Completed CoE Programmes

Centres of Excellence 2014–2019

The Centre of Excellence Programme for 2014‒2019 contained 14 centres composed of research teams from a total of twelve universities and research institutes.

• Centre of Excellence in Analysis and Dynamics Research
  Academy Professor Antti Kupiainen (University of Helsinki, UH), Maarit Järvenpää (University of Oulu), Tuomas Hytönen (UH), Pertti Mattila (UH), Eero Saksman (UH), Pekka Koskela (University of Jyväskylä, UJ), Xiao Zhong (UJ), Mats Gyllenberg (UH) and Kari Astala (UH)
• Centre of Excellence in Research on Solar Long-Term Variability and Effects
  Professor Kalevi Mursula (Universuty of Oulu, UO), Timo Asikainen (UO), Maarit Mantere (University of Helsinki), Ilya Usoskin (UO) and Eija Tanskanen (Finnish Meteorological Institute)
• Centre of Excellence in Molecular Engineering of Biosynthetic Hybrid Materials
  Academy Professor Olli Ikkala (Aalto University, AU), Markus Linder (AU), Merja Penttilä (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd) and Janne Laine (AU)
• Centre of Excellence in Research on Mitochondria, Metabolism and Disease (FinMIT)
  Academy Professor Howard Jacobs (Tampere University, TAU), Kirsi Pietiläinen (University of Helsinki, UH), Brendan Battersby (UH) and Anu Wartiovaara (UH)
• Centre of Excellence in Atmospheric Science
  Academy Professor Markku Kulmala (University of Helsinki, UH), Timo Vesala (UH), Jaana Bäck (UH), Annele Virtanen (University of Eastern Finland), Yrjö Viisanen (Finnish Meteorological Institute) and Marja-Liisa Riekkola (UH)
• Centre of Excellence in Reason and Religious Recognition Research
  Professor Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki, UH), Sami Pihlström (UH), Ismo Dunderberg (UH), Virpi Mäkinen (UH) and Taneli Kukkonen (University of Otago)
• Centre of Excellence in Biomembrane Research
  Academy Professor Elina Ikonen (University of Helsinki, UH), Pekka Lappalainen (UH) and Ilpo Vattulainen (Tampere University)
• Centre of Excellence in Experimental and Computational Developmental Biology Research
  Academy Professor Jukka Jernvall (University of Helsinki, UH), Isaac Salazar-Ciudad (UH), Irma Thesleff (UH), Osamu Shimmi (UH) and Marja Mikkola (UH)
• Centre of Excellence in Laser Scanning Research
  Professor Juha Hyyppä (Finnish Geospatial Research Institute), Markus Holopainen (University of Helsinki), Juha Kostamovaara (University of Oulu) and Hannu Hyyppä (Aalto University)
• Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology of Primary Producers
  Academy Professor Eva-Mari Aro (University of Turku, UT), Jaakko Kangasjärvi (University of Helsinki, UH), Yrjö Helariutta (UH) and Esa Tyystjärvi (UT)
• Centre of Excellence in Changes in Sacred Texts and Traditions
  Professor Martti Nissinen (University of Helsinki, UH), Jutta Jokiranta (UH), Anneli Aejmelaeus (UH) and Juha Pakkala (UH)
• Centre of Excellence in Research on the Relational and Territorial Politics of Bordering, Identities and Transnationalisation
  Professor Anssi Paasi (University of Oulu, UO), Jouni Häkli (Tampere University), Jarkko Saarinen (UO) and Sami Moisio (UO)
• Centre of Excellence in Translational Cancer Biology
  Academy Professor Kari Alitalo (University of Helsinki, UH), Sirpa Jalkanen (University of Turku, UT), Johanna Ivaska (UT), Olli Kallioniemi (Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland), Heikki Joensuu (UH), Päivi Ojala (UH), Tomi Mäkelä (UH) and Pipsa Saharinen (UH)
• Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease
  Professor Juhani Knuuti (University of Turku, UT), Pirjo Nuutila (UT), Markku Laakso (University of Eastern Finland, UEF) and Seppo Ylä-Herttuala, UEF

Centres of Excellence 2012–2017

The Centre of Excellence Programme for 2012‒2017 contained 15 centres.

