University innovations should be put to better use so as to turn scientific knowledge into well-being" says Professor Timo Ylikomi.

Researcher profile

Research must have a clear goal or objective

Timo Ylikomi, professor of cell biology, considers exerting influence in society to be a very important dimension of his job

Text: Annika Hautaranta
Photo: Jonne Renvall
Translation: Virginia Mattila

Timo Ylikomi is professor of cell biology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tampere. From an early stage it was clear to him that he wanted a career in medical science, but he was less certain that what he wanted was to work in research and become a university professor.

"As a teenager at school I decided I wanted to study in a medical faculty, either getting in at the first attempt of trying as many times as I had to. In my last years at school I concentrated on the subjects needed to gain admission. I intended to become a doctor with a big "D". I was particularly interested in internal medicine."

"Cell technology is concerned with how cells are examined, cultured and how e.g. the effects of medications are tested on them. In tissue technology artificial tissues are developed with which to treat people."

Medications for people, not for rats and mice

Professor Ylikomi is also heavily involved in the creation of alternative methods to replace animal testing.  His work, together with that of Professor Hanna Tähti and Research Director Tuula Heinonen, was recognised in spring 2008 by Animalia, the Federation for the Protection of Animals.  Animalia acknowledged the work of the Cell Research Center towards the development of alternative methods to animal testing.

"Ethical considerations were involved, but my reasons for starting to develop alternative methods were specifically scientific."

By culturing and examining human cells left over from surgical procedures we get models on which, for example, the effects of medications can be tested.

"The purpose is to develop a testing model which yields optimally precise results. The biology of the mouse differs from that of the human. Some medication not necessarily toxic to the mouse may be toxic in humans. Moreover, it is much cheaper to make cell tests automatic than to use animal testing."

Innovation chain thinking

Working as a professor means striking a balance between teaching and research, and the amendment of 2004 to the Universities Act stipulated exerting influence in society as an aim of university research.

"Research is useful of itself, but more effort should be invested in the effects of research and in the options for utilising knowledge generated. Better use should be made of university innovations so that scientific knowledge can be transformed into well-being and benefit society."

Professor Ylikomi was involved in the creation of a multi-disciplinary research network in cell and tissue engineering in the Tampere region.

"We should try to create networks of expertise based on regional strengths. We are not merely concerned with medical biology; co-operation with hospitals and engineering constitutes a large part of our work. In addition to research and education this has already led to the establishment of several companies and commercialised products."