Academicians of Science

Based on nominations made by the Research Council of Finland, the President of the Republic of Finland may confer the honorary title of Academician of Science to highly distinguished Finnish or foreign scientists and scholars. The title can be held by no more than sixteen Finnish scientists and scholars at a time. There are no restrictions on the number of foreign Academicians.

Current Academicians of Science

Alitalo, Kari (b. 1952)

Kari Alitalo’s main areas of research interest include the pathophysiology of cancer, particularly the role of lymphatic vessels in tumour metastasis, and the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent the growth and spread of cancer. Alitalo received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2020.

Aro, Eva-Mari (b. 1950)

Eva-Mari Aro is a pioneer of Finnish plant cell research and plant molecular biology. She is one of the world’s leading scientists in photosynthesis research. Aro received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2017.

Hari, Riitta (b. 1948)

Riitta Hari is an internationally recognised and respected neuroscientist. She has developed methods and applications of human brain imaging and thereby contributed decisively to the progress of this branch of science. Hari received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2010.

Häkkinen, Kaisa (b. 1950)

Kaisa Häkkinen’s main research interests include the history and development of the Finnish language, its phonetic and morphological structure, the history and etymology of Finnish words and the history of language research. She is known, first and foremost, for her studies into the origin and history of words. Häkkinen received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2020.

Jalkanen, Sirpa (b. 1954)

Sirpa Jalkanen is one of the world’s leading researchers of the migration mechanisms of immune cells. Together with her research team, she has produced a number of groundbreaking results and observations that have turned previously held conceptions about immunology and vascular biology on their heads. Jalkanen received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2015.

Jantunen, Heli (b. 1958)

Heli Jantunen has won international recognition for her research in electronic materials, particularly her pioneering work in the field of electroceramics. Her most outstanding research and application achievements are in the area of low-temperature cofired ceramics and applications. Jantunen received the title of Academician of Science in 2023.

Koskenniemi, Martti (b. 1953)

Martti Koskenniemi is one of the world’s leading international law scholars. His main areas of research interest include the history of international law, state succession, human rights and the fragmentation of international law. Koskenniemi received the title of Academician of Science in 2023.

Kulmala, Markku (b. 1958)

Markku Kulmala is the world’s leading expert in the physics and chemistry of atmospheric aerosols. He conducts research at the forefront of international efforts to significantly increase our understanding of the mechanisms of climate change. Kulmala received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2017.

Nieminen, Risto (b. 1948)

Risto M. Nieminen is widely hailed as a trailblazer and pioneer in the application of nanoscience and materials physics within scientific research. He has acquired versatile expertise in computational material physics. Nieminen received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2014.

Niiniluoto, Ilkka (b. 1946)

Philosopher Ilkka Niiniluoto is the author of a number of works on the nature of science and scientific reasoning. During his extensive career he has had a forceful and versatile role in society and public debate. Niiniluoto received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2017.

Penttilä, Merja (b. 1956)

Merja Penttilä’s major research interest is the development of new production processes that replace fossil raw materials. She has worked extensively with a number of national and international companies to develop industry-changing applications. Penttilä received the title of Academician of Science in 2023.

Salomaa, Arto (b. 1934)

Arto Salomaa’s scientific work is based on mathematical logic, focusing on formal languages and automata theory. His research focuses on the mathematical theory of computer science, where he has concentrated on creating theories on areas such as cryptography and DNA computation. Salomaa received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2001.

Thesleff, Irma (b. 1948)

Irma Thesleff is an internationally recognised scientist with a research interest in the mechanisms of embryonic organ development and tooth development. She has developed a mammalian tooth model that has allowed for an in-depth examination of both embryonic and evolutionary development. Thesleff received the honorary title of Academician of Science in 2014.

Academicians of Art do not come under the scope of the Academy of Finland’s operation. The President of Finland awards the title of Arts Academician to a distinguished artist nominated by the Arts Council of Finland. The title can be held by no more than eleven artists at the same time.