ScSB board election 2025
Election for new board members for the period 2025-2028 will take place during the ScSB annual meeting in Hämeenlinna at the annual ScSB General Assembly on 22 March 2023, from 18.15 (CET) to 19:00 (CET). The results will be announced at the end of the meeting. We will also elect a new president for the ScSB board during the ScSB General Assembly in held at Vanajanlinna, Finland.
Who can vote?
An ScSB member who has a membership valid for the year 2025. A member fulfils one of the following criteria:
How can I vote?
The election process take place at the ScSB General Assembly 2025 using an online polling platform to ensure fast and effective voting process. Further instructions will be given at the meeting.
Who can vote?
An ScSB member who has a membership valid for the year 2025. A member fulfils one of the following criteria:
- has registered before 15 March 2025 for the ScSB annual meeting in 2025
- has paid the membership fee (15 €) covering year 2025 before 15 March 2025
How can I vote?
The election process take place at the ScSB General Assembly 2025 using an online polling platform to ensure fast and effective voting process. Further instructions will be given at the meeting.
Nominee for president and board
Hanna Tiainen, Associate Professor, University of Oslo, Norway
I have been involved with ScSB in some official capacity ever since I was a PhD student. I rejoined the ScSB board in 2022 after a six-year break from the board and took over the role of ScSB president in 2023, having formerly served both as a student representative and ordinary board member during the 2012-2016 period and acting as the YSF representative for ScSB for 10 years. But even when I was not actively participating in the running of ScSB as a board member, I feel like I never really left the ScSB: I have always enjoyed joining (and organising!) the annual ScSB meetings and appreciate the open and inclusive feel of these events, where everyone from the young early career researchers to the most distinguished professors and invited speakers feel equally welcome and valued participants. This is exactly the spirit I have done my best to honour during my two years as the president of ScSB. I want every Scandinavian biomaterials scientist, whether young or new to the field to feel as welcome amongst the more merited scientists within our society as I have felt at every single ScSB meeting I have attended since I was a fresh PhD student with no idea what I was doing.
I sincerely hope I have earned your trust during the past two years when I have had the pleasure to hold the gavel on the ScSB board for I really need your support this time: it is not only my term as the ScSB president but also my current tenure on the ScSB board that is coming to an end this spring. For me to be eligible to steer the ScSB ship for another two years, I would need you to show your support in the form of enough many votes to be re-elected for another round on the ScSB board as well. I hope I have proven myself to be worthy of your trust!
I have been involved with ScSB in some official capacity ever since I was a PhD student. I rejoined the ScSB board in 2022 after a six-year break from the board and took over the role of ScSB president in 2023, having formerly served both as a student representative and ordinary board member during the 2012-2016 period and acting as the YSF representative for ScSB for 10 years. But even when I was not actively participating in the running of ScSB as a board member, I feel like I never really left the ScSB: I have always enjoyed joining (and organising!) the annual ScSB meetings and appreciate the open and inclusive feel of these events, where everyone from the young early career researchers to the most distinguished professors and invited speakers feel equally welcome and valued participants. This is exactly the spirit I have done my best to honour during my two years as the president of ScSB. I want every Scandinavian biomaterials scientist, whether young or new to the field to feel as welcome amongst the more merited scientists within our society as I have felt at every single ScSB meeting I have attended since I was a fresh PhD student with no idea what I was doing.
I sincerely hope I have earned your trust during the past two years when I have had the pleasure to hold the gavel on the ScSB board for I really need your support this time: it is not only my term as the ScSB president but also my current tenure on the ScSB board that is coming to an end this spring. For me to be eligible to steer the ScSB ship for another two years, I would need you to show your support in the form of enough many votes to be re-elected for another round on the ScSB board as well. I hope I have proven myself to be worthy of your trust!
Candidates for ScSB board
Hongji Yan, Permanent Researcher, Uppsala University, Sweden
I am Hongji Yan, a principal investigator at the Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, and a team leader at AIMES, KI Karolinska Institutet.
