TreeBioTEC

TreeBioTEC Welcomes Jarkko Tapani Salojärvi as a Research Leader (PI) of the Project

We are pleased to announce that Jarkko Tapani Salojärvi has joined the University of Tartu’s Institute of Bioengineering as a Research Leader (PI) of the TreeBioTEC project as of 3 March 2026. Dr. Salojärvi brings extensive international experience in plant genomics, computational biology, and forest biotechnology. His scientific background spans functional genomics, evolutionary biology, and population genomics, with strong expertise in computational and data‑driven methods. He has authored more than 80 peer‑reviewed publications and has been involved in major research projects in Finland, Singapore, and Europe. He obtained his doctoral degree from Aalto University, followed by postdoctoral work at the…

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Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta Delivered His Inaugural Lecture at the University of Tartu

On 10 February 2026, ERA Chair Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta, a leading figure in plant developmental biology worldwide, delivered his inaugural lecture at the University of Tartu Assembly Hall (Ülikooli 18). Titled “From Tree Biology to Dendroengineering”, the lecture introduced Prof. Helariutta’s scientific vision and outlined the molecular and developmental biology foundations that support the TreeBioTEC project’s mission. The event was held in English and was streamed live via UTTV. During the lecture, Prof. Helariutta discussed the central role of forests in global carbon sequestration and presented molecular approaches for enhancing the carbon sink capacity of trees. He highlighted advances…

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Upcoming Inaugural Lecture by ERA Chair Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta

The TreeBioTEC project is pleased to announce the upcoming inaugural lecture of ERA Chair Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta, a leading figure in plant developmental biology worldwide. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 16:15 in the University of Tartu Assembly Hall (Ülikooli 18).Full details are available in the official University of Tartu announcement:https://ut.ee/en/news/professor-yrjo-helariutta-presents-potential-tree-biology-dendroengineering-his-inaugural. Titled “From Tree Biology to Dendroengineering”, the lecture will introduce Prof. Helariutta’s scientific vision and highlight the research directions that underpin the TreeBioTEC project’s mission. The event is organised by the University of Tartu and will be held in English. A live stream…

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Guest Lecture by Dr Hiroyuki Iida on Plant Barrier Regeneration

On 12 November 2025, Dr Hiroyuki Iida (University of Helsinki) delivered a guest lecture at the Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, within the framework of TreeBioTEC activities.The lecture focused on how plants monitor and maintain barrier integrity, highlighting gas diffusion as a key signalling mechanism in mature roots. Recent high-impact research on barrier tissue regeneration was presented.The event contributed to scientific exchange in plant developmental biology and supported TreeBioTEC’s aim to build expertise relevant to tree bioengineering.

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Media Interview with Prof. Chung-Jui (CJ) Tsai in ERR Novaator

Following her visit to the University of Tartu, Prof. Chung-Jui (CJ) Tsai was featured in an interview published on 13 October 2025 in ERR Novaator, Estonia’s leading science communication portal. The interview was organised by TreeBioTEC Coordinator Prof. Hannes Kollist and introduced both Prof. Tsai’s pioneering research in forest biotechnology and the TreeBioTEC ERA Chair project, funded by the European Union. The article explained the aims of TreeBioTEC — to establish a new forest biotechnology laboratory at the University of Tartu — and highlighted international collaboration in tree bioengineering.

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Guest Lectures by Tree Biotechnology Pioneer Prof. Chung-Jui Tsai at the University of Tartu

In early October 2025, Prof. Chung-Jui (CJ) Tsai, W.N. Haynes Professor of Forest Biotechnology at the University of Georgia, delivered two guest lectures at the Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, at the invitation of the TreeBioTEC ERA Chair team. Her lectures addressed cutting-edge approaches in tree biotechnology, focusing on in vitro flowering systems for reproductive trait engineering in poplar and on the promises and challenges of multiplex genome editing in forest trees.The visit contributed to knowledge exchange in advanced tree bioengineering and strengthened international scientific connections within the TreeBioTEC project.

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Lecture by ERA Chair Holder Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta on Root Development

On 2 October 2025, Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta, ERA Chair Holder of the TreeBioTEC project, delivered a lecture entitled “Root Development. Radial Patterning” at the Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu.The lecture was held within the Plant Physiology course and addressed fundamental mechanisms of root development and tissue patterning.This teaching activity contributed to the dissemination of core scientific expertise within the academic community and supported the integration of TreeBioTEC research themes into university education.

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Guest Lecture by Dr Jarkko Salojärvi on the Genomic Drivers of Plant Diversity

On 2 October 2025, Dr Jarkko Salojärvi (Nanyang Technological University; University of Helsinki Centre of Excellence in Tree Biology) delivered a guest lecture at the Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, as part of the TreeBioTEC project activities.The lecture explored how large-scale genome sequencing and computational analyses can reveal evolutionary drivers of plant diversity and functional adaptation in forest communities.The event supported the dissemination of high-level plant genomics research and fostered academic exchange between TreeBioTEC and international experts.

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Keynote Lecture by ERA Chair Holder Prof. Ykä Helariutta at FTMB 2025 (Harbin, China)

Prof. Yrjö Eero Helariutta, ERA Chair Holder of the TreeBioTEC project, participated in The 3rd Forest Tree Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Conference (FTMB 2025) held on 4–6 August 2025 in Harbin, China. He delivered a keynote lecture entitled “Understanding and Engineering Wood Formation”, presenting recent research progress on the role of the thermospermine polyamine in regulating cell fate decisions in xylem, as well as advances in integrating and analysing the effects of callose polymer in wood formation. The conference was hosted by Northeast Forestry University and brought together international experts in forest tree molecular biology and biotechnology.

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Inclusion of TreeBioTEC Infrastructure in the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap Project

Within the framework of the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap programme, the project “Plant Biology and Valorization Infrastructure” (TARISTU24-TK28, 2024–2029) received national funding under the leadership of Associate Professor Hanna Hõrak, University of Tartu. The TreeBioTEC project served as the basis for including the ERA Chair laboratory infrastructure needs in this national initiative. As a result, the TreeBioTEC team has been allocated a dedicated budget line for laboratory infrastructure support within the TARISTU24-TK28 project.

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