New funding from Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation accelerates cancer innovation
The Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation has announced its latest round of research funding – a highly competitive call where only 10% of applicants were successful. Several cancer researchers at the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, and Helsinki University Hospital secured significant support:
- Assoc. Prof. Mariike Kuijjer (€800,000) will develop computational models to map gene regulatory networks in cancer, helping to uncover hidden tumor subtypes and mechanisms behind treatment resistance.
- Assoc. Prof. Heidi Haikala and Doc. Ilkka Ilonen (€1,119,000) aim to revolutionize lung cancer drug development by creating a patient-based, AI-driven platform to understand why therapies lose effectiveness.
- Doc. Mika Kontro and colleagues (€600,000) are pursuing novel treatment strategies for therapy-resistant acute myeloid leukemia.
- Research Prof. Juha Klefström (€737,000) will pioneer new pan-cancer therapies targeting MYC dependency.
These projects highlight the strength and diversity of Finnish cancer research — and its potential to deliver more effective, personalized treatments for patients in the future. Warm congratulations to all!
Full details of the awarded grants are available at www.jaes.fi.