London (PTI) A leading biologist of India has been conferred with one of the highest awards of Finland for promoting collaboration between the two countries in the areas of science and business.

Atul Khanna, founder and Chairman of the Board of Systems Biology Worldwide, was made Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland by the Finnish President Tarja Halonen.

Chancellor of the University of Helsinki, Ilkka Niiniluoto and Rector Thomas Wilhelmsson awarded the Order to Dr. Khanna on Tuesday in a ceremony at the University, the most versatile research institution in Finland, with more than 35,000 students.

The Order of the Lion of Finland was founded on September 11, 1942 and is awarded for civilian and military merit. The President of Finland wears the Star of the Order.

An official announcement on Wednesday said Dr. Khanna together with Professor Mart Saarma, initiated a student exchange programme between Finland and India for bio-technology students.

He also founded and successfully managed several companies, including Tooltech Global Engineering.

Dr. Khanna is credited with creating a dynamic and cost competitive research service delivery concept in which Indian strengths and advantages were combined with those of Finland.