Research groups that operate wholly or partly under the Department of Veterinary Biosciences.
The groups are presented in alphabetical order by the last name of the group leader.
Research in our group focuses on the canine genetic research. In the past few years, the dog's genome has been sequenced, which has opened up tremendous possibilities for uncovering the genetic background of the hereditary diseases and behavioral characteristics, as well as traits such as build, coat color and size of different dog breeds. The unique population history and breed structure of dogs make them great candidates for genetic research.
Development is regulated by various interactive processes in the immature body. Our research focuses on development of two important body systems: the intestinal immune system and the musculoskeletal system.
The Emerging Infections Research group at the University of Helsinki, led by Associate Professor Tarja Sironen, consists of principal investigators, post-docs, graduate students, undergraduate students, and technical staff from the faculties of medicine and veterinary medicine. Our research focuses on emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals, with the goal of accelerating biomedical research and enhancing preparedness for future outbreaks of emerging infections.
As veterinary pathologists, we study disease in domestic animals, determine the cause of tissue changes and death in animals. In comparative pathology, our aim is to understand and uncover disease mechanisms that are shared between several species, including humans. Our group focuses on naturally occuring disease in pets, especially disease invloving the brain and the nervous system.
Tomi Taira
Our aims are to understand how synaptic networks are fine-tuned by homeostatic and Hebbian mechanisms during the development, and how are these processes associated with the emergent network properties (e.g. synchronous oscillations, network dynamics and criticality) in the brain. We are interested in the roles of developmentally expressed kainate-type glutamate receptors (KARs) critical for synaptic plasticity, axonal development and neuronal synchrony early in development.
Hunting emerging pathogens:
The multidisclipinary viral zoonoses research unit at University of Helsinki is led by Professor Olli Vapalahti. Our research focuses on emerging and re-emerging infections – particularly viral zoonoses, including arboviruses. We study their evolution, epidemiology, diagnostics, ecology and host-virus interactions from molecular to population level.