Scientific founder

Heli holds a Ph.D. 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 Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere Finland. She has over 20 years’ experience on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). Last 15 years she has devoted herself in eye research targeting already from the early phases of research towards clinical applications in ophthalmology. Currently her research focus at academic site are retinal and corneal diseases, developing hPSC based tools for disease modeling, drug discovery, 3D bioprinting and cell therapy applications. In addition, she has experience on intellectual property strategy, licensing of stem cell products and establishment of spin-off companies.  In 2010, she received Academy of Finland Award for scientific courage, award granted to researchers who have shown exceptional scientific audacity, creativity or innovation in their work. In 2019, she received Pirkanmaa palkinto award for pioneering medical innovations, Scandinavian Society for Biomaterial research award 2019 and Valo award 2021 for the significant research work that has contributed to increase wellbeing and success in Pirkanmaa region. 

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