• Lauri Aaltonen: Finnish CoE in Cancer Genetics Research, University of Helsinki
• Pertti Haapala: The History of a Society: Rethinking Finland 1400–2000, Tampere University
• Rauno Julin: Finnish CoE in Nuclear and Accelerator-based Physics, University of Jyväskylä
• Samuel Kaski: Finnish CoE in Computational Inference Research, Aalto University
• Markku Kivinen: Finnish CoE in Russian Studies – Choices of Russian Modernisation, University of Helsinki
• Mikael Knip: Finnish CoE in Molecular Systems Immunology and Physiology Research, University of Helsinki
• Matti Lassas: Finnish CoE in Inverse Problems Research, University of Helsinki
• Markku Leskelä: Finnish CoE in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), University of Helsinki
• Johanna Mappes: Finnish CoE in Biological Interactions Research, University of Jyväskylä
• Uskali Mäki: Finnish CoE in the Philosophy of the Social Sciences, University of Helsinki
• Otso Ovaskainen: Finnish CoE in Metapopulation Research, University of Helsinki
• Jukka Pekola: Finnish CoE in Low-Temperature Quantum Phenomena and Devices, Aalto University
• Taina Pihlajaniemi: Finnish CoE in Cell-Extracellular Matrix Research, University of Oulu
• Marja-Leena Sorjonen: Finnish CoE in Intersubjectivity in Interaction, University of Helsinki
• Päivi Törmä: Finnish CoE in Computational Nanoscience, Aalto University

Centres of Excellence 2008–2013

The Centre of Excellence Programme for 2008‒2013 contained 18 centres. At its meeting on 7 December 2010, the General Subcommittee of the Academy of Finland decided on the continued funding of the 2008–2013 CoE programme. The total funding amounted to 30,340,000 euros. All 18 units received continued funding.

The Academy’s funding contribution for the 2008–2010 period was 26 million euros, while Nokia contributed 150,000 euros and KCL 414,000 euros.

• Eva-Mari Aro: CoE in Integrative Photosynthesis and Bioactive Compound Research at Systems Biology Level
• Aarne Halme: CoE in Generic Intelligent Machines Research
• Howard Jacobs: CoE in Research on Mitochondrial Disease and Ageing
• Sirpa Jalkanen: CoE in Host Defence Research
• Juhani Knuuti: CoE in Molecular Imaging in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research
• Simo Knuuttila: CoE in Philosophical Psychology, Morality and Politics
• Markku Kulmala: CoE in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Meteorology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change
• Antti Kupiainen: CoE in Analysis and Dynamics Research
• Hannu Nurmi: CoE in Public Choice Research
• Airi Palva: CoE in Microbial Food Safety Research
• Merja Penttilä: CoE in White Biotechnology – Green Chemistry Research
• Jarl B. Rosenholm: CoE in Functional Materials
• Antti Räisänen: CoE in Smart Radios and Wireless Research
• Mart Saarma: CoE in Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience Research
• Petri Toiviainen: CoE in Interdisciplinary Music Research
• Kaarlo Tuori: CoE in Foundations of European Law and Polity Research
• Esko Ukkonen: CoE in Algorithmic Data Analysis Research
• Seppo Ylä-Herttuala: CoE in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Research

Centres of Excellence 2006–2011

The Centre of Excellence Programme for 2006‒2011 contained 23 centres. The Academy’s funding contribution for 2006–2011 was 63 million euros, while Tekes contributed 4 million euros and Nokia 600,000 euros.

• Kari Alitalo: CoE in Cancer Biology
• Jaakko Astola: CoE in Signal Processing
• Dennis Bamford: CoE in Virus Research
• Jaakko Frösén: CoE in Ancient Greek Written Sources
• Lauri Halonen: CoE in Computational Molecular Science
• Ilkka Hanski: CoE in Metapopulation Research
• Riitta Hari: CoE in Systems Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Research
• Anneli Hoikkala: CoE in Evolutionary Research
• Mikko Hupa: CoE in Process Chemistry
• Rauno Julin: CoE in Nuclear and Accelerator Based Physics
• Olli Kallioniemi: CoE in Translational Genome-Scale Biology
• Jaakko Kaprio: CoE in Complex Disease Genetics
• Kimmo Kaski: CoE in Computational Complex Systems Research
• Jan Klabbers: CoE in Global Governance Research
• Terttu Nevalainen: CoE for the Study of Variation, Contacts and Change in English
• Risto Nieminen: CoE in Computational Nanoscience
• Mikko Nikinmaa: CoE in Evolutionary Genetics and Physiology
• Jari-Erik Nurmi: CoE in Learning and Motivation Research
• Erkki Oja: CoE in Adaptive Informatics Research
• Mikko Paalanen: CoE in Low-Temperature Quantum Phenomena and Devices
• Kari Palonen: CoE in Political Thought and Conceptual Change
• Tapio Palva: CoE in Plant Signal Research
• Lassi Päivärinta: CoE in Inverse Problems

Centres of Excellence 2002–2007

The Centre of Excellence Programme for 2002‒2007 contained 16 centres. The Academy’s funding contribution for 2002–2007 was 33.1 million euros, while Tekes contributed 5.3 million euros.

