Finnish Science Award to Professor Johanna Ivaska

The Finnish Science Award 2025 has been awarded to Johanna Ivaska, Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at the University of Turku. The multidisciplinary research group led by her focuses on research into the movement and spread of cancer cells. Ivaska’s research increases understanding of both the behaviour of cancer cells and the importance of healthy tissue in cancer treatment. The research can be used to develop new treatments to prevent the spread of cancer.

Ivaska leads a Research Council of Finland-funded Centre of Excellence (cellular mechanics in the operation of biological barriers: integration of forces and signals from the molecular level to the tissue level 2022–2029) and works on the Academy of Finland-funded InFLAMES Research Flagship (Innovation Ecosystem Based on the Immune System). Previously, Ivaska has worked as Academy Professor (2015–2019) and Academy Research Fellow (2003–2008) at VTT, appointed by the Research Council of Finland. She completed her doctoral degree in 2000 in the field of medical biochemistry at the University of Turku. Ivaska’s dissertation examined collagen receptors.

The high quality of Ivaska’s research is also reflected in the significant funding she has received from the European Research Council (ERC): ERC Advanced Grant 2023, ERC Consolidator Grant 2014, ERC Starting Grant 2007 as well as ERC Proof of Concept funding for three projects 2015, 2018 and 2020. For her work, she has also received funding from several Finnish and foreign foundations.

Ivaska’s scientific work comprises more than 125 scientific articles (figure from 2023). She is a sought-after expert at international scientific meetings. She has several patents and patent applications.

Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie presented the Finnish Science Award at the Tiedefoorumi science forum on 20 May at the Old Student House in Helsinki.

The Finnish Science Award of EUR 100,000 is awarded to a researcher or group of researchers working in Finland as recognition of significant scientific work. The prize is awarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture on the proposal of the Board of the Research Council of Finland. The biennial science award was established in 1997 and has now been awarded for the 15th time.