| Karolinska Institutet

Abstract image on the theme physics and radiation.

The Savén Family contributes to KI’s major initiative in radiation therapy

Karolinska Institutet, together with KTH, Stockholm University, and Region Stockholm, is undertaking a strategically important initiative in radiation therapy. Thanks to a donation of SEK 15 million from business leader Björn Savén, the establishment of a new center for medical radiation science is being strengthened. In addition, the donation will fund a project focused on precision radiation therapy.

Photo: Yanan Li/Silviahemmet

Participants in KI's dementia training programme received diplomas from the Queen

On 3 September, H.M. The Queen presented diplomas to participants who had completed the course Dementia from Cell to Society. The ceremony recognised a new group of professionals who had deepened their knowledge of dementia diseases and approaches to care.

The buildings Aula Medica and Biomedicum at Campus Solna

Photo: Liza Simonsson

Career at KI

Record results also for KI’s second international recruitment drive

Karolinska Institutet’s international recruitment drive for 21 Assistant Professors has once again attracted a great deal of global interest. A total of 2,035 applications from 1,171 unique applicants have been received from 81 countries. The results remain at a very high level following last year’s record outcome and confirm KI’s strong appeal amongst the world’s most promising young researchers.

Photo: Getty Images

Five KI researchers receive ERC Starting Grants in 2026

Five researchers at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant, one of Europe's most important research grants for researchers at the beginning of their careers. The grant is seen internationally as an acknowledgement of scientific excellence, originality and a promising future as a research group leader.

A family holding hands as they walk along a beach toward the water, seen from behind.

Photo: GettyImages. Simon Skafar.,Getty Images

New study

Autoimmune diseases share genetic patterns

Different autoimmune diseases often share genetic risk factors, but not through a single common genetic vulnerability. New research shows that autoimmune diseases instead form genetic clusters that largely reflect the tissues or organs they affect.

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New study

Family cancer burden predicts risk in IBD patients

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have several close relatives with colorectal cancer are significantly more likely to develop the disease themselves. These new findings raise the question of whether future cancer screening guidelines should place greater emphasis on the number of cancer cases in a patient's family.

Photo: Getty Images

New study

Study highlights risk groups for a severe side effect of diabetes treatment

Patients with type 2 diabetes who have high blood glucose levels, low body weight, or a history of ketoacidosis are at increased risk of developing this serious condition when treated with so-called SGLT2 inhibitors.

Photo: Gettyimages.

New study

Disease patterns may guide lifestyle interventions in older adults

Older adults living with several chronic diseases may respond differently to interventions aimed at preventing disability, depending on the combination of diseases they have. A new study suggests that looking at patterns of multimorbidity, rather than individual diseases alone, could help make prevention more personalised.

Illustration of women with breast cancer

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New study

Standard breast cancer classification may overlook differences

Breast cancer is often classified as either estrogen receptor-positive (hormone-sensitive) or not. However, a new study suggests that this simplified classification may overlook important biological differences between patients that could affect treatment decisions.

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New study

New clues about the causes of severe headaches

Inflammation, altered gene regulation, and exposure to substances in tobacco smoke may all contribute to the development of cluster headache. Two new studies improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms behind this painful condition.

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Ulf von Euler Lecturer

From cell signaling to the treatments of the future

Professor Wendell Lim, this year’s Ulf von Euler Lecturer, seeks to understand how cells communicate and control their functions. His research could contribute to the development of new treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Photo: Nicole Sofia Rodriguez Neufeld

New study

Improved maternity care linked to fewer deaths

A combination of training, quality improvement and leadership support in hospitals across four countries in sub-Saharan Africa is linked to fewer stillbirths and deaths among newborns during the first 24 hours of life, a new study shows.

Olle ten Cate by a podium giving a lecture.

Photo: Graham Martin

KIPRIME

Professor Olle ten Cate awarded the KI Prize for Research in Medical Education

Professor Olle ten Cate is awarded the 2026 Karolinska Institutet Prize for Research in Medical Education (KIPRIME) for his transformative contributions to medical education, reshaping how professional competences and workplace assessment are understood.

home test for colorectal cancer screening

Photo: Getty Images

New study

Bowel cancer screening could reduce mortality by over 40 per cent

People who take part in screening for colorectal cancer may have as much as 43 per cent lower risk of dying from the disease, according to new estimates based on up to 14 years of follow-up data.

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New study

Long meal breaks may be risky for older people

Older adults who typically had longer intervals between meals accumulated chronic diseases more rapidly over time than those with shorter intervals, according to a new study. The association was most pronounced among people aged 78 years and older.

Photo: Getty Images

New study

Gut bacteria convert dietary nitrate and iron into protective molecules

Researchers have discovered that gut bacteria can convert dietary nitrate and iron into protective molecules that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The study reveals a new way in which the gut microbiota helps protect vital bodily functions.

The Conversation

What vegan and vegetarian diets can and can’t tell us about eating disorders

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What vegan and vegetarian diets can and can’t tell us about eating disorders

Many people worry that following a vegetarian or vegan diet may signal an eating disorder. But a systematic review found no clear overall association, suggesting that the reasons behind dietary choices matter far more than the diet itself. Read the article in The Conversation.

