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Erja Kerkelä
Development Manager, Associate Professor/PhD
Finnish Red Cross Blood Service
Vantaa
Finland
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Dr. Erja Kerkelä is a Development Manager, QC responsible person and senior scientist at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service (FRCBS), Advanced Cell Therapy Centre (ACTC). She is also Associate Professor (Docent) in cell biology at the University of Helsinki. The aim of her unit, ACTC, is to advance the clinical translation of novel advanced therapies in Finland in collaboration with clinicians and other partners. ACTC can act as a local manufacturer for ATMPs and tissue products and produce and develop cell therapies for clinical trials. Dr. Kerkelä has a background in academic research. During the last > 20 years she has carried out various projects related to stem cells (especially MSCs), immune and blood cells, extracellular vesicles and cell therapy. She still has some time for scientific work, and her aim is to facilitate the integration of research and development in cell therapies within her organization.