As a researcher dedicated to innovating medical solutions inspired by nature, my work primarily revolves around developing bioinspired gels—especially mucin-based materials—for diverse biomedical applications, including prophylactic and therapeutic interventions for complex conditions such as autoimmune disorders, degenerative diseases, infections, and regenerative medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and initiatives such as NatProLub, I strive to translate fundamental biological insights into clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
Joining the ScSB board represents an exceptional opportunity to integrate my expertise in bio-inspired biomaterials design within ScSB's interdisciplinary community, fostering impactful scientific exchange and collaboration. I am particularly inspired by ScSB's commitment to excellence and translational innovation, aligning perfectly with my goals of advancing healthcare solutions through cutting-edge biomaterial design.
I look forward to actively contributing to the ScSB com-munity, engaging with peers, and collectively pushing the boundaries of biomaterials research toward meaningful clinical applications.
I am Hongji Yan, a principal investigator at the Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, and a team leader at AIMES, KI Karolinska Institutet.
As a researcher dedicated to innovating medical solutions inspired by nature, my work primarily revolves around developing bioinspired gels—especially mucin-based materials—for diverse biomedical applications, including prophylactic and therapeutic interventions for complex conditions such as autoimmune disorders, degenerative diseases, infections, and regenerative medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and initiatives such as NatProLub, I strive to translate fundamental biological insights into clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
Joining the ScSB board represents an exceptional opportunity to integrate my expertise in bio-inspired biomaterials design within ScSB's interdisciplinary community, fostering impactful scientific exchange and collaboration. I am particularly inspired by ScSB's commitment to excellence and translational innovation, aligning perfectly with my goals of advancing healthcare solutions through cutting-edge biomaterial design.
I look forward to actively contributing to the ScSB com-munity, engaging with peers, and collectively pushing the boundaries of biomaterials research toward meaningful clinical applications.
Dagnija Loča, Professor, Riga Technical University, Latvia
As a Professor in Biomaterials (since 2020) and scientific direction leader (since 2024) at Riga Technical University (Latvia), I have dedicated my career to developing biomaterials for bone repair and regeneration, including drug-loaded scaffolds and controlled drug delivery systems for targeted therapies. As Director of the Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre (2013-2023) and coordinator of multiple national and international research projects, I have extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and mentoring young scientists.
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with the scientific community, contributing to over 70 scientific articles and participating in numerous international conferences. My role in major initiatives such as the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE), has further strengthened my commitment to advancing scientific collaboration far beyond national borders.
If elected to the ScSB Board, I aim to strengthen international collaboration by leveraging my network to engage researchers across the Baltic region in ScSB activities and to support early-career scientists by fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the ScSB community and to work alongside esteemed colleagues in advancing the biomaterials field. I believe my experience and dedication will help further the mission and impact of the Society.
As a Professor in Biomaterials (since 2020) and scientific direction leader (since 2024) at Riga Technical University (Latvia), I have dedicated my career to developing biomaterials for bone repair and regeneration, including drug-loaded scaffolds and controlled drug delivery systems for targeted therapies. As Director of the Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre (2013-2023) and coordinator of multiple national and international research projects, I have extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and mentoring young scientists.
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with the scientific community, contributing to over 70 scientific articles and participating in numerous international conferences. My role in major initiatives such as the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE), has further strengthened my commitment to advancing scientific collaboration far beyond national borders.
If elected to the ScSB Board, I aim to strengthen international collaboration by leveraging my network to engage researchers across the Baltic region in ScSB activities and to support early-career scientists by fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the ScSB community and to work alongside esteemed colleagues in advancing the biomaterials field. I believe my experience and dedication will help further the mission and impact of the Society.
Oommen Varghese, Associate Professor, Uppsala University, Sweden
Dr. Oommen Varghese is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden, where he leads the Translational Chemical Biology Group within the Macromolecular Chemistry division. His research focuses on regenerative medicine and targeted drug delivery, integrating synthetic organic chemistry, biomaterials science, and biotechnology to develop innovative formulations for preclinical and clinical applications. He earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Uppsala University and has authored over 55 peer-reviewed research articles, along with multiple patents.
His interdisciplinary team specializes in hydrogel design, 3D printing, and in vitro modeling to create physiologically relevant platforms for tissue engineering and drug screening. A key aspect of his work is the development of biomaterials for bone and cartilage regeneration, leveraging expertise in biomaterials fabrication, biological systems, and advanced materials characterization. By combining state-of-the-art hydrogel formulation with 3D printing, his team designs biomimetic environments that bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies, advancing translational research in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Oommen Varghese is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden, where he leads the Translational Chemical Biology Group within the Macromolecular Chemistry division. His research focuses on regenerative medicine and targeted drug delivery, integrating synthetic organic chemistry, biomaterials science, and biotechnology to develop innovative formulations for preclinical and clinical applications. He earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Uppsala University and has authored over 55 peer-reviewed research articles, along with multiple patents.