• Ralph-Johan Back: Formal Methods in Programming
• Pertti Mattila: Geometric Analysis and Mathematical Physics
• Ilpo Huhtaniemi: Male Reproductive Health
• Howard Jacobs: Finnish Research Unit for Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Disease (FinMIT)
• Simo Knuuttila: History of Mind Research Unit
• Erkki Koskela: Economic Structures and Growth
• Markku Kulmala: Physics, Chemistry and Biology of Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change
• Risto Näätänen: Helsinki Brain Research Centre (HBRC)
• Pekka Pamilo: Centre of Population Genetic Analyses
• Juha Pekkanen: Centre for Environmental Health Risk Assessment
• Antti Räisänen: Smart and Novel Radios Research Unit (SMARAD)
• Jukka Seppälä: Bio- and Nanopolymers Research Group
• Kaarina Sivonen: Applied Microbiology Research Unit
• Irma Thesleff: Developmental Biology Research Programme
• Esko Ukkonen: From Data to Knowledge Research Unit
• Seppo Ylä-Herttuala: Centre of Excellence for Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes

Centres of Excellence 2000–2005

Within the first CoE Programme (2000–2005), the Academy funded 26 CoEs and seven core facility organisations. The Academy’s funding contribution was 54.8 million euros, while Tekes contributed 10.8 million euros.

• Rauno Alatalo: Evolutionary Ecology
• Kari Alitalo: Programme in Cancer Biology
• Jaakko Astola: Signal Processing Algorithm Group (SPAG)
• Dennis Bamford: Programme on Structural Virology
• Yrjö Engeström: Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research
• Jaakko Frösén: Ancient and Medieval Greek Documents, Archives and Libraries
• Ilkka Hanski: Metapopulation Research Group
• Mikko Hupa: Åbo Akademi University Process Chemistry Group
• Sirpa Jalkanen: Cell Surface Receptors in Inflammation and Malignancies
• Kimmo Kaski: Research Centre for Computational Science and Engineering
• Seppo Kellomäki: Research Unit for Forest Ecology and Management
• Terttu Nevalainen: Research Unit for Variation and Change in English
• Risto Nieminen: Computational Condensed-matter and Complex Materials Research Unit (COMP)
• Erkki Oja: New Information Processing Principles
• Mikko Paalanen: Low Temperature Laboratory: Physics and Brain Research Units
• Tapio Palva: Plant Molecular Biology and Forest Biotechnology Research Unit
• Leena Peltonen-Palotie: Centre of Excellence in Disease Genetics
• Taina Pihlajaniemi: Molecular Biology and Pathology of Collagens and Enzymes of Collagen Biosynthesis
• Lea Pulkkinen: The Human Development and Its Risk Factors Programme
• Heikki Rauvala: Programme of Molecular Neurobiology
• Heikki Räisänen: Research Unit on the Formation of Early Jewish and Christian Ideology
• Hans Söderlund: Technical Research Centre of Finland, Industrial Biotechnology
• Pertti Törmälä, Seppo Santavirta and Yrjö Konttinen: Tissue Engineering and Medical, Dental and Veterinary Biomaterial Research Group
• Mårten Wikström: Helsinki Bioenergetics Group
• Matti Vilenius: Institute of Hydraulics and Automation (IHA)
• Juha Äystö and Matti Manninen: Nuclear and Condensed Matter Physics Programme at JYFL

Centres of Excellence 1995–1999

The Academy funded 17 CoEs whose terms ended at the end of 1999. Twelve of them received CoE status in 1995 and five in 1997.

• Albert de la Chapelle: Hereditary Disorders Research Unit, University of Helsinki
• Ilkka Hanski: Division of Population Biology, Department of Ecology and Systematics, University of Helsinki
• Erkki Haukioja: Research Team for Ecology and Animal Systematics, University of Turku
• Seppo Honkapohja and Erkki Koskela: Research Unit on Economic Structures and Growth, University of Helsinki
• Olli Jänne: Biocentrum Helsinki, University of Helsinki
• Fred Karlsson: Multilingual Language Technology Unit, University of Helsinki
• Seppo Kellomäki: Research Team Investigating Climatic Change, its Silvicultural and Economic Implications in Forestry, University of Joensuu
• Teuvo Kohonen: Neural Networks Research Centre, Helsinki University of Technology
• Risto Näätänen: Cognitive Brain Research Unit, University of Helsinki
• Mikko Paalanen: Low Temperature Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology
• Markus Pessa: Laboratories of Compound Semiconductor Technology and Surface Science, Tampere University of Technology
• Taina Pihlajaniemi: Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu
• Lea Pulkkinen and Heikki Lyytinen: Human Development and its Risk Factors Programme, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä
• Heikki Räisänen: Research Team for Biblical Exegetics, University of Helsinki and Åbo Akademi University
• Ralph-Johan Back: Turku Centre for Computer Science (TUCS), University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University and Turku School of Economics and Business Administration
• Jaakko Astola: Digital Media Institute, Tampere University of Technology
• Markku Jalkanen: BioCity-Turku, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University