Academy of Finland Award to Hannes Lohi Two researchers receive Academy of Finland Awards The Academy of Finland Awards have been presented to two researchers at the Academy's annual Science Gala in Helsinki on Tuesday 23 October. The awards went to Hannes Lohi, Academy Research Fellow and Adjunct Professor in Molecular Biology, and Jan Lundell, Academy Research Fellow and Adjunct Professor in Physical Chemistry, who are both based at the University of Helsinki. Lohi's research team also belongs to Folkhälsan Research Centre. Lohi was recognized for his scientific courage, Lundell for the social impact of his work.
Academy of Finland Award for scientific courage goes to genome researcher Academy Research Fellow Hannes Lohi's research interests lie in the genetic background and inheritance of epilepsy. He has launched a genetic research programme at the University of Helsinki that is aimed at identifying genetic defects related to hereditary diseases in different dog breeds. In Finland this marks a whole new approach to studying genetic diseases, making use of canine genome data to explore the heredity of certain similar diseases in both dogs and humans. Dog breeding programmes provide an excellent source of research material for geneticists. Dogs are second only to humans in the incidence of genetic diseases, and the best-known among canine diseases are very similar to the corresponding diseases in humans. The canine model identified by Lohi has played a major part in attempting to understand the aetiology of epilepsy. The research undertaken by Lohi has many potential applications in the promotion of human and canine health. A further aim of his research is to help develop better treatments. Lohi is building a Finnish databank of canine DNA samples that will contribute to clarifying the genetic background of both canine and human diseases. The Academy of Finland Award for scientific courage is granted to a researcher who has shown exceptional scientific audacity, creativity or innovation in their work. The award can also be granted for a novel or original research idea, for forward-looking work that transcends scientific boundaries or for a willingness to take risks in research. Nominees for the Academy of Finland's Awards shall hold the position of Academy Research Fellow or work as Academy-funded Postdoctoral Researchers. Nominations are submitted by the Research Councils to the Academy's Board, who makes the final decision. This is the fifth time that the awards have been announced. Previously they were known as the Academy's Recognition and Incentive Awards. The award recipients are presented with a mouth-blown glass ornament by Miia Liesegang.
For further information, contact
- Vice President (Administration) Hedvig Mikkolanniemi, Academy of Finland, tel. +358 9 7748 8230,
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- Academy Research Fellow Hannes Lohi, University of Helsinki, tel. +358 9 191 25085,
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- Academy Research Fellow Jan Lundell, University of Helsinki, tel. +358 9 191 50165,
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- For photos of the award recipients, please call +358 9 7748 8369 or e-mail
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- Introductory videos on the Award recipients will be posted on the Academy of Finland website at 6.00 pm on 23 October; go to www.tietysti.fi/tiedeuutiset > Tiedevideoita (only in Finnish).
Academy of Finland Communications
Communications SpecialistTiina Raivo
tel. + 358 9 7748 8369, +358 40 828 1724
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