Grants play a crucial role in a researcher’s career

Anniina Färkkilä is an assistant professor and research group leader at the University of Helsinki. She is also one of the leading figures in Finnish ovarian cancer research. Färkkilä has applied for research funding from various sources, including the Instrumentarium Science Foundation. In spring 2024, the foundation invited her to join its board.
As an assistant professor at the Women’s Hospital of HUS Helsinki University Hospital, MD Anniina Färkkilä has extensive expertise in gynecology, particularly in ovarian cancer research. Since external funding is a crucial factor in conducting research, Färkkilä has diligently sought funding from various domestic and international sources.
Färkkilä has received funding from the Instrumentarium Science Foundation twice. With the help of a postdoctoral grant, she worked at Harvard University in the United States from 2017 to 2019. Upon returning to Finland, she used a Fellow grant to establish her own research group, founding the “Systems Medicine of the Tumor Microenvironment” research group in autumn 2019.
Currently, in addition to leading her research group, Färkkilä participates in clinical and translational trials at the Cancer Center of Helsinki University Hospital and serves as a supervisor for doctoral researchers at the University of Helsinki.
What led you to a career in research?
I began my career in clinical medicine, but early on, I realized that I wanted to make a broader impact on patient treatment. As a doctor, you focus on individual patients, but as a researcher, you can develop new treatments and thus impact a larger group of people. This motivation led me to pursue a research career. It took about ten years to become a researcher, but now I am in a position that, in many ways, is my dream.
Why is the postdoctoral period important?
If you want to conduct significant research in Finland, an international postdoctoral period is essential. It is crucial for scientific growth and networking. For me, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School provided a unique opportunity to study the resistance mechanisms of the latest ovarian cancer treatments. The postdoctoral period was pivotal for my career, offering valuable experiences and networks. Our family situation was also optimal, considering the ages of our children, and we decided to seize the opportunity. Fortunately, my spouse and children adapted well to the U.S., and the experience was enriching for all of us.
How has the Instrumentarium Science Foundation's Fellow grant impacted your career?
The €100,000 Instru Fellow grant awarded to me in 2019 was a significant turning point. It enabled me to establish my research group in the Oncosys research program at the University of Helsinki upon returning from the U.S. Without the foundation's grant, I wouldn’t have been able to hire staff or start my research group's operations. Initially, all funding went towards setting up the laboratory, from pipettes to hiring suitable personnel. Thanks to the grant, we were also able to produce our first scientific publications, which laid the foundation for later, larger funding applications, such as the EU’s ERC Starting Grant.
What is the role of foundations in research funding?
The importance of foundations has grown significantly over the years as public funding has decreased. Researchers often have to fund their own salaries through foundation grants since permanent research positions at universities are scarce. The Instrumentarium Science Foundation has been a critical support during the early stages of my career and provides essential funding, particularly for young researchers. It is crucial to ensure that the potential and growth of young researchers in Finland are supported. Foundation grants are often the lifeline that enables the development of new ideas and encourages further work.
How do you view your role on the Science Foundation’s board?
I was deeply honored to be invited to join the Instrumentarium Science Foundation’s board. It was a significant surprise and a personal recognition. As a board member, I bring practical experience of what a researcher’s journey entails. Having navigated through the early stages of a research career myself, I understand the importance of supporting young researchers. On the board, I aim to contribute to directing research funding to those with the highest potential to conduct impactful science.
Before my board membership, I also served a few times as an external reviewer, evaluating grant applications submitted to the foundation. That role provided an excellent perspective on medical research trends and expanded my understanding of the vital work the foundation does.
How do you assess the impact of the Instrumentarium Science Foundation?
The Instrumentarium Science Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting Finnish medical research. The funding it provides not only facilitates the progress of individual researchers or projects but also advances the development of the entire research field. Without such resources, many innovative projects might never get off the ground. The foundation’s work and the grants it enables are vital for enhancing Finland’s competitiveness and advancing medical research.
Text: Tia Härkönen
Photo: University of Helsinki