Mirella Miettinen ([email protected])
I work as an Associate Professor (regulation of chemicals and advanced materials) and research group leader at the UEF Law School. My Environmental and Pharmaceutical Law research group focuses in particular on the regulation of chemicals and medicinal products, see our research group page for more details.
Current projects
- Mainstreaming pollinator stewardship in view of cascading ecological, societal and economic impacts of pollinator decline (Butterfly) (European Union, Horizon Europe; 2025-2029)
- The impact of EU chemicals policy and legislation on green transformations in the pharmaceutical sector in the EU (PharGTrans) (the Research Council of Finland; 2023-2027)
Mirjami Ikonen ([email protected])
I started at the beginning of 2025 as a Senior Lecturer in Pedagogical Development at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. As a researcher and university lecturer at the Business School, I study leadership issues and trust development, breaches, and restoration in work communities and networks, particularly from a process ontological perspective. Processes of organizational behavior inspire me as interpretations of actors. In my studies, I use experimental, creative qualitative methods of data collection and analysis (e.g., method of empathy-based stories, compassion method, portraiture, and co-produced autoethnography). In pedagogy, I rely on inquiry learning with different collaborative learning methods (e.g., drama, escape room, LEGO blocks for improvisation). I received the University of Eastern Finland’s Excellent Teaching Practitioner Award in 2018, the Finnish Economists’ Teaching Award in 2019 for the development of online teaching, and the Student Association Optimi’s Good Teacher Award in 2023.
Mithilesh Prakash ([email protected])
Academy of Finland Postdoctoral Researcher
Mohamed Abdelgalil ([email protected])
Dr. Mohammed Saqr is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), where he leads the Learning Analytics Unit which has established itself as the most productive laboratory in Europe (over the last five years) and ranks second globally as of 2024. His research is globally recognized, with an long record of pioneering contributions to learning analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), precision explainable AI (XAI), network science, and methodological innovations.
Dr. Saqr completed his PhD in Learning Analytics at Stockholm University, Sweden, earning the Best Thesis Award for his groundbreaking work. He further honed his expertise through postdoctoral research positions at esteemed institutions, including Université Paris Cité, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and UEF, where he subsequently became a Senior Researcher. He has also earned the title of Docent in Learning Analytics from the University of Oulu, Finland.
Dr. Saqr’s work is particularly distinguished in the emerging field of Precision AI, where he has developed Precise XAI models tailored to individuals. His methodologies promise significant advancements in equity and personalization in digital education. One of his notable projects includes the development of the `tna` software, a robust and modern analytical tool for dynamic process analytics and learning networks. These innovations align with his vision to create accessible, personalized, and fair AI-driven learning environments.
With over 190 scholarly publications, including books, journal articles, conference proceedings, and editorials, Dr. Saqr is one of the most published authors in learning analytics worldwide. His works are frequently featured in prestigious journals and conferences. He has received multiple accolades, including the Europe’s Emerging Scholar Award from the Society of Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR) in 2023 and Best Paper awards at major conferences such as LAK, ICCE, SITE, and TEEM.
Dr. Saqr serves on the editorial boards of leading journals such as the British Journal of Educational Technology and IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies. He is also a Guest Editor for special issues focusing on AI, diversity, and technology. His editorial and leadership roles extend to chairing conference tracks, delivering keynotes, and editing proceedings for prominent academic events.
Dr. Saqr actively collaborates with international researchers, governmental organizations, and industry leaders, contributing to over 200 global research partnerships. His consultations have shaped projects for governmental bodies and evaluated programs under the World Academy of Sciences, a UNESCO organization. You can see more at https://saqr.me/
Mohammad Rezaie ([email protected])
I am a Ph.D. candidate at the esteemed University of Eastern Finland, specializing in biomedical engineering. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from Shahed University and continued with a Master’s degree from Iran University of Science and Technology, where I honed my skills in electronic circuits, signal processing, and artificial intelligence for medical data analysis.
Currently, my research focus lies in the development of sophisticated software solutions for Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) data analysis. Leveraging my advanced programming proficiency in Python and MATLAB, complemented by experience in Biomedical signal processing, I strive to create user-friendly yet robust software platforms. My objective is to integrate cutting-edge methodologies with standardized protocols, facilitating seamless adoption and enhancing efficiency in biomedical research endeavors.
Driven by a passion for innovation and a dedication to advancing healthcare technology, I approach challenges with a blend of expertise and enthusiasm. I am committed to delivering impactful solutions at the forefront of technology and biomedicine. I look forward to contributing to the advancement of knowledge and collaboration within the scientific community.
Mohammad Sohrabi ([email protected])
I focus on aquatic ecology, investigating the role of Vitamin B12 in freshwater ecosystems, particularly in Finnish boreal lakes. My research explores its effects on phytoplankton and bacterioplankton diversity and examines how biochemical factors like vitamins influence aquatic communities and ecosystem health.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Cardiometabolic Diseases
Cardiometabolic diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide. The main goal of our group is to identify novel molecular mechanisms of development of calcific aortic valve disease and to reveal the effects of maternal cardiometabolic diseases on placental molecular processes and metabolic programming. Molecular mechanisms of calcific aortic valve disease: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common form of valvular heart disease and the second-leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. CAVD is a slowly progressing disorder that ranges from mild valve thickening to severe calcification called aortic stenosis. There is no pharmacologic treatment for CAVD and only curative therapy of the disease is valve replacement. In our research, we provide translational insights in the development of aortic stenosis allowing identification of novel target therapies and diagnostic tools for CAVD. The effects of maternal cardiometabolic diseases on placental molecular processes and metabolic reprogramming: There is an increasing number of obese women of reproductive age, thus maternal overweight and obesity are resulting in negative outcomes for both women and foetuses including gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and preterm birth. Growing evidence links individuals susceptibility to chronic disease in adult life to events during his/her intrauterine phase of development. Our aim is to determine how maternal cardiometabolic disorders affect placental molecular processes and metabolic programming. The study material is obtained from Kuopio Birth Cohort platform (www.KuBiCo.fi).