Research Overview
My research focuses on advancing diagnostic radiology through artificial intelligence, multimodal imaging, and translational clinical research. With over €5.78 million in research funding as PI or Co-PI, my work bridges advanced imaging technology, clinical applications, and patient outcomes.
I have published 198 peer-reviewed international articles with over 6,100 citations (h-index 47 ISI, 57 Google Scholar), working with more than 600 different co-authors across multiple disciplines and institutions.
Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging
A major focus of my current research is the development and clinical implementation of AI-based tools for diagnostic radiology, particularly in emergency medicine and head and neck imaging.
Key projects include:
- MEDALLION (2023–2026): Medical AI and Immersion project, leading neuroradiology design (Co-PI)
- AI in Head and Neck Imaging (2025–2028): Developing deep learning algorithms for automated detection and characterization (PI)
- Deep Learning in Emergency Medicine (2019–2026): AI-assisted diagnostic workflows (PI)
Recent publications in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence, European Radiology Experimental, and Emergency Radiology demonstrate practical applications of these AI tools in clinical settings.
Head and Neck Radiology
As Section Chief of Neuroradiology at Turku University Hospital and Chair of the Education Committee for the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR), I lead research on advanced imaging techniques for neurological and head and neck pathology.
Research areas:
- Advanced MRI techniques in head and neck disease
- Multimodal imaging for oral and maxillofacial pathology
- Diagnostic accuracy of imaging in neck infections and inflammatory disease
- AI-based classification and segmentation of head and neck pathology
- Multimodal PET-MRI quantification of tumor hypoxia
Neuroradiology
With subspecialty training in neuroradiology and European diplomas in both neuroradiology (EDiNR) and head and neck radiology (EBiHNR), I conduct research on advanced neuroimaging techniques and their clinical applications.
Focus areas:
- Emergency neuroimaging
- Neuroimaging in movement disorders and neurodegenerative disease
- Cerebrovascular imaging and stroke
Molecular and Functional Imaging
My early research career focused on molecular neuroimaging, including positions as Post-doctoral Scientist and Principal Investigator at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH, USA), Director of Neurotransmission Research at Turku PET Centre, and Junior Group Leader at Turku Collegium of Science and Medicine.
Research contributions include:
- Dopamine and serotonin receptor imaging in psychiatric disorders
- Cannabinoid CB1 receptor imaging (including work on substance use disorders and Parkinson's disease subgroups)
- Neurobiology of physical exercise
- Molecular imaging in schizophrenia, depression, and addiction
This work has been published in high-impact journals including JAMA Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, Molecular Psychiatry, and Biological Psychiatry.
Emergency Radiology
My research examines the diagnostic accuracy, imaging yield, and clinical value of radiological imaging in emergency settings
Research Group and Supervision
I leadactive research groups at Tampere University and the University of Turku with extensive supervision experience:
- Completed PhD supervision: 4 doctoral dissertations (primary supervisor)
- Ongoing PhD supervision: 16 doctoral candidates (7 as primary supervisor)
- MD specialization studies: Supervision of 13 students
- International mentorship: ESHNR Mentorship Program (2022–present)
As national coordinator for radiology residency training programs, I lead the development of EPAs (Entrustable Professional Activities) and logbook systems for Finnish radiology residents.
Collaborations
My research involves extensive national and international collaborations with clinicians, physicists, AI researchers, and neuroscientists. Key collaborative networks include:
- European Society of Radiology (ESR) - Education Committee member
- European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR) - Executive Committee Fellow, Education Committee Chair
- European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) - Society Delegate
- Previous collaborations: NIH (USA), Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), Columbia University (USA)
Recent Recognition
My research has been recognized with multiple awards including the Alavi-Mandell Award for Best Publication (Society of Nuclear Medicine, 2013), Carl Wegelius Lecturer (Radiological Society of Finland, 2021), and Best Oral Presentation Award (ESHNR Annual Meeting, 2022).