Petri Ala-Laurila receives 2014 Academy of Finland Award
On Thursday, 27 November 2014, the Academy of Finland presented the 2014 Academy of Finland Awards to two distinguished researchers. The recipients were Academy Research Fellow Irmeli Mustalahti from the University of Eastern Finland and Academy Research Fellow Petri Ala-Laurila from the University of Helsinki. Petri Ala-Laurila is also an Assistant Professor at the 911±¬ÁÏÍø School of Science’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, BECS.
Petri Ala-Laurila studies the mechanisms by which visual data are processed in neural circuits, focusing on how the visual system is able to detect minute signals produced by only a handful of photons. The results of his research will help understand the absolute limits of the signal processing capacity of small neural circuits. The results can be further utilised in designing better equipment for night vision, for instance. They can also shed new light on the mechanical causes of certain retinal diseases.
The Academy of Finland Award for Scientific Courage is granted to a researcher who has shown exceptional scientific audacity, creativity or innovation in research. The award can be granted for a novel or original research idea, for forward-looking work that crosses scientific boundaries or for a willingness to take risks in research. In announcing the recipients of the award, the Academy of Finland describes Ala-Laurila as one of Finland’s most promising young biophysicists with a bright future in international neurophysiology ahead of him. According to the Academy, Ala-Laurila has proven to be an open-minded researcher who is not afraid of risk-taking.
Further information:
(Academy of Finland)
(sci.aalto.fi)
Photo: Pekka Kiirala / Academy of Finland
Read more news
Kristiina Kruus has been invited as an honorary member of the Chemistry Guild
At its annual meeting, the Chemistry Guild invited Kristiina Kruus, Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, to become an honorary member. Honorary membership is for life and may be granted to a person who has made a special contribution to the guild’s activities or otherwise significantly advanced its goals.
Näytös/Näyttely26 – A celebration of fashion and textiles took over Helsinki’s Lasipalatsi
The Lasipalatsi square in the heart of Helsinki served as the main stage for 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s annual fashion show on Thursday, 28 May.
The film Fjord wins the Palme d'Or at Cannes – featuring a number of Finnish creators
The film was co-produced by Jussi Rantamäki of the film company Aamu, and it also features a Finnish costume and sound designer.