Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) is dedicated to pursuing world-class research and delivering high-quality education in the fields of biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medicine and health technology. We conduct internationally acclaimed basic and applied research.
Cooperation
We work in close collaboration with research institutions and industrial partners in Finland and abroad. In the field of medicine, we have active teaching and research partnerships with Tampere University Hospital and other hospitals included in our region’s specific catchment area (Seinäjoki Central Hospital and Kanta-Häme Central Hospital). We actively participate in Tays Cancer Centre and FICAN Mid as well as in Tampere Biobank and FinBioBank. Collaboration has begun with the Neurocenter Finland (Tampere Brain & Mind).
MET host extensive research infrastructure welcoming industrial and research partners for collaboration: MET Core Facilities and Services
2024 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship positions at MET
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology (MET) at Tampere University welcomes applicants to jointly prepare successful applications for the EU MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship program.
News
MET International Seminar Serie
The MET International Seminar Serie is organized by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology and the Doctoral Programme in Medicine, Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering.
In the serie, high-level international and national speakers give presentations of their own research field. This seminar series brings together the scientific community of MET and others interested and aims to provide the current state of research in the fields of clinical medicine, biomedicine, translational research, molecular biology, bioinformatics and systems biology, cell & tissue technology, biomaterials, biomedical equipment and technology, biophysics and health technology.
The Tampere university community’s areas of priority are technology, health and society. Our Faculty brings together research expertise in medicine, biosciences and technology and is committed to generating new knowledge and solutions that promote health and wellbeing and benefit both individuals and the broader society. Our research interests focus on biomaterials, biosensors, immunology, clinical medicine, tissue engineering, computational systems, imaging, and cell and molecular biology.
MET hosts extensive research infrastructure: MET Core-facilities and Services
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Our multidisciplinary Faculty provides a state-of-the-art environment for research that encompasses biotechnology, medicine and technology. Our high-quality basic research paves the way for applied research with commercial potential.
Our close collaboration with the healthcare sector enables us to utilise our research findings, such as new diagnostic methods and treatment options, in clinical practice. Our Faculty is also a member of SPARK Finland, a programme that offers commercialisation support for academic researchers and research-based startups and promotes the growth of internationally competitive healthtech business in Finland.
Our Faculty is home to two Centres of Excellence selected by the Academy of Finland:
The Centre of Excellence in Body-on-Chip Research
Prof. Minna Kellomäki, Prof. Katriina Aalto-Setälä, Prof. Jari Hyttinen, Prof. Pasi Kallio, Prof. Susanna Miettinen and Docent Susanna Narkilahti:
Home page CoEBoC
The Centre of Excellence in Tumour Genetics Research
Prof. Matti Nykter:
Home page Computational Biology
Our Faculty houses six research centres:
- Celiac Disease Research Center, led by Prof. Katri Lindfors and Prof. Katri Kaukinen
- Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center Tampere, led by Research Director Reijo Laaksonen
- Prostate Cancer Research Center, led by Prof. Anssi Auvinen and Prof. Steve Bova
- Science Mimicking Life – Tissue engineering with integrated technologies and clinical translation, led by Prof. Minna Kellomäki and Docent Susanna Narkilahti
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, led by Prof. Hannele Laivuori and Prof. Kalle Kurppa
- Research Center for Vaccine Development and Immunology - VACCIM, led by Prof. Eeva Moilanen ja Prof. Heikki Hyöty
In addition, Regea Cell and Tissue Center, the Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE) and Tampere Brain and Mind are located in our Faculty.
We are also part of the Regional Cancer Centre FICAN Mid (Sisä-Suomen syöpäkeskus in Finnish), which coordinates and develops cancer prevention, treatment, diagnostics, and rehabilitation as well as related cancer research in its region.
