Riikka-Leena is a myeloma patient and an experienced patient advocate with extensive involvement at local, national, and European levels. She currently serves as a member of the EBMT Patient Advocacy Committee, a Council Member of the Cancer Society of Finland, and a Lay Member of the National Committee on Research Ethics in Finland.
She has a strong and sustained interest in medicines research and development, with a particular interest to improving equitable access to medicines.  Riikka-Leena is an EUPATI Fellow and a Member of the EUPATI Finland Executive Committee. In addition, she has completed training through the EURORDIS Open Academy, including courses on ’Medicines Research and Development’ and ’Scientific Innovation and Translational Research’.
Riikka-Leena holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Geography.