FELLOWS
The IMMUFELLOW programme will recruit 22 postdoctoral researchers to complete 36-month long immunology related research projects. The first call, which closed in November 2025, recruited 11 researchers and the second call will open during Autumn 2026. This page introduces the selected researchers and their topics.
This site will be updated later with further fellow introductions
The first cohort:
- Adusumalli Kishor: Development of Upconversion Nanoparticle Based Ratiometric Luminescent Probes for Separation-Free Immunoassays and pH Imaging (DUN-RL-SIP)
- Dutta Supradip: Exploring the Cell-Mediated Immune Response In-Silico and In-Vitro-Infection vs. Vaccination-Induced Responses for Avian Influenza and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Viruses
- Hoursan Hesam: Mechanobiology-Driven Immunomodulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling: A Multiscale Computational Framework (Åbo Akademi University)
- Kumar Amith: Engineering of Cross-Protective Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting BamG of Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. (Åbo Akademi University)
- Lu Jing: Gateways to invasion: Investigating the 3D Tumor Architecture and Immune Interactions in the Progression of Pre-Invasive Breast Cancer (VISIO-DUCT)
- Mazhar Maryam: Alpha Synuclein from Blood to Brain – Linking Immune Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease
- Morch Thorsen Marlene: Interactions between Gray Matter Microglial Activation, Neuronal Integrity and Leptomeningeal Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
- Olešová Dominika: Sexual Dimorphism in Endocannabionoid System-Mediated Recovery and Neurometabolism After Traumatic Brain Injury
- Singh Vaibhav: Microglia and Broad Rim Lesions: Linking Microglial Functional Heterogeneity to Lesion Progression and Clinically Measurable Soluble Biomarkers in MS
- Stolfi Fabiola: Immune Mechanisms of Ectopic Lymphoid Structure Formation and Persistence in RA: A Multi-omic Niche-on-Chip Approach
Supradip Dutta
Project title: Exploring the Cell-Mediated Immune Response In-Silico and In-Vitro-Infection vs. Vaccination-Induced Responses for Avian Influenza and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Viruses
Project abstract: To be published
Research keywords: TBEV, Avian influenza, epitopes, cell-mediated immune response, Immunoinformatics
Email: supradip.dutta@utu.fi
LinkedIn: Supradip Dutta
Orchid: Supradip Dutta
I got interested in this research topic
During my PhD, my interest grew in viral immunology and vaccine development. I chose the cell-mediated immune response as my research topic because it is often overlooked in conventional vaccine design (Mostly based on antibodies or the humoral response). I became increasingly curious about how T cells recognise viral antigens and how these responses contribute to protection. This made me particularly interested in cell-mediated immunity, as I feel that there are still many aspects of these responses that we do not fully understand. Although substantial information is already available on MHC structures, epitope recognition patterns, and antigen presentation. However, Many questions remain about how these mechanisms translate into effective and durable immune protection. I want to explore these gaps because I believe that a better understanding of cellular immunity can help us design vaccines that are not only more effective, but also more targeted and safer with fewer side effects.
Something surprising about me
Even as a researcher, long hours of studying aren’t my thing. Instead, I love playing cricket and painting. Painting is my ultimate detox, and I frequently post my work on Facebook.
Maryam Mazhar
Project title: Alpha Synuclein from Blood to Brain – Linking Immune Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease
Project abstract: To be published
Research keywords: Parkinson’s Disease, Inflammation, Immune Dysfunction, Microscopy
Email: To be published
LinkedIn: Maryam Mazhar
Orchid: Maryam Mazhar
I got interested in this research topic
Despite decades of extensive research, Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains incurable, and its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. This limited understanding continues to impede the development of effective treatments.
I became interested in this project for its innovative approach to investigate the blood-to-brain axis in the initiation and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Advancing our understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and improved future treatment approaches.
Something surprising about me
My previous research focused on the role of iron in inflammation and disease, and I remain fascinated by how a single element can influence complex biological processes. Beyond science, I am equally curious about cultures and food. During my five years in China, I enjoyed exploring local traditions and cuisines and building new friendships. I am also excited to experience Finnish life, culture, and cuisine and to learn how people thrive in one of the world’s happiest societies. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and traveling.
Marlene Thorsen Morch
Project title: Interactions between Gray Matter Microglial Activation, Neuronal Integrity and Leptomeningeal Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis
Project abstract: To be published
Research keywords: Parkinson’s Disease, Inflammation, Immune Dysfunction, Microscopy
Email: marlene.morch@utu.fi
I got interested in this research topic
Cortical gray matter pathology is interesting because it has been linked to worsened cognition, increased fatigue and disease progression in people living with multiple sclerosis. However, our current understanding of the involvement of microglial activation in cortical pathology is mainly gleaned from postmortem pathological studies. Using MRI and PET to investigate the connection between microglial activation and cortical pathology in living patients allows us to build on that knowledge, comparing across different disease stages and following how pathology develops within individuals over time. We are also interested in how leptomeningeal inflammation influences these processes. A better understanding of the disease means better prospects for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Fabiola Stolfi
Project title: Immune Mechanisms of Ectopic Lymphoid Structure Formation and Persistence in RA: A Multi-omic Niche-on-Chip Approach
Project abstract: To be published
Research keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis; Organ-on-chip; Single-cell analysis; Immunology; Precision medicine
Email: fabiola.stolfi@utu.fi
I got interested in this research topic
I am particularly interested in this research topic because it combines two areas that strongly match my scientific background and future research interests: advanced in vitro models and single-cell technologies. During my previous research, I worked on organ-on-chip models to investigate inflammatory mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis, which made me particularly interested in understanding the complex interactions between stromal and immune cells. The IMMUFELLOW project represents an exciting opportunity to further develop this expertise by integrating organ-on-chip approaches with single-cell analysis, allowing a deeper investigation of the cellular mechanisms driving rheumatoid arthritis and their response to therapy.
Something surprising about me
Something that surprised me after moving from Italy to Finland is how quickly I started enjoying the Finnish lifestyle! I love travelling and discovering new places, so since arriving I have already been exploring Finland, especially its lakes, forests and small towns. I am still adapting to some things though, as an Italian, finding the perfect espresso remains an ongoing research project!