Euro‑BioImaging, the European research infrastructure network for biological and biomedical imaging headquartered in Turku, has secured substantial funding through the EU’s research and innovation programme Horizon Europe.
Euro‑BioImaging is coordinating or participating as a partner in twelve newly selected European research and development projects, which together have been awarded approximately €60 million in EU funding. Of this total, around €10 million will be allocated directly to activities coordinated from Turku.
The newly funded project portfolio spans key strategic areas, including AI‑driven research infrastructures, pandemic preparedness, biotechnology and biomanufacturing, environmental effects on health, and sustainable data and computing solutions.
From its headquarters in Turku, Euro-BioImaging is responsible for coordinating and leading several of the projects, as well as for developing shared services that support researchers across Europe. The organization’s activities are built on long-term and close collaboration with the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, both of which have played a central role in the establishment of Euro-BioImaging.
“From our headquarters in Turku, we are proud to contribute to shaping the future of European research infrastructures. These projects will strengthen access to cutting‑edge imaging technologies across Europe, accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence in biological and medical research, and build the expertise required for world‑class research infrastructures,” says John Eriksson, Director General of Euro‑BioImaging.
In addition, Euro‑BioImaging participates in the Agroecology partnership, which has received up to €170 million in Horizon Europe funding. The partnership focuses on developing more environmentally friendly, climate‑resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems.
Cross‑border European collaboration
Euro‑BioImaging provides researchers with open access to specialised imaging instruments, data services and expertise for studying biological and medical processes. These include high‑resolution microscopy and medical imaging technologies such as PET and MRI, combined with advanced data and image analysis.
Using these technologies, researchers can study disease mechanisms, examine how medicines interact with the human body, and analyse how plants, cells and tissues respond to environmental cues and stress.
“Access to advanced imaging technologies is critical for modern cell biology. It enables us to study complex dynamic processes in living systems with a level of precision that was not previously possible,” says Guillaume Jacquemet, Associate Professor of Cell Biology at Åbo Akademi University.
In Turku, the infrastructure includes the Turku PET Centre, which provides PET and MRI imaging, as well as facilities offering specialised laser‑based and advanced microscopy technologies. The Finnish Euro‑BioImaging infrastructure also involves research facilities at several other universities and university hospitals across Finland. At the European level, Euro‑BioImaging comprises a distributed network of approximately 300 imaging facilities in 18 countries.
“Turku brings together advanced imaging infrastructure, clinical research and international collaboration in a unique way. This provides a strong foundation for both cutting-edge basic research and clinical applications,” Juhani Knuuti, Professor of Cardiovascular Imaging, University of Turku, and Director of the Turku PET Centre
For Turku, the new funding further strengthens the city’s position as a centre for research infrastructure coordination and innovation in biomedicine and biology, increasing international collaboration opportunities and reinforcing the local research environment.
“It is rewarding to see how Finland’s long‑term investments in expertise and infrastructure translate into strong results at the European level. Our success in Horizon Europe reflects the sustained collaboration between the universities in Turku and our partners in Turku, Helsinki, Oulu and Kuopio, as well as the wider Finnish research community,” says Juhani Knuuti.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s largest research and innovation programme, supporting research and development in areas such as health, technology and sustainable development.
For more information, please contact:
John Eriksson, Director General of Euro‑BioImaging and Professor of Cell Biology at Åbo Akademi University
050 409 6623
john.eriksson@eurobioimaging.eu
Adela Novakova, communications specialist, Euro-BioImaging
045 858 9970
adela.novakova@eurobioimaging.eu
