flavobacterium columnare, interactions. enthusiasm is conveyed in the work we do. We have much to learn even from the most primitive forms of life and still CoE facts apply our research concept to the chal- lenges faced by society. Biological ques- “We have much to learn tions in nature conservation and the Total number of research staff: A dynamic team of about 50 researchers even from the most primitive major environmental problems of our Sites of research: University of Jyväskylä and University of Helsinki forms of life and still apply day are ultimately outcomes of conflicts Number of research staff recruited from abroad: More than 30%. of interest. That is why it is important to Researchers on one team represent eight different nationalities. our research concept to the make people aware of behavioural mod- Average age of research staff: Just under 35 years challenges faced by society” els that date back to prehistoric times. Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 4.6 million euros

32 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 33 Rauno Julin Markku Leskelä

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Finnish Centre of Excellence in Nuclear and Accelerator based Physics Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) University of Jyväskylä University of Helsinki

In the nucleus Ultra-thin of atoms ALD films

Nearly all the matter that surrounds microelectronics, nanotechnology and us is held in the nuclei of atoms, most the energy sector. of which are unstable. In all, there are The CoE in Atomic Layer Depo- around 8,000 possible species of nuclides, sition comprises the Thin Film Group but no more than some 3,000 of them at the University of Helsinki Labora- have so far been observed. The focus of tory of Inorganic Chemistry; the Mate- research at our CoE is on the structure of rials Physics Division at the University nuclei with extreme numbers of protons of Helsinki Department of Physics; and or neutrons (exotic nuclei). VTT Microsystems and Nanoelectron- Our CoE is made up of four teams. ics. Each team has its own primary area At the Department of Physics of the of expertise and its own tasks. The CoE University of Jyväskylä, we engage in is extensively networked both nationally experimental and theoretical research in and internationally, and we work closely nuclear physics. We also work to develop with industrial partners. Professor Rauno Julin Professor Markku Leskelä practical applications using accelerator Our aim is to develop new ALD pro- technology and ion beams. We use state- cesses for materials that are used in vari- of-the-art equipment, including three “We’ve now been granted “The added value of the CoE ous microelectronics components, such accelerators at the university’s Acceler- CoE status for a third time, originates from a unique com- as memories and microelectromechan- ator Laboratory. ical systems (MEMS), nanostructure We have now been granted CoE status a great achievement that has bination of excellence in the solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for a third time, a great achievement that required us to reinvent our- fields of chemistry, physics and various optical and optoelectronic has required us to reinvent ourselves selves time and again” and electronics” components. time and again. We have shown that it is We have a world-leading position in indeed possible in Finland to develop a Our CoE is committed to chemistry the development of ALD processes. This major research infrastructure for experi- research and development, with special we have achieved with long and pio- mental and theoretical research that is focus on the manufacture of ultra-thin neering research. The added value of the operated in conjunction with a univer- films using the atomic layer deposition CoE originates from a unique combina- sity. We also provide diverse training in or ALD method. Major applications tion of excellence in the fields of chem- this field. for ALD films are found in the field of istry, physics and electronics.

CoE facts CoE facts

Total number of research staff: 65 Total number of research staff: About 40 Site of research: University of Jyväskylä Sites of research: University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 18 Centre of Finland Average age of research staff: 35 years Number of research staff recruited from abroad: About 15; number Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 9.2 million euros will increase with time. Average age of research staff: 32 years (excl. senior research fellows) Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 7.3 million euros

34 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 35 Academy of Finland: leading the way in science

The Academy of Finland provides funding for cutting-edge and innovative research aimed at significant breakthroughs. The Academy is the country’s leading expert organisation in science and science- policy issues, and in that role is committed to strengthening the position of science and research. Our overriding aim is to support the renewal, diversification and internationalisation of Finnish research. The Academy offers various funding opportunities to support individual researchers at different stages of their career. We facilitate researcher training and research careers, promote internationalisation and further the practical application of research results. We also encourage researchers to submit boundary-breaking, high-risk but high-quality research plans that offer potential for scientifically significant breakthroughs. All funding decisions taken by the Academy are based on open competition and independent international peer reviews. Previous CoE programmes: 1995–1999 17 CoEs 2000–2005 26 CoEs 2002–2007 16 CoEs 2006–2011 23 CoEs 2008–2013 18 CoEs For more information, go to www.aka.fi/coe. 36 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 37 Taina Pihlajaniemi

Finnish Centre of Excellence in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research University of Oulu

Mediator, decision-maker, advisor

The extracellular matrix has many crucial roles to play. In order to gain a true picture of how the human organism works, we need to consider the constant interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix.

