Dictionary entry for the word congratulations

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.

iCAN is part of the Research Council of Finland Flagship Programme with the University of Helsinki and HUS Helsinki University Hospital as founding partners.

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