Johanna Matilainen (PhD) is a postdoctoral researcher in the research groups of docent Sini Heinonen and professor Kirsi Pietiläinen, at the Obesity Research Unit, University of Helsinki. She completed her BSc and MSc studies in cell and molecular biology at the University of Jyväskylä and her doctoral studies in molecular medicine at the University of Eastern Finland. Since the beginning of her doctoral research, she’s been passionate about understanding how adipose tissue communicates through extracellular vesicles in human obesity. 

Alongside her research, Johanna is passionate about making a difference through societies and has held several board positions over the years. Currently, she serves as a chair of the Finnish Society for Cell Biology and as communications assistant for The Finnish Association for the Study of Obesity (FASO). As a member of the FASO’s first early career network (ECN) board, she hopes to draw on her experience in scientific societies to help the network to get off a strong start, develop its first activities, and provide meaningful support for the early-career obesity researchers and other experts in Finland. 

Johanna is also one of the creators of Lihavuustutkijat podcast, which she launched together with her co-host Juulia Lautaoja-Kivipelto in January 2026. The podcast is particularly meaningful to her because it provides an opportunity to bring both obesity research and the lived experiences of people living with obesity to a wider audience. Through the podcast, she hopes to contribute to society, increase understanding, and support people affected by obesity.