Photo: Linda Tammisto / University of Helsinki
The nomination is an honour granted to researchers considered to be at the top of the academic world. Established in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences currently has 2,290 active members and 475 foreign associates. Approximately 200 of them are Nobel laureates.
Thesleff, who works at the University of Helsinki’s Institute of Biotechnology has studied the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of teeth and other organs. She created a mammalian tooth model that has enabled researchers to study fetal development, the mechanisms that lead to developmental disorders as well as the evolution of species.
Irma Thesleff has been a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters since 1994. She received the honorary title of Academician from the Academy of Finland in 2014.
Other Finnish NAS foreign associates include the late Academician Ilkka Hanski from the University of Helsinki, Academy Professor Kari Alitalo from the University of Helsinki, Academician Riitta Hari from Aalto University, Professor Tuija I. Pulkkinen from Aalto University as well as Academician Olli V. Lounasmaa (1930–2002) from the Helsinki University of Technology which later became part of Aalto University. Other foreign associates who began their research careers at the University of Helsinki but have since emigrated abroad include Albert de la Chapelle, Ari Helenius, Erkki Ruoslahti and Kai Simons.