Research Units
Biosciences (BIO)
- Dufour Eric Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Haikarainen Teemu Structural Immunology
- Hankaniemi Minna Virology and Vaccine Immunology
- Hyöty Heikki Virology
- Hytönen Vesa Protein Dynamcs
- Ihalainen Teemu Cellular Biophysics
- Junttila Ilkka Cytokine biology
- Kaslin Jan Biosciences
- Lehto Kirsi-Maarit Environmental Health
- Nymark Soile Biophysics of the Eye
- Oikarinen Sami Medical Virology
- Parikka Mataleena Infection Biology
- Parkkila Seppo Anatomy
- Rahikainen Rolle Protein Nanosystems
- Rämet Mika Experimental Immunology
- Salminen Tiina Mitochondrial Immunometabolism
- Sanches Ribeiro Andre Laboratory of Biosystem Dynamics
- Silvennoinen Olli Molecular Immunology
- Änkö Minna-Liisa Functional RNAomics
Biomedicine (MEDI)
- Greco Dario Toxicology and Pharmacology
- Haikala Heidi - HaikaLab
- Isola Jorma Cancer Biology
- Juuti-Uusitalo Kati Celiac in Vitro Models
- Jylhävä Juulia Systems Biology of Aging - BioAge
- Järvinen Tero Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine
- Kandhavelu Meenakshi Molecular Signaling Lab
- Lai Xin LaiLab
- Lindfors Katri Celires
- Linne Marja-Leena Computational Neuroscience Group
- Manninen Tiina Computational Neuroscience Group
- Jafari Mohieddin Systems Pharmacology
- Mäki-Marttunen Tuomo Disease mechanisms of schizophrenia
- Nikkari Seppo Medical Biochemistry
- Nykter Matti Computational biology
- Raitoharju Emma Molecular Epidemiology
- Rautajoki Kirsi Cancer Regulation and Immunology
- Ruusuvuori Pekka Bioimage Informatics
- Urbanucci Alfonso Genomic Regulation for Precision Cancer Medicine
- Viiri Keijo Intestinal Signalling and Epigenetics
- Visakorpi Tapio Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer
- Yli-Harja Olli Computational Systems Biology
Biomedical Technology (TECH)
- Aalto-Setälä Katriina Physiology, Heart Group
- Hagman Sanna Neuroimmunology
- Hyttinen Jari Computational Biophysics and Imaging Group
- Kallio Pasi Micro- and Nanosystems
- Kellomäki Minna Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Group
- Massera Jonathan Bioceramics, -glasses and –composites
- Miettinen Susanna Adult Stem Cell Group
- Narkilahti Susanna Neuro Group
- Postema Michiel ULTRASOUND
- Sariola Veikko Bioinspired Materials and Robotics
- Skottman Heli Eye Group
- Sydänheimo Lauri Electronics
- Ukkonen Leena Wireless Indentification and Sensing Systems
- van Gils Mark Decision Support for Health
- Vehkaoja Antti Sensor Technology and Biomeasurements
- Viik Jari Physiological Measurement Systems and Methods
- Ylikomi Timo Cell Biology
Internal and Respiratory Medicine & Critical Care, Skin & Allergy, Occupational & Primary Health Care, Pharmacology (ISOP)
- Hästbacka Johanna Anaesthesiology
- Hernesniemi Jussi Clinical Cardiology
- Kankaanranta Hannu Pulmonary Medicine
- Kaukinen Katri Celires
- Koivistoinen Teemu Emergency Medicine
- Koskela Tuomas General Practice
- Lehtimäki Lauri Pulmonary Medicine
- Lehto Juho Palliative Medicine
- Moilanen Eeva Pharmacology
- Palomäki Ari Internal and Respiratory medicine
- Pörsti Ilkka Internal Medicine
- Rantalaiho Vappu Internal Medicine
- Roitto Hanna-Maria Geriatrics
- Salmi Teea Celires
- Sauni Riitta Occupational Health
- Sumanen Markku General Practice
- Vasankari Tommi Military medicine
Neurological and Sensory Siseases, Oncology, Surgical Sciences (NEON-S)
- Frösen Juhana Hemorrhagic Brain Pathology
- Haapasalo Joonas Specialist Training in Medicine
- Heikkinen Anna Maria Oral Public Health
- Himanen Sari-Leena Clinical Neurophysiology
- Jokihaara Jarkko Hand Surgery
- Jukkola Arja Oncology and Radiotherapy
- Kivekäs Ilkka Otorhinolaryngology
- Laukkarinen Johanna Tampere Pancreas Group
- Mattila Ville Orthopaedics
- Mennander Ari Cardiovascular Surgery
- Murtola Teemu Urology
- Oksala Niku Surgery (especially Vascular Surgery)
- Palmio Johanna Neurology
- Peltola Jukka Neurology
- Raitanen Mika Surgery
- Seppälä Toni Precision Medicine in Abdominal Cancers
- Uusitalo Hannu Eye and Vision Research
- Uusitalo-Järvinen Hannele Ophthalmology
Children’s and Women’s Health, Diagnostic Medicine, Psychiatry (COMP)
- Aalto Mauri Addiction Medicine
- Ashorn Per Global Health Group
- Csonka Peter Evidence-Based Diagnostics & Treatment Quality
- Hirvonen Jussi Radiology
- Kaltiala Riittakerttu Adolescent Psychiatry
- Kholová Ivana Pathology
- Kurppa Kalle Child and adolescent health promotion
- Kähönen Mika Clinical Physiology
- Laaksonen Reijo Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center
- Laivuori Hannele Obstetrics and Clinical Genetics
- Lehtimäki Terho Clinical Chemistry
- Lohi Olli Hematology and oncology
- Louvanto Karolina Infection and Cancer
- Mustonen Antti Psychiatry
