Elias Ylä-Herttuala ([email protected])
Currently working as a postdoctoral researcher to develop new cardiac MRI methods for the determination of different cardiovascular diseases. I am leading the cardiac imaging group in biomedical imaging group (MRI-, hyperpolariztion MRI-field, PET/CT, PET/MR, SPECT, microCT) at AIV-institute at UEF. Additionally, leading couple of clinical cardiovascular imaging research projects. Currently, I am also specializing for Medical Physicist.
Isabell Rumrich ([email protected])
Joakim Riikonen ([email protected])
In my research I develop nanomaterials for technical medical applications. The focus is on nanoporous silicon-based materials such as silicon, silica and silicon carbide and their hybrid derivatives. We take advantage of the special properties of these materials in e.g. contrast agents of MRI imaging, drug delivery and metal extraction. I also study how these materials can be produced in environmentally friendly and cost-effective way using principles of circular economy.
Juhana Hakumäki ([email protected])
Professor Juhana Hakumäki is Chair of Clinical Radiology at University of Eastern Finland, and responsible for research, basic education, and specialist training at UEF and Kuopio University Hospital. In addition to specializing in radiology, he also holds European and Finnish certifications in neuroradiology.
Professor Hakumäki’s research work primarily focuses on the development of new applications and methods in magnetic resonance imaging and cone beam computed tomography, ranging from basic research to clinical patient studies. He is also actively investigating the use of artificial intelligence applications and data informatics for advancement of image-based diagnostics and education.
MD, University of Kuopio 1995
PhD (Medicine), University of Kuopio 1999
Adjunct Professor (Biomedical NMR), University of Kuopio 2003
Specialist in Radiology, University of Kuopio 2009
Subspecialist in Neuroradiology, University of Eastern Finland 2012
Key Responsibilities
Professor of Clinical Radiology 10/2021-
Chief Physician in Clinical Radiology, KUH 2021–
Director/Chief Physician of Imaging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 2017–2021
Director of Imaging Center, KUH 2012–2017
Chief Physician, MRI KUH 2010–2012
Positions as Resident and Staff Radiologist, KUH 2005–2009
Jukka Jolkkonen ([email protected])
Major Research Interests
Mechanisms underlying brain repair following stroke and development of restorative therapies to enhance functional recovery.
Research Methods
Experimental stroke models, sensorimotor and cognitive behavioral tests, histology, electron microscopy, stereological counting methods and different imaging modalities (SPECT, MRI).
Marja Hedman ([email protected])
Prediction of aortic dilatation and rupture by means of modern 4D flow MRI technology, molecular biology methods and mathematical algorithms in preclinical models and in clinical study.
Marko Vauhkonen ([email protected])
Research work of Professor Marko Vauhkonen concentrates on industrial and biomedical inverse problems. The most prominent area of his research includes development of diffuse tomographic imaging for industrial processes. These imaging modalities can be used for example in monitoring of pipe flows, control of industrial processes and optimizing of process vessels. Studies in biomedical inverse problems include mainly PET, SPECT and fMRI imaging related to time-varying image reconstruction and motion artifact reduction.
Mikko Nissi ([email protected])
Dr. Nissi is a Professor at the Department of Technical Physics at the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland. Dr. Nissi leads a research group focusing on pre-clinical quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). In 2021, Dr. Nissi also served as a deputy head of the department. The research topics in the group include relaxometry methods, such as various rotating and laboratory frame relaxation methods and imaging strategies, as well as quantitative susceptibility mapping. While the primary field of target applications for qMRI in Dr. Nissi’s group has been musculoskeletal diseases and their diagnostics, the research interests of his group concern especially methodological development of ultra-short echo time / SWIFT imaging sequences as well as image acquisition and reconstruction strategies for various target applications.
The most recent project fundings granted to Dr. Nissi concern development of AI-assisted virtual histology using magnetic resonance fingerprinting (Research Council of Finland, grant #354693), depelopment of rapid quantitative ultra-short echo time MRI methods using primarily the SWIFT sequence and its variants and iterative compressed sensing reconstruction methods (Research Council of Finland, grant #325146) and developing an innovation and development environment for industrial applications of material research using microMRI, consisting of investment of an 11.74 T microMRI device and of various pilot projects on microMRI of agricultural and industrial products (European Regional Development Fund, grants #A73998 and #A74016).
Riku Kiviluoto ([email protected])
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for 18.6 million deaths annually. The World’s leading cause of hospitalization is heart failure (HF), affecting over 64 million people worldwide. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the CVDs and it can lead to HF. CAD is caused by plaque building up in the wall of the coronary arteries which narrows arteries over time. This process is called atherosclerosis. Despite significant medical advances, HF has no cure.
Non-invasive imaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have the potential for early detection of HF with CAD. These imaging modalities provide detailed information on anatomical, functional and metabolic aspects of the cardiovascular system, which can help to identify individuals at risk and potentially prevent the progression of HF. Timely diagnosis and intervention reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HF.
Current imaging techniques for myocardial inflammation have limited specificity. New approaches using PET/MRI techniques are needed for more specific and early detection of myocardial inflammation.