MRC Oulu

Medical Research Center Oulu

MRC Oulu is a strategic cooperation organisation run by the Wellbeing services county of North Ostrobothnia and the University of Oulu. It promotes high-quality clinical research and internationalisation in the field, enhances the utilisation of medical and health science research and the introduction of new technologies in the operating area of the wellbeing services county and the university. It also provides a research environment and training for local operators.

Research

The clinical research at MRC Oulu is focused on diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of nationally significant chronic diseases. The MRC Oulu research groups represent various medical disciplines such as clinical medicine, biomedicine, health sciences and medical technology, as well as humanities.

The growing scientific community of MRC Oulu currently comprises some 80 research groups from Oulu University Hospital, the University of Oulu, and from the Northern Finland collaborative area. For more information about research groups as well as research collaboration, please contact the leaders of the research teams directly by e-mail.

E-mail addresses are of the form firstname.lastname@pohde.fi or firstname.lastname@oulu.fi.

MRC Oulu research groups

The research groups are listed in alphabetical order by research group name

Adherence to self-care and healthy lifestyles (Adherence)
Anne Oikarinen, Docent, University Lecturer
Read more about the research

Allergology and immunology study group
Petri Kulmala, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Bone and Stem Cell Biology Research Group
Petri Lehenkari, MD, PhD, Professor
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Bone group
Juha Tuukkanen, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Brain Protection in Aortic Arch Surgery
Tatu Juvonen, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Breast Cancer Genetics Research Group
Katri Pylkäs, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Cardiology Research Group
Juhani Junttila, MD, PhD, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research MRC group
Jouni J.K. Jaakkola, Professor
Read more about the research

Clinical neurophysiology
Mika Kallio, Docent
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Dental caries and restorative dentistry
Leo Tjäderhane, Research Manager
University of Oulu

Dermatology research team
Kaisa Tasanen-Määttä, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Development of assisted reproduction technologies
Hannu Martikainen, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

DigiImpact
Miia Jansson, Adjunct Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Digital and Mental Wellbeing (DigiWellbeing)
Maria Kääriäinen, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

DIOS-group (Diagnostics of Osteoarthritis)
Simo Saarakkala, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma
Sari Koivurova, MD, PhD, Assistant Head of Gynecology
Outi Uimari, MD, PhD, Clinical Lecturer
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Epidemiology of acute brain injury
Sami Tetri, Docent, MD, PhD
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Genetic Diseases in Northern Finland (FINNDIG)
Jukka Moilanen, MD, PhD, Clinical Geneticist, Chief Physician, Professor of Clinical Genetics
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

GPCRs team Oulu
Ulla Petäjä-Repo, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Health care education and competence (HealthEduCom)
Kristina Mikkonen, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Health Information mastering, HIM-Oulu & Åbo
Maija-Leena Huotari, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Humoral Immunity and Atherosclerosis
Sohvi Hörkkö, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Hypothermia group
Katja Porvari, Docent, PhD, Laboratory Manager
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Intensive Care Research Group
Tero Ala-Kokko, MD, PhD, Professor
Chief Medical Officer of the Intensive Care Center, Oulu University Hospital
European and SSAI Diploma in Intensive Care
Read more about the research

Longitudinal outcomes in psychoses, and beneficial and harmful effects of antipsychotics in psychoses and off-label use
Erika Jääskeläinen, MD, PhD
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Lung fibrosis
Riitta Kaarteenaho, Professor of respiratory medicine and pulmonary pathology, Physician-in-chief of respiratory medicine
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting and synthetic MRI in musculoskeletal imaging
Mika Nevalainen, Professor, MD PhD
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital

Management and leadership in healthcare (HealthManagement)
Outi Kanste, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Medical Physics Research Group
Miika Nieminen, Professor
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Medical retina and uveitis
Nina Hautala, MD, PhD, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Medical Technology Research Group
Timo Jämsä, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Mikroympäristön muutokset ihosyövän patogeneesissä
Hanna-Riikka Teppo, MD, PhD
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital

Mitochondria and nutrient signaling
Eija Pirinen, PhD, Docent and Associate Professor (Tenure track) for Molecular Medicine
University of Oulu
Read more about the research here and here

