Translational Health Informatics

Marjo Rissanen is a senior consultant specializing in health informatics. She holds a Doctor of Science degree in neuroscience and biomedical engineering from Aalto University, Finland, and M.Sc. in healthcare administration from the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Medicine. She has conducted modeling work within translational health informatics, patient-specific cost analysis and related intensity issues. Her experience includes working as a designer in the health informatics industry, contributing to international development projects, and engaging in research and design activities involving big data analytics at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the University of Helsinki.

Kalle Saastamoinen is a researcher in defense technology with a PhD in applied mathematics and over 25 years of experience in academia and military research. He has led numerous projects at the Finnish National Defence University, focusing on simulation, artificial intelligence, and operational analysis. In March 2025, he joined the Simulator Centre of Excellence at the Finnish Army Academy, where he continues to explore cutting-edge applications of AI and modeling in military training and planning. His recent work investigates the use of generative AI, machine learning, and advanced forecasting methods, open-source intelligence, and autonomous systems. He is an active contributor to NATO research groups and has published extensively in peer-reviewed venues.

Tuija S. Ikonen serves as Professor of Patient Safety at the University of Turku and Director of the Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety. She is also a thoracic and vascular surgeon and a specialist in public health. Additionally, she acts as a Medical Advisor to the Finnish Patient Insurance Centre. She is a member of the supervisory body for client and patient safety strategy implementation at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and a former member of the advisory board for quality registers at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. She has published over 120 original and review articles on preclinical, clinical, and registry research, health technology assessment, quality improvement, healthcare administration and leadership.