Genetic research into autism raises ethical concerns

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Genetic research into autism raises ethical concerns

Women report worse sleep than men despite objectively better sleep quality

Photo: Getty Images,Getty Images/iStockphoto

Women report worse sleep than men despite objectively better sleep quality

A single dose of psilocybin eased depression symptoms for months

Photo: Getty Images

A single dose of psilocybin eased depression symptoms for months

A single dose of the psychedelic substance psilocybin, found in so-called magic mushrooms, can provide rapid relief from recurrent depression, with the effects lasting for over three months, according to a new study. However, the researchers also caution that the results may have been influenced by the placebo effect. Read the article in The Conversation.

More articles by KI researchers published in The Conversation

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New tool measures the biological age of cells

Researchers have developed a new tool that estimates a cell’s biological age by analysing its gene activity. In the journal Advanced Science, they also demonstrate how the tool can be used to identify substances that influence cellular ageing.

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Ranking

Strengthened position for KI in this year's Shanghai ranking

Karolinska Institutet (KI) consolidates its position as one of the world's 50 highest-ranked universities in the 2026 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai ranking. This year, KI is strengthening its ranking to 41 (from 50, 2025).

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New study

Regional differences may affect survival rates in breast cancer

The proportion of women with early breast cancer who receive chemotherapy varies significantly across different regions of Sweden. A new study shows that these differences may affect survival among women aged 65 and over.

Photo: Nobelprismuseet

Nobel 2026

Experience Nobel Calling at KI

Over the course of a week in October, the researchers who have been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize are announced. To mark the occasion, the Nobel Prize Museum, in collaboration with organisations including Karolinska Institutet, offers the public inspiring events and educational sessions dedicated to knowledge. Here you can find the full programme for KI during Nobell Calling Stockholm 2026.

Photo: Per Groth

Academic freedom

“We must continue to fight for Ahmadreza Djalali”

Ahmadreza Djalali has been imprisoned in Iran for ten years, facing the threat of execution. The case of this KI researcher highlights a growing threat to academic freedom – even in Western countries such as Sweden.

Photo: Peter Gehrman

The AI frenzy in healthcare

AI is not just another technology. The magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap has spoken to researchers who describe their hopes and fears amid the current AI fever. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Peter Gehrman

More and more people are turning to Dr AI for advice

Dr AI has become a colleague of Dr Google. Researchers see both benefits and risks in this development. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Christian Gustavsson

How AI can accelerate drug development

Andreas Luttens has trained an algorithm that can explore the so-called chemical space – all conceivable combinations of atoms and bonds. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Christian Gustavsson

New tools aim to improve risk assessment in psychiatry

John Wallert’s research aims to develop tools that can be used in psychiatry to predict the risk of serious incidents, so-called prediction models. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Getty Images

Breathing – a key to the body’s stress system

Breathing usually happens without us having to think about it. At the same time, conscious breathing exercises can have a calming effect during anxiety or stress, but there are also breathing techniques that are not without risks. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

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Researchers point to benefits of nose breathing

Does it matter whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth? Here’s how three researchers answer. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Martin Stenmark

She looks for answers among the perpetrators

By seeking to understand those who commit domestic homicide, Shilan Caman hopes to find ways to prevent future killings. Her research shows that one factor unites them all: the need for control. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Liza Simonsson

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

Blood vessels in the brain react differently in the event of illness
Vanlandewijck et al, Nature Communications, July 2026

New knowledge could make cancer immunotherapy more effective
Mikael Karlsson et al, Nature Communications, July 2026

Blood tests can provide more information about cancer
Mariano A. Molina Beitia et al, Genome Medicine, August 2026

New RNA method may improve islet transplantation in severe diabetes
P-O Berggren et al, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, August 2026

New clues to glioblastoma recurrence
Sten Linnarsson et al, Med, July 2026

More high-impact publications

The Savén Family contributes to KI’s major initiative in radiation therapy

Participants in KI's dementia training programme received diplomas from the Queen

Record results also for KI’s second international recruitment drive

Five KI researchers receive ERC Starting Grants in 2026

Autoimmune diseases share genetic patterns

Family cancer burden predicts risk in IBD patients

Study highlights risk groups for a severe side effect of diabetes treatment

Disease patterns may guide lifestyle interventions in older adults

Standard breast cancer classification may overlook differences

New clues about the causes of severe headaches

From cell signaling to the treatments of the future

Improved maternity care linked to fewer deaths

Professor Olle ten Cate awarded the KI Prize for Research in Medical Education

Bowel cancer screening could reduce mortality by over 40 per cent

Long meal breaks may be risky for older people

Gut bacteria convert dietary nitrate and iron into protective molecules

The Conversation

What vegan and vegetarian diets can and can’t tell us about eating disorders

Genetic research into autism raises ethical concerns

Women report worse sleep than men despite objectively better sleep quality

A single dose of psilocybin eased depression symptoms for months

More articles by KI researchers published in The Conversation

New tool measures the biological age of cells

Strengthened position for KI in this year's Shanghai ranking

Regional differences may affect survival rates in breast cancer

Experience Nobel Calling at KI

“We must continue to fight for Ahmadreza Djalali”

The AI frenzy in healthcare

More and more people are turning to Dr AI for advice

How AI can accelerate drug development

New tools aim to improve risk assessment in psychiatry

Breathing – a key to the body’s stress system

Researchers point to benefits of nose breathing

She looks for answers among the perpetrators

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

KI in the media (Swedish only)

Research subjects wanted