Riikka Oksala, PhD, is Head of DMPK & Safety Sciences, R&D at Orion Pharma. The Alum of the Year recognition was awarded to Oksala at the Anniversary Celebration of the University of Turku on 27 February 2025.
Riikka Oksala started her studies in the newly established Degree Programme in Health Biosciences (present Degree Programme in Biomedicine) at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Turku in 1998. She was one of the first graduates of the Degree Programme.
“We formed a close-knit group among the students who started studying that year, and we still meet often. I am really grateful for this network. I have the honour of working with some of my old university friends every day. I want to encourage today’s students to be positive and curious – live, enjoy, and study! Creating networks pays off, as does setting goals and, if necessary, milestones," says Oksala.
Oksala was chosen as the Alum of the Year on the proposal of the Faculty of Medicine. She has stayed in close contact with the University of Turku, which has led to several research projects between the University and Orion Pharma.
“We also thank Oksala for her active role in supporting the training of new drug development professionals. Oksala has completed all her degrees at the University of Turku and her career path has led her to the top of the drug development industry while in close contact with her alma mater. She is an excellent and inspiring example for both those working in research collaboration as well as those training for a career in drug development," says Marjo Kaartinen, Rector of the University of Turku.
"Early career researchers bring enthusiasm to the work community"
Oksala has been a guest lecturer, supervised theses, and offered students opportunities to experience professional life.
“I feel that it is important to support students in their basic studies and to offer short internships or practical work opportunities during their bachelor's degree studies. Master's degree students can already do a wide range of work in the laboratory, for example, during a summer job. Working on your thesis in cooperation with a company enables you to use the skills you have learned in your studies in practice. For the company, employees working on their Master's thesis provide an opportunity to commission method development or literature reviews. Early career researchers always bring welcome enthusiasm to the work community," says Oksala.
"I have the soul and heart of a researcher"
Oksala completed her doctorate on prostate cancer treatment as part of her employer's drug development projects while working. The study focused on two experimental drugs being developed for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. One of them, ODM-201, is currently known as darolutamide (Nubeqa®) and used around the world. In her current role as Head of DMPK & Safety Sciences, R&D at Orion Pharma, Oksala has led several research projects with the University of Turku.
“I have the soul and heart of a researcher, and the University's basic research is at the core of all activities. My personal experience from several research projects with the University of Turku is that 1 + 1 adds up to much more than 2. We have really been able to take projects forward together quickly and flexibly. The wide range of expertise and the high quality of research at the University have also boosted the company's capabilities. Joint projects can be used to train new employees for the company, while also influencing the design of the training.
Oksala thanks the University for the scientific dialogue in relation to research topics. Collaboration is particularly close with the Degree Programme in Biomedicine and the Drug Research Doctoral Programme.
“The research groups have delivered reliable method development as well as innovative problem-solving. Common interests have guided the goals and work has been done to achieve them. The University has provided a supportive atmosphere, healthy challenge, and critical thinking to support or question ideas. In this way, scientific issues have been considered in a much more comprehensive way than would ever have been possible alone.”
The Alum of the Year recognition is awarded annually to a former student of the University of Turku who has promoted the success of the University of Turku and Finnish society with their activities, or has demonstrated other exemplary activities for the benefit of the community. The Rector of the University of Turku awards the recognition.
In previous years, the Alum of the Year recognition has been given to Kristi Raik, DSocSci (2024), Mikko Pietilä, MD (2023), and Minna Arve, MBA (2022).
Phoenix Universitatis Turkuensis decoration to CEO Jouni Niuro
The University of Turku and Turku Finnish University Society have awarded the Phoenix Universitatis Turkuensis decoration to Jouni Niuro, CEO at Savings Banks Group Liedon Säästöpankki and Lieto Savings Bank Foundation, an alum of the University of Turku, Master of Social Sciences.
Niuro has strengthened the vitality and business friendliness of the Turku region while developing collaboration between the Lieto Savings Bank Foundation and the University of Turku. Under Niuro's leadership, the Lieto Savings Bank Foundation has become a major supporter of the University of Turku and its researchers. Niuro has also played an important role in the development of the Entrepreneurial Hub Konttori as a promoter of the commercialisation of the entrepreneurship and research of the University’s students and researchers. Niuro's vision of university collaboration as a long-term, goal-oriented development and dialogue is a great example of meaningful regional cooperation.
Rector of the University of Turku Marjo Kaartinen gave an opening speech at the Anniversary Celebration.
The music for the celebration is provided by pianist Iiro Komulainen. He used artificial intelligence to create music-inspired visuals that wasvprojected onto the walls of the lobby during the performance.