- Palmu Sauli PEETU
- Puura Kaija Child Psychiatry
- Saarni Samuli Psychiatry
- Saarni Suoma Psychiatry
Laboratory (LABS)
- LABS 1: Ulla Aapola
- LABS 2: Leena Puustinen
- LABS 3: Pasi Kauppinen
- Genomics: Heini Kallio
- Model Organisms: Brian Mphande
- Cells and tissues & Measurements: Tarja Toimela
Ideal learning environment
Our Faculty produces graduates with broad-based knowledge and skills to meet the future demand for both medical and health technology professionals. Our teaching draws on the latest research conducted worldwide, and we work to ensure that our students are closely integrated into our research community. We maintain diverse learning environments, such as modern simulation and laboratory facilities, and invest in their continuous development. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for our students. Our degree programmes are described below.
Licentiate Degree Programme in Medicine
The Licentiate Degree Programme in Medicine aims to train students to become medical doctors with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to acquire, evaluate and use new knowledge. We place a high priority on the ability to build close and harmonious relationships with patients and having strong team working skills. Our state-of-the-art Tampere Centre for Skills Training and Simulation enables students to practice their clinical skills in a safe environment through simulations. The programme prepares graduates for a broad range of careers not only in primary health care but also in hospitals. The teaching language of the degree programme is Finnish. The applicant must submit evidence of their good command of the Finnish language for academic purposes upon application.
Current Licentiate Degree Programme in Medicine transition period until 31.7.2032
New Degree Education in Medicine (Bachelors’s Programme in Medicine/ Licentiate’s Programme in Medicine) after 1.8.2025.
Lääketieteen kandidaatin tutkinto-ohjelma ja lääketieteen lisensiaatin tutkinto-ohjelma (only in Finnish)
Medical and dental specialty training
Our Faculty is the second largest provider of medical specialist training in Finland. We offer extensive training in 50 medical specialties and 5 dental specialties. We also offer specialist training in general practice, which confers the right to practice medicine in EU Member States to graduates who have completed a licentiate degree in medicine in Finland. In addition, we provide continuing medical education in 30 medical specialties. The teaching language is Finnish.
Degree Programme in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
Our future society will have a growing demand for professionals who are capable of addressing challenges relating to the health and well-being of people and our living environments. The Degree Programme in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering aims to respond to this demand. We provide students with a unique, cross-disciplinary environment for learning that brings together biosciences, biomedicine and biomedical engineering to improve people’s well-being and promote the adoption of new health technology applications. Our teaching is based on the most recent research evidence, and our students become part of our research community. The programme provides students with broad knowledge and skills for a variety of careers that require the ability to collaborate effectively with professionals from different fields. The teaching is provided in Finnish at bachelor level and in English at master level.
Students who complete the programme are awarded the degree of Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Science in Technology (MSc Tech). Our students can choose their specialisation from a range of options based on their personal interests and career goals.
- Degree Programme in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, MSc (Tech) (only in Finnish)
- Degree Programme in Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, MSc (only in Finnish)
International master's degree programmes
We offer two English-taught master’s programmes for international students: Master’s Programme in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, and Master’s Programme in Biomedical Technology. These programmes offer students the opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of the high-quality international research conducted in our Faculty. Although the language of instruction in these programmes is English, most of the courses bring together international and Finnish students, which help our international students integrate into the university community and adjust to life in Finland. Both programmes offer students multiple specialization options. options.
