Eero Rissanen, MD, PhD, Neurologist and Adjunct Professor, has been elected as the new director of Neurocenter Finland. Rissanen has previously worked as Chief Physician in the Neurology Outpatient Clinic in Tyks Vakka-Suomi Hospital and is currently a visiting scholar at Harvard University in Boston.
Neurocenter Finland is a cooperation network of seven universities and five university hospital districts, established on 1 April 2021 with ministry-level support. The purpose of the activities is to promote national and international research collaboration in neuroscience, thereby contributing to the emergence of innovations related to the promotion of brain health and the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of brain diseases. The objective is to achieve better brain health and a significant reduction in the health care costs caused by brain diseases in Finland, even higher quality and more impactful scientific research, as well as new innovations and their successful commercialisation.
“By supporting collaboration and the emergence of innovations, we can further increase the impact of research in the field and promote brain health.”
Adjunct Professor Eero Rissanen has a very multidisciplinary research area combining various clinical factors, imaging methods and other biomarkers to investigate the treatment response and prognosis of neuroimmunological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. These methods also play a significant role in drug development. Rissanen’s own research experience will thus provide a solid background also for his new position. In addition, the pedagogical skills acquired with his Special Competence in Medical Education will certainly prove to be useful in the position.
“Finnish research in neurosciences is renowned and on par with international high standards. By supporting collaboration and the emergence of innovations, we can further increase the impact of research in the field and promote brain health. During the establishment phase of Neurocenter Finland and its first year of operation, a solid base for growth has been created for national network cooperation. It is great to continue from here, and we are aiming for international success”, Rissanen says.
The term of office of the Director of Neurocenter Finland is three years. Rissanen will start in the position during spring 2022. The position of the Director of Neurocenter Finland is located at the coordination unit in the University of Eastern Finland. There were five applicants for the position who met the application criteria. The view of the steering group consisting of representatives of the Neurocenter’s owner organisations played a key role in the selection process. The Rector of the University of Eastern Finland made the choice based on the opinion of the steering group.
For further information, please contact:
Eero Rissanen, eero.rissanen (a) uef.fi