The award-winning doctoral theses of Simon Andersson, Bonnie Nilhamn-Kuosmanen, Joona Sarkkinen and Solja Säde open up new perspectives on history, health and technology. This year's doctoral supervisors are united by their commitment to the wellbeing of doctoral researchers.
The University of Helsinki has presented doctoral thesis awards to Simon Andersson, PhD; Bonnie Nilhamn-Kuosmanen, PhD; Joona Sarkkinen, MD; and Solja Säde, PhD, each of whom defended their thesis in 2025.
The awards were presented at the Summer Fest for doctoral researchers on 28 June, where University Researcher Fredric Granberg, Academy Professor Jukka Jernvall, Associate Professor Kristiina Karhu and Research Director Mari Tervaniemi also received Excellence in Doctoral Supervision Awards.
Award-winning theses open new perspectives on history, health and technology
The University annually recognises doctoral theses of outstanding merit. This year's recipients were selected by Vice-Rector for Research Anne Portaankorva among nominations from each faculty, with the awards, each worth €4,000, presented by Minna Palander-Collin, Director of the University's Doctoral School.
Fresh insights into the biology of ageing
Simon Andersson's doctoral thesis '', examined at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, investigates the stem cells responsible for maintaining tissue function and identifies a new metabolic regulatory principle. His research shows that the age of stem cell organelles - mitochondria and peroxisomes - influences their function in ways that alter cellular metabolism. These changes in turn guide stem cell differentiation and affect tissue regeneration.
The thesis offers fresh insights into the biology of tissue regeneration and ageing. It also opens avenues for applied research, such as developing treatment strategies aimed at maintaining tissue function and reducing the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Overall, the thesis is exceptionally mature and of outstanding international quality.
Unique dataset illuminates early Neolithic community choices
Bonnie Nilhamn-Kuosmanen's doctoral thesis '', examined at the Faculty of Humanities, explores what the manufacture, use and eventual abandonment of plaster ware (vessels crafted from gypsum and lime plaster) can tell us about the technological, economic and social choices made by early Neolithic communities in West Asia.
Drawing on an extensive dataset from Tell Sabi Abyad, the thesis finds that plaster ware was not a precursor to ceramics but a concurrent material technology and that its abandonment represented a significant cultural and technological transition.
With its exceptionally multidisciplinary approach, the thesis sets a lasting benchmark for the field while making a unique dataset widely available to the international research community. In doing so, it also plays an important role in preserving and advancing the understanding of our shared cultural heritage, particularly given that much of the original archaeological record in Syria has already been destroyed or rendered inaccessible by conflict and looting.
Deeper understanding of the onset of multiple sclerosis
Joona Sarkkinen's doctoral thesis '', examined at the Faculty of Medicine, opens new perspectives on the pathogenic mechanisms behind multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological autoimmune diseases by examining germinal centre reactions and their associated cellular changes in the deep cervical lymph nodes.
Drawing on innovative techniques such as ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, well established in cancer diagnostics, alongside single-cell sequencing, the thesis yields findings that open new avenues for diagnostics and treatment development, further deepening understanding of MS pathogenesis. The thesis is of the highest international quality.
Towards more reliable chemical forensics
Solja Säde's doctoral thesis '', examined at the Faculty of Science, explores the current state of and key challenges in chemical forensics.
By developing new analytical methods, the thesis advances the reliability of forensics analysis. It also carries significant implications for the field, contributing to international security and chemical weapons disarmament.
Säde has shown exceptional leadership in coordinating extensive collaborative projects at 11 international laboratories and carrying out multi-laboratory studies. The international impact of her thesis is underpinned by its scientific originality, methodological rigour and the responsible handling of a highly sensitive research area.
