Honoured to serve as the official Opponent from the Netherlands at the PhD defense of Dr Paula Niinimäki at the University of Helsinki on 15 May 2026.
In the traditional Finnish doctoral defense system, there is typically a single external examiner — the “Opponent” — who conducts the public scientific examination of the candidate. During this defense, Dr Niinimäki was questioned for approximately 90 minutes on the scientific content, methodology, clinical implications, and future perspectives of her dissertation:
Periorbital and Orbital Malignant Tumours: What Lies Beneath.
Professor Tero Kivela served as Kustos during the ceremony. The Kustos is the chair and guardian of the defense proceedings — traditionally supervising the academic protocol and formally overseeing the public examination. It was a pleasure to reconnect with Professor Kivela and colleagues in Helsinki. He remains one of Europe’s leading mentors and teachers in ophthalmic oncology, and the high scientific quality of this dissertation clearly reflected that academic environment.
Dr Marita Uusitalo also played a prominent role throughout the academic trajectory leading to this dissertation. As Chair of the Oculoplastic Department and an important mentor to Dr Niinimäki, her influence was clearly visible in the strong clinical and surgical foundation underlying this work.
One of the striking aspects of the thesis was the clear multidisciplinary collaboration involved in the management of these complex periocular and orbital malignancies, including close cooperation between ophthalmology, ENT surgery, plastic surgery, pathology, oncology, and radiology. This collaborative spirit was also reflected socially: the number of colleagues and friends attending both the defense ceremony and the festive evening afterwards was truly overwhelming and clearly demonstrated the respect and appreciation surrounding Dr Niinimäki and her team.
The thesis addressed several important topics within ophthalmic oncology, including delayed diagnosis of periocular malignancies, sebaceous carcinoma, perineural invasion, orbital exenteration, and the multidisciplinary management of advanced orbital disease.
Dr Niinimäki demonstrated broad knowledge of the field, critical scientific thinking, and mature clinical judgment throughout the examination.
Congratulations to Dr Paula Niinimäki on an excellent defense and on obtaining the degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences.
