National Centres of Excellence in Research
The Academy of Finland provides funding for high-level basic research and seeks to promote the development of creative research environments in Finland. National Centre of Excellence Programmes (CoE) are among the most important means of financing internationally cutting edge Finnish research.
University of Turku hosts the second largest amount of National CoE Programmes in Finland
Altogether, eighteen Centres of Excellence have been named for the period of 2008-2013. Four of these are coordinated by the University of Turku.
National Centre of Excellence Programmes coordinated by the University of Turku
The CoE studies the function of viruses, bacteria and cancer cells as well as the defence mechanisms of the human body. The CoE is headed by Professor Sirpa Jalkanen who works at the University of Turku and the National Institute for Health and Welfare.
The CoE studies the regulation of photosynthetic reactions and their integration into the production of primary and secondary metabolites and biohydrogen. The CoE is directed by Academy Professor Eva-Mari Aro.
The CoE focuses on exploring the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and diabetes as well as on developing tools for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The CoE is headed by Professor Juhani Knuuti.
The CoE studies the phenomena and institutions related to the theoretical and practical interaction between politics and economy. The aim is to convey a broad picture of the principles of democratic governance and institutional design. Another area of research interest is the principles of cost-benefit sharing in multimember organisations. The CoE is headed by Academy Professor Hannu Nurmi.
In addition, two of the five research groups of the CoE in Molecular Systems Immunology and Physiology Research (2012–2017), directed by Professor Matej Oresic and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, are based in the University of Turku. These research groups are headed by Professor Riitta Lahesmaa and Professor Olli Simell.
More information on Centres of Excellence and the National Strategy for Centres of Excellence in Research by the Academy of Finland.