Postdoctoral Researcher Antonia Högnäsbacka is working on a PET tool for imaging inflammation in the body. Her research is currently focused on atherosclerosis and how it could be imaged by targeting an inflammation marker, a protein called TREM2.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
Photo: Iida Taskila.
The Planetary Health Symposium, jointly organised by SYS-LIFE and other University of Turku COFUND programmes, brought together a multidisciplinary group of researchers to discuss planetary and human health, as well as the interdependencies between them. The symposium took place on 10 August 2026 and marked the opening of the Planetary Health Summer School. Read more on the University of Turku webpage.
Postdoctoral Researcher David Molnar is conducting a cohort study to identify features of the epicardial adipose tissue that indicate risk of myocardial infarction. He is developing an AI model that can analyse the risk factors apparent in CT scans, enabling more accurate and confident risk assessment by clinicians.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
On 3 June 2026, SYS-LIFE fellows gathered for a summer retreat in the scenic surroundings of Mathildedal and Teijo National Park. The event brought together 12 SYS-LIFE fellows, accompanied by six family members, as well as the programme director and coordinator. The group included young children aged 4–8, creating a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
The day began with a hike around Lake Matildanjärvi, enjoyed in beautiful weather. Thanks to a well-timed break at a wilderness shelter, participants were able to complete the full loop comfortably. A delicious open-fire lunch featuring fish soup, vegetable soup, and traditional archipelago bread was served during the hike.
In the afternoon, the group gathered for coffee at Café Mathildedal before joining a guided tour of the historic ironworks village. The tour provided fascinating insights into the area’s industrial past and its transformation into a popular destination, now attracting around 150,000 visitors annually.
The retreat offered a valuable opportunity for fellows and their families to connect, explore nature, and learn about local history in an informal setting.
Hüsna Kaya Kacar, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University’s MSCA‑co‑funded SYS‑LIFE programme, answers ten questions about her research on maternal diet.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
Oluwafemi Ojo is researching the roles of HSD17B enzymes in body adiposity regulation. Inhibiting the activity of one of these enzymes could potentially lead to new ways of treating obesity and give hope to people affected by it.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
Postdoctoral Researcher Baraa Abuasaker is researching novel ways to treat melanoma patients. Abuasaker’s research focuses on studying TAK-981, an inhibitor that targets a cellular process known as SUMOylation.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
Postdoctoral Researcher Anna Scheer is studying sex-specific risk factors that affect heart health. Her research focuses on the effects that health conditions, such as pre‑eclampsia and gestational diabetes, have on the hearts of the women affected by them.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
Postdoctoral Researcher Usevalad Ustsinau is working at the Turku PET Centre to explore the interplay between ageing, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, and how they affect metabolism in the liver, heart, and adipose tissues. His findings could lead to a better understanding of metabolic health and how it can be maintained in different circumstances.
Read more on the University of Turku website.