Molecular Cardiology
Risto Kerkelä, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Molecular mechanisms of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis
Olavi Ukkola, Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Molecular Physiology
Karl-Heinz Herzig, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Neuroengineering and Neurofluids Group
Teemu Myllylä, Associate Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Neuropsychiatric Research Group
Tuula Hurtig, Docent
Juha Veijola, Professor
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

NFBC Eye Study
Ville Saarela, MD, PhD
Johanna Liinamaa, MD, PhD
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Northern Mitochondria
Laura Kytövuori, Adjunct Professor, PhD
Kari Majamaa, Professor Emeritus, Neurology
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, Read more about the research

Oral cancer research group
Tuula Salo, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Oral and craniofacial development research group
Pertti Pirttiniemi, Professor
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Oulu Brain Tumor Research
Niina Salokorpi, Adjunct professor, MD PhD
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu

Oulu Functional Neuroimaging (OFNI)
Vesa Kiviniemi, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Outcome and innovations concerning the treatment of surgical diseases in the craniomaxillofacial region with specific focus on the cleft lip and palate deformity and in the regeneration of tissues using stem cell based therapeutic approaches
George K. Sandor, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Oxidative stress in gynecological oncology
Ulla Puistola, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu

Patient counselling in clinical healthcare settings (Counselling)
Read more about the research

Pediatric Neurology Group
Johanna Uusimaa, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Reetta Hinttala, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Pediatric Neuroradiology Group
Maria Suo-Palosaari, Docent, MD PhD, Pediatric radiologist
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Read more about the research

Pediatric Surgery and Orthopaedics Research Group – Oulu Childhood Trauma and Sports Injury Study
Juha-Jaakko Sinikumpu, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

PEPPI-group: Early Prediction of Preeclampsia and Placental Insufficiency
Jaana Nevalainen, MD, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Perinatal Research Team
Mika Rämet, Professor
Mikko Hallman, Professor Emeritus
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Periodontal diseases and systemic health
Pekka Ylöstalo, Professor of Periodontology and geriatric dentistry
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Physical activity and health across the lifespan
Raija Korpelainen, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Oulu Group (PRIMO)
Jaro Karppinen, Professor
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity – two main threats on women’s reproductive and metabolic health
Laure C. Morin-Papunen, Associate Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Prediction and prevention of adverse drug events
Miia Turpeinen, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Pregnancy, delivery and reproductive timespan – significance to the health of the mother and the child
Marja Vääräsmäki, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Premature gonadal insufficiency: Etiology and long term reproductive and health outcomes
Maarit Niinimäki, Docent, Specialist in obstetric and gynecology and reproductive medicine
Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Psychiatric Epidemiology – Northern Finland Birth Cohort studies 1966 and 1986
Jouko Miettunen, PhD, Professor of clinical epidemiology
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Quantitative MR Characterization of the Discovertebral Complex in Low Back Pain
Osmo Tervonen, Professor
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Reproductive and metabolic health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a translational research approach to the most common endocrinological disorder of women
Terhi Piltonen, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Research group of Anesthesiology
Janne Liisanantti, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Research Group of Medical Physics in Radiotherapy
Juha Nikkinen, Adjunct Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Systems medicine
Johannes Kettunen, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Temporomandibular joint and craniofacial research
Aune Raustia, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

The lymphoma and myeloma research group
Milla Kuusisto-Jauhiainen, MD PhD
University of Oulu, Länsi-Pohja Central Hospital

The mechanisms of dysfunctional immunity
Timo Hautala, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

The treatment and counselling of obesity and related diseases
Markku Savolainen, Professor Emeritus
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Type 2 diabetes, oxidative stress and cancer
Elina Urpilainen, MD, PhD
University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Upper aerodigestive tract diseases
Olli-Pekka Alho, Professor
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Urological diseases
Markku Vaarala, MD, PhD, Chief urologist
Oulu University Hospital
Read more about the research

Visual impairments
Aura Falck, Clinical teacher
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Well-being for Individuals and Families in Nursing (IndFamilyNurs)
Tarja Pölkki, RN, PhD, Docent, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors in metabolic diseases
Jukka Hakkola, Professor
University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Xenobiotic-sensing networks and digital support systems in metabolic diseases
Janne Hukkanen, MD, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine
Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu
Read more about the research

Clinical Research Center

The Clinical Research Center (CRC) is part of the MRC Oulu infrastructure. It conducts basic and applied disease-related molecular biology research, is home to research groups in various medical specialties, and provides the MRC Oulu research groups with a high-quality research environment, laboratory research facilities, and support for clinical research.