Master's Programme in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
Current specializations, transition period until 31.7.2026:
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Health Technology and Informatics
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Biomedical Micro-and Nanodevices
New specializations after 1.8.2024:
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Medical Physics and Biomedical Instrumentation
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Biomedical Informatics
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Biomedical Micro- and Nanodevices
Master's Programme in Biomedical Technology
Current specializations, transition period until 31.7.2026:
- Master´s Degree Programme in Biomedical Techology
New specializations after 1.8.2024:
Doctoral programme
We offer a doctoral programme that aims to provide innovative and internationally recognised doctoral education and generate research evidence that improves human well-being and delivers wider benefits to society. Graduates from the Doctoral Programme in Medicine, Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering receive either the degree of Doctor of Science in Technology (DTech), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Medical Science (MD) or Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc). The studies towards a doctoral degree consist of theoretical courses and a research project that students typically conduct as part of one of our research groups. We place great emphasis on the quality of academic mentoring; all our doctoral students are assigned to a personal follow-up group that supports and monitors their progress towards the degree.
Other training
We arrange licensing examinations for foreign-trained doctors (information in Finnish) who have graduated outside the EU/EEA and are looking to obtain a license to practice medicine in Finland.
We also provide theoretical education in radiation safety for hospital physicists.
MET Core Facilities and Services
The faculty’s research infrastructure consists of state-of-the-art facilities and services in biomedicine, biomedical technology and engineering. Applications range from cells, tissues and model organisms to virus production, gene and protein technology, biological measurements, bioinformatics and modelling, nano- and microfabrication, biosensors and probes, biomaterials processing and finally bioimaging and materials analysis.
These facilities are used for basic and applied biomedical research and development of novel new tools for medical and clinical applications.
We offer these research facilities as test beds or as facilities for contract research and collaboration as well as for preclinical and clinical tests.
Our Faculty is one of the biocenters that make up Biocenter Finland, which is a national research infrastructure in life sciences. We maintain close ties with companies to ensure that our education and research activities respond to their rapidly changing needs. We are committed to developing solutions that benefit society and stimulate economic growth.
Links below will provide you with information about our facilities and services available to the researchers at Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology as well as outside investigators and companies. Also check the practical rules for using the services.
Imaging
Infrastructure leader: Teemu Ihalainen
Genomics and Biomedical Informatics
Infrastructure leader: Kirsi Rautajoki
Cells and Tissues
Infrastructure leader: Susanna Miettinen
Measurements
Infrastructure leader: Antti Vehkaoja
Model organisms
Infrastructure leader: Mataleena Parikka
Biomaterials and Micro and Nanodevices
Infrastructure leader: Pasi Kallio
Tampere Universities offer a variety of services for companies and communities also in the area of research
This resource catalog is aimed especially for health technology companies for an easy and fast way to find forms of cooperation that suit their own needs. The catalog compiles the services offered by Tampere University (TAU), Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) and the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa (Pirha) related to the topic of health technology.
Other services at the MET faculty
Faculty Management, dean and vice deans
Unit management
Vesa Hytönen, BIO unit head
Matti Nykter, MEDI unit head
Leena Ukkonen, TECH unit head
Katri Kaukinen, ISOP unit head
Jukka Peltola, NEON S unit head
Sauli Palmu, COMP unit head
Keijo Viiri, LABS unit head
Heads of degree and doctoral programmes
Management support
Financial matters
Education
Faculty council members and deputy members between 1.1.2023–31.12.2026
Chairman:
Parkkila Seppo
Professors:
Laivuori Hannele (Kaukinen Katri)
Nykter Matti (Skottman Heli)
Pörsti Ilkka (Murtola Teemu)
Sumanen Markku (Sauni Riitta)
Ukkonen Leena (van Gils Mark)
Teachers, researchers and other staff:
Juuti-Uusitalo Kati (Kesseli Juha)
Nymark Soile (Ihalainen Teemu)
Valtonen Petra (Markkanen Paula)
Koivumäki Jussi (Ryynänen Tomi)
Vuorinen Riikka-Liisa (Oksanen Pia)
Students:
(term of student members 1.1.2025–31.12.2026)
Sutelainen Aarni (Rinne Sanni)
Paavola Jouni (Kalttila Matti)
Eriksson Tuusa (Eriksson Saara)
Pellikka Ida (Eskelinen Emmi)
Nguyen Emilia (Hirvonen Emma)
Vice Dean serves as Vice Chair. Senior Specialist Sara Lamminmäki serves as rapporteur and secretary at the Faculty Council's meetings. Information about the duties, meetings and meeting minutes of the Faculty Council can be found on the intranet (requires you to log in using your University credentials).
Guidelines for Applying for the Title of Docent
The University may, upon application, award the title of docent to individuals who have a comprehensive knowledge of their field, a capacity for independent research or artistic work demonstrated through publications or some other manner, and good teaching skills.
Criteria, application procedure and faculty-speficic instructions