The collaboration between the two founding members, Nina and Timo, began over 20 years ago. At the time, Nina was working as a nurse at a private clinic when she was offered the opportunity to join a university-led clinical trial center as a study nurse. Timo, meanwhile, had specialized in internal medicine and had already been working in clinical research. Their professional paths crossed through the Thrive clinical trial.
The years spent in the academic research environment were rewarding and helped both become respected professionals in their field. However, they had a shared vision of starting their own company one day—to contribute to medical research in the private sector more efficiently and with fewer administrative constraints. This vision became a reality in 2017 when Nina and Timo founded their own company, Health Step Finland.
The company’s core mission is to provide solid expertise and high-quality research services, with a special focus on participant experience and the smooth execution of clinical trials. Nina and Timo describe their collaboration as smooth, straightforward, and easy. Their partnership and working dynamic are built on strengths that complement each other: Nina’s strong work ethic and Timo’s academic, professor-like mindset.
Today, Health Step Finland enjoys a strong reputation. It employs three study nurses and provides indirect work opportunities for many other medical professionals. The socially important nature of their work drives them to keep developing their services, adapt to the industry’s changing needs, and confidently look toward the future. Nina and Timo are true pioneers in medical research, having conducted trials in the private sector for many years. For them, research is not just a profession—it’s a way of life.
Our team is committed to conducting high-quality trials with a special focus on the experience of clinical trial participants. In addition to their original qualifications, all our study nurses have completed specialized study nurse training in-house. We believe that high-quality research thrives in a supportive work environment—and we are proud to say we have an exceptional team.
As CEO, Nina is our dynamic leader and the face of the company, skilfully keeping many threads in hand. She originally qualified as a midwife and registered nurse and has built a long career as a study nurse. Since founding the company, Nina has continued to develop her expertise by completing a master’s degree in the development and management of social and health care. In her daily work, she coordinates clinical trials—from administrative management to communication with sponsors—and takes part in hands-on research whenever possible. Training and education are also close to her heart: she teaches in the national study nurse training programme and plays an active role in designing its training content.
Nina has a strong focus on providing excellent service and treating trial participants as people, not just subjects. The ability to encounter people as individuals is a quality Nina values highly, also when recruiting new team members. Known for her dynamic and efficient work style, Nina works tirelessly and has developed into a seasoned medical research professional through years of work in demanding research settings. Within the work community, she is regarded as a fair and supportive leader who advocates for the staff and supports an inclusive and equitable workplace.
Timo is the principal investigator of the clinical trials conducted at the Kuopio research center. A specialist in internal medicine, an adjunct professor of public health and a professor of medical physiology at the University of Eastern Finland, his research focuses on predicting and preventing cardiometabolic and other chronic diseases across all age groups. The role of healthy lifestyles in preventing chronic diseases is especially important to Timo. He is a leader of the Metabolic Diseases Research Community and the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study at the University of Eastern Finland. In addition, Timo has served as a senior researcher in several other academic studies and has over 20 years of experience as a principal investigator.
For Timo, research is a way of life. A man of many talents, he navigates each workday with the curious energy of a professor and a knack for multitasking. In clinical practice, Timo shines through his attentive presence and dedication, making him highly respected among trial participants. Research does not feel like work to him, and as an enthusiastic singer, Timo is often heard singing during his workday. Outside of work, Timo enjoys gardening, spending time at the summer house, boating, and, of course, staying active through exercise.
Titta is our team’s reliable cornerstone—a true hard worker with the kind of work ethic you can always count on. She truly shines in patient care, approaching each situation with the calm confidence and expertise of a seasoned professional. Even when facing pressure and tight deadlines, Titta remains an exceptionally skilled and reliable expert. Within the team, she is known as a trustworthy and outstanding colleague.
Previously, Diandra worked in care homes, but internships at Health Step Finland during her studies inspired her to shift her career toward medical research. For us, it was always clear that we wanted this big-hearted and empathetic nurse to become a part of our team. Diandra is meticulous and attentive, as well as an extremely skilled and capable nursing professional who quickly and openly adapts to new challenges. Recognized for her genuine approach to each individual, Diandra has received a great deal of positive feedback from trial participants and colleagues alike.
Tarja is the newest member of our study nurse team. Bringing a precise and experienced nursing background, she has embraced the exciting challenge of transitioning into clinical research. With her strong foundation in patient care, Tarja ensures that study participants feel welcomed and supported throughout their trial visits. As she continues to grow in her role, Tarja’s dedication to quality care strengthens our team’s commitment to excellence in clinical research.