Celebrations

Jenny successfully defended her doctoral thesis in Cell Biology, From Tissue Integrity to Tumor Plasticity: HSF2 in Human Physiology and Breast Cancer Progression, on 26 June 2026 in Auditorium Argentum at Aurum. Professor Jos Jonkers (Netherlands Cancer Institute and Leiden University) served as the Opponent, and Professor Annika Meinander served as the Custos.

Jenny’s defence showcased not only her deep knowledge of her own research but also her broad understanding of the field, as she confidently discussed her work in a wider scientific context. The Karonkka was celebrated in the Queen’s Hall at Turku Castle together with family and friends, as well as current and former members of the Sistonen Lab. The evening was filled with great food, warm speeches, and many happy moments, reflecting how much Jenny is appreciated by the people around her.

We are incredibly proud of Jenny and wish her an equally successful—or even more successful—journey in Belgium.

Photo by Katarina Pessa.

Members of our research group recently participated in the 13th International Symposium on Heat Shock Proteins in Biology, Medicine and the Environment (October 1 – 5, 2025), organized by the Cell Stress Society International in Syracuse, New York.

We are proud to announce that several members of our team were honored at the event. Jenny Pessa received the Best Short Talk Award. Our alumna Dr. Anniina Vihervaara was honored with the Alfred Tissières Young Investigator Award, presented to an early-career scientist who has made significant contributions to the field. Professor Lea Sistonen was awarded the Dr. Larry Hightower Award for Excellence in Mentorship, celebrating mentors who exemplify both scientific excellence and commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Please join us in congratulating Jenny, Anniina and Lea on these outstanding achievements!

Jens successfully defended his thesis in Cell Biology with a thesis entitled Extracellular vesicles and heat shock factor 2: New perspectives on cancer and physiology on 21.12.2024 in Auditorium Argentum in Aurum. Dr. Kirsi Rilla (Docent at University of Eastern Finland) served as opponent. We celebrated with coffee and cake amongst family and friends, as well as current and past lab members!

Photo by Num Wistbacka.

Alejandro successfully defended his thesis 1.6.2023! Congratulations Doctor Da Silva!

On Friday 13th May 2022, Samu Himanen succesfully defended his thesis against his opponent Dr Ritwick Sawarkar from University of Cambridge, UK. While being commonly known as a date of misfortune, Samu gracefully navigated through the difficult questioning and discussions and prevailed successfully on the other side with honors. Cheers Dr Himanen!