Contact information

Laboratory Manager, Clinical Research Center (CRC)
Antti Haapalainen, PhD, Adjunct Professor
antti.haapalainen@oulu.fi

The Clinical Research Center is located next to Oulu University Hospital, in the main building of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Oulu, at the Kontinkangas Life Sciences Campus (Aapistie 5A, 90220 Oulu).

The CRC has laboratory and office facilities for which MRC Oulu research groups can be granted a fixed-term right of use for a maximum period of five years at a time. The right of use for the MRC Oulu research groups working in the facilities is primarily assessed by the Scientific Committee of MRC Oulu at the end of each period. In certain cases, external experts assess the right of use. The board of MRC Oulu makes decisions on granting rights to use the CRC facilities.

At the moment, 10 MRC Oulu research groups work in the CRC facilities. The remaining research groups are located at Oulu University Hospital and in the research units of the University of Oulu.

Laboratory equipment

The laboratory facilities have been equipped with modern devices for basic cell and molecular biology research. For example, the CRC has cell culture laboratories for growing primary and continuous cell lines, facilities for immunohistological staining, and liquid nitrogen tanks and cryogenic freezers for storing samples on long-term basis. It also has confocal and light microscopes for sample imaging.

The research groups in the CRC facilities also have their own laboratory equipment, which can be used by members of other research groups upon agreement. Among other things, the same building houses Biocenter Oulu’s laboratory facilities and versatile research infrastructures as well as open access services.

MRC Oulu research groups may be granted a fixed-term right to use the CRC laboratory and office facilities for a maximum period of five years at a time. The right of use for the MRC Oulu research groups working in the facilities is primarily assessed by the Scientific Committee of MRC Oulu at the end of each period. In certain cases, external experts assess the right of use. It is the MRC Oulu board of directors who makes decisions on granting rights to use the CRC facilities.

Who can apply?

The research groups of MRC Oulu are eligible to apply for the research facilities of the CRC.
What kind of facilities can be applied for?

A research group may apply for both laboratory and office facilities, or
Laboratory facilities only, or
Office facilities only, if the research group has already been granted the right to use the CRC laboratory facilities
How?

Fill in the CRC office and laboratory space application
Send the completed application by email to the CRC Laboratory Manager
Please contact the CRC Laboratory Manager about the available facilities.

Training and events

MRC Oulu provides various types of training and events. For more information, please contact the coordinator of MRC Oulu.

2025

1.10.2025
Tutkimus tutuksi – MRC Oulun tutkimuksen iltapäivä (in Finnish)
klo 12.30–15.30 (OYS/vanha sairaala)
Tilaisuuden tarkoituksena on tuoda esiin erityisesti nuorten kliinikkotutkijoiden tutkimusta. Tilaisuudessa kuullaan puheenvuoroja eri lääketieteen aloja edustavilta tutkijoilta. Tilaisuus on suunnattu Pohteen ja Oulun yliopiston tutkijoille, väitöskirjatutkijoille ja opiskelijoille sekä muille tutkimuksesta kiinnostuneille henkilöille Kontinkankaan kampusalueella. Tarkempi ohjelma julkaistaan myöhemmin.

10.10.2025
Fimean koulutus kliinisistä tutkimuksista (in Finnish)
Klo 9.00-15.00 (OYS/vanha sairaala)
Fimea, Pohteen tutkimuspalvelut ja MRC Oulu järjestävät yhdesssä maksuttoman koulutuksen kliinisistä tutkimuksista. Tilaisuus on tarkoitettu Pohteen, Oulun yliopiston ja Pohjois-Suomen yhteistyöalueen tutkijoille, väitöskirjatutkijoille, tutkimushoitajille ja muille kliinisestä tutkimuksesta kiinnostuneille.

