Sara Wickström is a Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Helsinki. Her research focuses on the formation, maintenance, and regeneration of complex tissues through processes involving cell deformation, growth, differentiation, and remodeling. Using the skin epidermis as a model, her work delves into the self-organization of stem cells, the activation of specialized genetic programs, and the interplay between cell mechanics, chemical interactions, and the extracellular matrix niche. Furthermore, her research aims to uncover how these processes are altered in aging and age-related conditions, including cancer.