Heli holds a PhD in molecular animal biotechnology. In addition, she has educated herself in Turku School of Economics (biobusiness program), Finland and Study Programme in Administration and Management of Higher Education, Tampere University, Finland. She is currently Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, at Tampere University. She has over 20 years’ experience on human pluripotent stem cells. Last 15 years she has devoted herself in eye research targeting the research from the beginning towards clinical applications in ophthalmology. Currently her academic research focus areas are retinal and corneal diseases, developing hPSC based tools for disease modeling, drug discovery, 3D bioprinting and cell therapy applications. In addition, she has prior experience in intellectual property strategy, stem cell product licensing and spin-off companies.

In 2010, Heli received the Academy of Finland Award for scientific courage, an award granted to researchers who have shown exceptional scientific audacity, creativity or innovation in their work. In 2019, she received the award for significant medical innovations by Council of Tampere Region, and the Scandinavian Society for Biomaterial research award. She was also given the Valo award in 2021 for the significant research work that has contributed to increase wellbeing and success in Pirkanmaa region.

In the summer, you can find her at beautiful small cottage next to the biggest lake Näsijärvi in Tampere, Finland.