The Life Sciences Researchers of Turku and Saint Petersburg Deepen Their Cooperation
At the seminar of life sciences on April 23–24, the researchers presented their expert knowledge and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the friendship treaty between Turku and Saint Petersburg.
Kalervo Väänänen and Aleksei Zavarzin emphasised that the seminar furthers collaboration between the universities of Turku and Saint Petersburg.
University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University and Saint Petersburg State University organised a joint two-day seminar “Science Meets Business in Life Sciences”.
The aim of the event was to deepen the cooperation between the life sciences researchers of Turku and Saint Petersburg and to share experiences on combining academic research and business life.
– I have a strong feeling that the seminar is only the beginning of our growth together and has a deeper significance than we even believe, emphasised Kalervo Väänänen, Rector of the University of Turku, in his opening speech.
Saint Petersburg State University was represented by Vice-Rector Aleksei Zavarzin and several life sciences researchers, who presented their own expert knowledge. Zavarzin was pleased with the cooperation between the universities of Turku and Saint Petersburg and hoped that the seminar would further increase and deepen the interaction.
– Turku and Saint Petersburg have a lot in common, like strong universities and active teachers and students. I am pleased that the universities cooperate through mobility programmes and joint publications, said Zavarzin.
The guests of the seminar were also welcomed by Jorma Mattinen, Rector of Åbo Akademi University.
Fibrous Materials Are Excellent Dental Fillings
The seminar had speakers from all three universities and from Karolinska Institute of Sweden, as well as from several companies. One of the speakers was Pekka Vallittu, Professor of the Institute of Dentistry of the University of Turku, who lectured on the use of biomaterials in dentistry.
– A tooth can be restored or replaced completely using fibrous materials. The material combines with bone and is more durable than actual dentine, described Vallittu the advantages of using the new material of dentistry.
According to Vallittu, metallic parts are in many ways problematic to use in medicine when combined with bone. Vallittu believes that the use of amalgam in dental filling, which is already prohibited in, for example, Sweden and Denmark, will soon be history in the entire Europe.
– Fibres are not just used in dentistry but, for example, fibreglass can be used to replace parts of the skull. Fiberglass is a durable material used, for example, in airplanes and Formula One racing cars.
Text and photograph: Jenni Valta
Translation: Anniina Väisänen