The University of Turku has recruited two new assistant professors with funding from the Research Council of Finland. Velma T.E. Aho’s research centres on human microbiota, and Nipun Gupta focuses on materials research.
The Research Council of Finland (RCF) has granted the University of Turku five million euros to recruit high-level researchers from universities outside of Finland.
During 2026–2027, two researchers from foreign universities will begin their work at the University of Turku and establish research groups in their departments. Velma T.E. Aho, whose research is centred around human microbiota, will start as an associate professor at the Department of Biology. Nipun Gupta will start as an associate professor at the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, focusing on materials research.
The Research Council of Finland granted Finnish universities a total of 22.5 million euros in Profi 9 funding to recruit high-level researchers from outside Finland. The researchers and their research groups will work in the universities’ profiling areas, which have been previously developed with funding granted by the RCF.
Velma T.E. Aho’s research will provide insight into the impact that microbes have on health
Velma T.E. Aho’s research has long been focused on mammalian microbiomes relevant to health. Aho is currently employed by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Norway, and will start at the University of Turku in November 2026.
Aho’s research project will examine the associations between humans and microbes from multiple perspectives. The research group will focus on fungi and protozoans, the microbiomes of humans and their animal companions, as well as microbes with health relevance in ancient DNA data.
The aim of the study is to improve our understanding of the links between microbes and health both in the past and today. The project is part of the Human Diversity consortium of the University of Turku.
Nipun Gupta combines materials research with automated experimentation and artificial intelligence
Nipun Gupta’s expertise is a rare combination of experimental electrochemistry, high‑capacity automation, and data‑driven materials development. Gupta will transfer to the University of Turku in January 2027 from the University of Toronto.
The research project led by Gupta will combine materials research with automated experimentation and artificial intelligence. Utilising robotics, software, data infrastructure, and machine learning will accelerate results and discoveries. The results will benefit healthcare, energy-production, and manufacturing.
The interdisciplinary research project will strengthen national FIRI infrastructure, train students in next-generation laboratory methods, and collaborate with industry and regional partners. The aim of the project is to position the University of Turku as a leader in automated materials research. The research project is part of the Sustainable Materials consortium.