Alustava ohjelma:
9.00 Tilaisuuden avaus / Jaostopäällikkö, ylilääkäri Kaisa Sunela, Fimea
9.05 Uudistunut GCP-ohjeistus R3 / Ylitarkastajat Anne Timonen ja Sarianne Päivike, Fimea
10.50 Tutkimuksen tukipalvelut Pohteella / Pohteen tutkimuspalveluyksikkö
tauko
12.15 Kliinisen lääketutkimuksen elinkaari EU-asetuksen aikana / Jaostopäällikkö, ylilääkäri Kaisa Sunela, Fimea
13.00 Kliiniset laitetutkimukset Fimean näkökulmasta / Jaostopäällikkö, kliininen asiantuntija Minna Kymäläinen,
Fimea
14.00 Softatutkimukset / Ylitarkastaja Sami Myllymaa, Fimea

17.4.2025
The new professors’ inauguration lectures 17.4.2025 at 13.00
Organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu:
Professor Marja Vääräsmäki (lecture in Finnish)
Professor Kristina Mikkonen (lecture in English)

2024

27.11.2024
The new professors’ inauguration lectures (in Finnish)
Organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu:

Professor Tarja Pölkki, Lapsipotilaiden kivunarviointi ja -hoito lääkkeettömillä menetelmillä
Professor Juha-Jaakko Sinikumpu, Lasten ja nuorten urheiluvammat – Mitä uutta kirurgisessa hoidossa?

11.4.2024
Findatan hakemusklinikka kliinikkotutkijoille
Findata järjestää hakemusklinikan Pohteen kliinikkotutkijoille to 11.4.2024 klo 15–16. Tilaisuus järjestetään Teams-etäyhteydellä ja tallennetaan. Tilaisuuteen ei ole ennakkoilmoittautumista.
Tule kuulemaan käytännön vinkkejä siitä, mitä on hyvä huomioida rekisteritutkimusta ja Findata-hakemusta suunniteltaessa sekä miten hakemuksia ja aineistoja käsitellään Findatassa. Tilaisuudessa on mahdollisuus esittää kysymyksiä Findatan asiantuntijoille. Kysymyksiä voi myös lähettää etukäteen viimeistään torstaina 4.4. osoitteeseen katja.riipinen@pohde.fi. Lisätietoja antaa: Tutkimuskoordinaattori Katja Riipinen, katja.riipinen@pohde.fi

8.5.2024
The new professors’ inauguration lectures (in Finnish)
Organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu:

Professor Miia Turpeinen, Lääkkeet, yksilö ja yhteiskunta
Professor Timo Hautala, Infektioalttius – itse aiheutettua, sattumaa vai perittyä?
Professor Eero Kajantie, Keskonen aikuisena

2023

MRC Oulun 10-vuotisjuhlaseminaari

Aika: tiistai 3.10.2023 klo 13.00–15.30
Paikka: Luentosali 10, OYS (Kajaanintie 50)

Tilaisuuden puheenjohtajana toimii Professori Terhi Piltonen.
Tilaisuutta tukee Roche Oy.

Cooperation

MRC Oulu engages in local, national, and international research and education cooperation with various universities, research institutes, and companies.

Main cooperation partners

Inquiries related to research cooperation can be sent by e-mail directly to the leaders of the MRC Oulu research groups.

In matters of educational cooperation, please contact the MRC Oulu coordinator.

Forms and logos

Forms

Logos

Contact information

Director, MRC Oulu
Mika Nevalainen
Professor, MD, PhD

Coordinator, MRC Oulu
Katja Riipinen, PhD, BSc
katja.riipinen@pohde.fi

Laboratory Manager, Clinical Research Center (CRC)
Antti Haapalainen, PhD, Adjunct Professor
antti.haapalainen@oulu.fi

The Clinical Research Center is located next to the Oulu University Hospital, in the main building of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Oulu, at the Kontinkangas Life Sciences Campus (Aapistie 5A, 90220 Oulu).

Director

Mika Nevalainen, Professor, MD, PhD

MRC Oulu board

The board is appointed for a term of four years. The members of the board in 2025–2028 are:

Wellbeing services county of North Ostrobothnia

Juhani Junttila, Vice Chair
Teija Kekonen
Raisa Serpi
Riitta Veijola
Kristiina Junttila, Helsinki University Hospital, Nursing Research Center, NRC

University of Oulu

Kaisa Tasanen-Määttä, Chair
Jukka Hakkola
Juha Auvinen
Mika Kaakinen
Aarno Palotie, FIMM, HiLIFE and University of Helsinki

MRC Oulu Scientific Committee

Johanna Uusimaa
Jouko Miettunen
Kristina Mikkonen

By-laws of MRC Oulu

MRC Oulu_by-laws.pdf (in Finnish)