38 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 39 Taina Pihlajaniemi Our aim is to do research that will help identify mechanisms of malignant Finnish Centre of Excellence in cell transformation and ultimately lead Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research to new diagnostic methods and treat- University of Oulu ments. We want to facilitate the detec- tion of cancer and treatment before the disease progresses too far. One area in which we are active is in developing new tools for breast cancer screening. We have, for instance, identi- fied a novel recurrent constitutional gene What are the aims OF mutation that predisposes to breast can- your research? cer, and a pilot project at Oulu Univer- sity Hospital is looking into this muta- Our aim is to understand the dialogue tion to see whether it could have wider cell cultivation models to test molecules that goes on between cells and the extra- application in screening programmes that we have identified in gene-level cellular matrix, a process that is neces- associated to genetic counselling. analyses as potential regulators of tissue sary for the formation and normal func- development. The focus here is to con- tion of organs and blood vessels, as well sider the significance of these genes to as in cancers and other types of diseases. What is it that makes you cell differentiation. At the next stage, we We are also interested to explore the a Centre of Excellence? proceed to experimental animal mod- functions of stem cells in the processes els, which we then analyse in order to of renewal and differentiation. The new Our CoE has unique competencies and try and determine what really happens understanding gained from these stud- models that can help us model aber- in the organism. In other words, we do ies will lead to improved diagnostics and rant gene function in laboratory condi- not only work at the level of cell cultiva- treatments during our current CoE term. tions. For instance, we have cell cultiva- tion models, but the results of our stud- The extracellular matrix is not just tion and experimental animal models for ies can be translated into practical use in a support structure but an extremely kidneys, hair follicles, mammary glands, clinical treatments. Professor Taina Pihlajaniemi diverse and active agent. It works at once bones and blood vessels. Another thing that sets us apart from as a messenger and as a regulator of dis- Our projects are organised into dis- other research units in the country is ease processes. The extracellular matrix tiation, the effects of tissue oxygen par- tinct successive stages. First, we will use our recruitment policy. Since the basic provides behaviour cues to cells, and tial pressure, DNA changes impacting on research we do requires a long-term creates a physical barrier to the progres- cell wellbeing and balance of cell regen- horizon, our aim is to hire not only bio- sion of cancer. eration as well as the effect of mechani- chemistry, cell biology and genetics stu- Our work rests on the foundation laid cal stimuli. Our aim is to understand the dents, but also medical students who by the Collagen Research Unit estab- combined effects of all these areas in var- are only in their second year. This gives lished in 1982 with funding from the ious tissue environments. them a hands-on research opportunity Academy of Finland and the University and they can start work on their doc- of Oulu. However, over the years the toral thesis at as early a stage as possi- direction of our research has changed and How will your research ble. This system has worked excellently, evolved. Today, the six teams at our CoE change the world? providing young scientists a chance to combine their views and approaches in spread their wings in an inspiring but a new way. Our focus is to study extra- The field in which we work is very challenging environment. We are a very cellular molecules and their effects on attractive, highly competitive and very active, brave and knowledge-hungry cell behaviour, signalling molecules that challenging. Furthermore, the practical bunch of people. regulate cell development and differen- applications can be quite surprising and may surface in completely unexpected CoE facts areas. Due to the wide range of pos- sible applications alone, there are lots of interested parties. Total number of research staff: 85 “We want to facilitate the One of our visions is to be able to Site of research: University of Oulu detection of cancer and grow replacement organs from individ- Number of research staff recruited from abroad: More than 20% ual cells. The number of kidney patients, Average age of research staff: About 32 years treatment before the disease for instance, far outstrips the number of Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 14.2 million euros progresses too far” donors.

40 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 41 Pertti Haapala Ilkka Hanski

History of society: Finnish Centre of Excellence in Rethinking Finland 1400–2000 Metapopulation Research University of Tampere University of Helsinki

Rethinking What are the consequences national history of habitat fragmentation?

Our mission is to research the construc- The Metapopulation Research Group tion of society and identities from a his- is an international, multidisciplinary torical point of view and to find out how group of scientists working on spatial people form an understanding of their ecology and the consequences of hab- history. Our main goal is to contribute itat fragmentation on the ecology and to a rethinking of the history of Finn- genetic structure of populations and ish society, but our research interests are their evolution. relevant to all countries, and to modern The scientists and students working at nation states in particular. The CoE is a the CoE come from very different back- joint project of the University of Tam- grounds, ranging from ecology to genet- pere, the University of Jyväskylä and ics and genomics to mathematics and Åbo Akademi University. These three computer science. One of the greatest universities provide sufficient critical strengths of the CoE is the ability to inte- mass and expertise for our undertaking. grate theoretical and empirical research in Professor Pertti Haapala Academy Professor Ilkka Hanski Conceptions of history have great the same projects. This is greatly facili- social and political significance. What tated by close daily interactions among we want to do is give these conceptions the scientists and students. a good dusting down and show how crit- The mission of the CoE is to create ical historical information really is. No- new knowledge and understanding of one else dares or has the capacity to assess “Rather than argue that “One of the greatest strengths how the spatial structure of the environ- that information than researchers them- history has been written of the CoE is the ability to ment affects the dynamics of natural pop- selves. Rather than argue that history has wrongly, we show the integrate theoretical and ulations. Our aim is to understand the been written wrongly, we show the alter- biology of natural populations from the native way of seeing our past. alternative way of seeing empirical research in the molecular level through to the popula- We have extensive experience of our past” same projects” tion and landscape levels. We also aim to research into Finnish society, a tightly produce and disseminate information and knit community, good international methods that have practical application in contacts – and above all a bold view on conservation and land use planning. the task ahead.

CoE facts CoE facts

Total number of research staff: 34 Total number of research staff: 44 Site of research: University of Tampere Site of research: University of Helsinki Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 5 Number of research staff recruited from abroad: 19 Average age of research staff: Age range from 30 to over 60 Average age of research staff: 35 years Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): 4 million euros Total budget for first three-year term (2012–2014): About 10 million euros

42 IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE IN THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE 43 Hakaniemenranta 6 • POB 131, FI-00531 Helsinki Tel. +358 9 774 881 • Fax +358 9 7748 8299 www.aka.fi/eng