Dr. Manja Ahola has built a career of over 25 years in pharmaceutical research and development. A biochemist working at Bayer, she brings strong industry insight and deep expertise in health and pharmaceutical development, as well as research-based collaboration, to the Board of the Finnish Research Impact Foundation (FRIF).
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your career path?
“I’m a biochemist and completed my doctoral degree at the University of Turku in the field of drug delivery and biomaterials. I have worked at Bayer for over 25 years, mainly in research and development. Women’s health has been at the core of my career, and I have been involved in developing long-acting reversible contraceptives that are now in production and used globally.
In recent years, my role has increasingly focused on leadership and supporting production, but research-driven thinking and development remain strongly present in my work. I have been motivated by the fact that the impact of my work is tangible and, at its best, visible in women’s wellbeing worldwide.”
What inspired you to join the Board of FRIF?
“The mission of FRIF resonates strongly with me. Bringing academia and industry closer together is extremely important, and the Foundation plays a valuable role in this. In my own work, I have seen how much added value is created when researchers and companies better understand each other’s needs and ways of working.
I also find it important that researchers gain insight into how development work is carried out in companies, while companies gain direct access to cutting-edge research. This interaction benefits both sides and lays the groundwork for impactful innovations.”
How do you see the role of FRIF in the Finnish research and innovation system?
“I see the Foundation’s role as highly significant. FRIF enables research-driven collaboration between academia and industry in a way that lowers the threshold for engaging in bolder and more uncertain initiatives. Not all research ideas would be possible to pursue if companies had to finance them alone.
From a company’s perspective, it is valuable that research topics can be defined together with academic partners in a way that is meaningful for both parties. In addition, when a researcher works part of their time within a company, the collaboration becomes genuinely close and impactful. The researcher gains insight into industry practices while bringing research-based thinking into the company.”
Where do you see FRIF creating the greatest added value in the coming years?
“Health and pharmaceutical development are clear areas where Finland has strong expertise and potential. Themes related to the green transition and climate change are also highly important. In addition, I would like to highlight the role of the social sciences and humanities.
Companies continuously face challenges related to organisational wellbeing, collaboration and adaptability. Research, including the humanities, has much to offer in addressing these issues, and it is encouraging that the Foundation recognises this.
One topic that is personally important to me is research in women’s health. Globally, it still receives too little investment, even though its impact on the wellbeing of women, families and society at large is significant.”
Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve during your term on the Board?
“I hope that during my term we will see new, genuinely impactful collaborative projects that have long-term significance for Finnish society. The effects may not always be visible immediately, but their value builds over time.
I also look forward to learning and to engaging in in-depth discussions with experts from different fields. It is inspiring to bring my background in health and pharmaceutical development into the Foundation’s work and to contribute to strengthening research-based collaboration.”