His interdisciplinary team specializes in hydrogel design, 3D printing, and in vitro modeling to create physiologically relevant platforms for tissue engineering and drug screening. A key aspect of his work is the development of biomaterials for bone and cartilage regeneration, leveraging expertise in biomaterials fabrication, biological systems, and advanced materials characterization. By combining state-of-the-art hydrogel formulation with 3D printing, his team designs biomimetic environments that bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies, advancing translational research in regenerative medicine.
Bergthóra S. Snorradóttir, Professor, University of Iceland
My name is Bergthóra S. Snorradóttir, I am an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iceland, with a Ph.D degree from the University of Iceland.
I have extensive experience in research, particularly in developing matrix formulations using biomaterials as a base, incorporating various drugs to achieve long-term drug release. My expertise spans multidisciplinary work, with a strong focus on formulation development, drug release mechanisms, analytical analysis, and experimental design.
Currently, my research projects include transdermal drug delivery for hand osteoarthritis, surface coatings for medical devices, electrospinning, antimalarial formulation development, and experimental design.
Dr. Gissur Örlygsson recommended that I consider joining your society as a representative from Iceland, and I would be honored to contribute my expertise to this esteemed community.
My name is Bergthóra S. Snorradóttir, I am an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iceland, with a Ph.D degree from the University of Iceland.
I have extensive experience in research, particularly in developing matrix formulations using biomaterials as a base, incorporating various drugs to achieve long-term drug release. My expertise spans multidisciplinary work, with a strong focus on formulation development, drug release mechanisms, analytical analysis, and experimental design.
Currently, my research projects include transdermal drug delivery for hand osteoarthritis, surface coatings for medical devices, electrospinning, antimalarial formulation development, and experimental design.
Dr. Gissur Örlygsson recommended that I consider joining your society as a representative from Iceland, and I would be honored to contribute my expertise to this esteemed community.
Furqan Ali Shah, Associate Professor, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
I have been a member of the Scandinavian Society for Biomaterials (ScSB) since 2012 and greatly appreciate ScSB’s role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. As an Associate Professor in Biomaterials and group leader at the University of Gothenburg, my research focusses on the structure–property–function relationships in mineralised tissues, with an emphasis on osseointegration, biomineralisation, and biointerfaces. A core aspect of my work is understanding bone formation and repair to guide the development of biomaterials that better mimic native tissues. Using advanced characterisation techniques such as nano-analytical electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and nanomechanics, I investigate bone–biomaterial interactions at micro- and nano-scales. I am eager to contribute to ScSB’s mission by strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, organising high-quality scientific events, and supporting early-career researchers. With experience on the Scientific Leadership Committee (ISBM, 2022–2024) and in editorial roles for several scientific journals, I have developed expertise in strategic planning, research policy, and community building—skills I would bring to the ScSB Board. I am committed to ensuring that ScSB remains a leading platform for biomaterials research and collaboration, and I would be honoured to contribute my experience and vision to shape ScSB’s future.
I have been a member of the Scandinavian Society for Biomaterials (ScSB) since 2012 and greatly appreciate ScSB’s role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence. As an Associate Professor in Biomaterials and group leader at the University of Gothenburg, my research focusses on the structure–property–function relationships in mineralised tissues, with an emphasis on osseointegration, biomineralisation, and biointerfaces. A core aspect of my work is understanding bone formation and repair to guide the development of biomaterials that better mimic native tissues. Using advanced characterisation techniques such as nano-analytical electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and nanomechanics, I investigate bone–biomaterial interactions at micro- and nano-scales. I am eager to contribute to ScSB’s mission by strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations, organising high-quality scientific events, and supporting early-career researchers. With experience on the Scientific Leadership Committee (ISBM, 2022–2024) and in editorial roles for several scientific journals, I have developed expertise in strategic planning, research policy, and community building—skills I would bring to the ScSB Board. I am committed to ensuring that ScSB remains a leading platform for biomaterials research and collaboration, and I would be honoured to contribute my experience and vision to shape ScSB’s future.