| Karolinska Institutet

Four KI researchers receive project grants from the Swedish Research Council

Four researchers at Karolinska Institutet are to receive a total of just over 21 million kronor in project grants from the Swedish Research Council in the fields of the humanities and social sciences.

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New study

Dietary patterns linked to favourable blood biomarkers relevant to ageing

Older adults who follow healthy dietary patterns have blood biomarker levels associated with more favourable biological processes relevant to ageing, a new study shows. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of how dietary habits are related to the body's ageing processes.

The Conversation

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High levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found in Lancashire residents’ blood

Mattias Öberg writes about what he has learned from studying exposed communities for over a decade.

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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.

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Genetic research into autism raises ethical concerns

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Women report worse sleep than men despite objectively better sleep quality

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Probiotics linked to fewer deaths in premature babies

Probiotic supplementation in very preterm babies was linked to a lower risk of both severe intestinal disease and death, a new study shows. The findings are based on data from nearly 4,700 babies born prematurely in Sweden.

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New study

Addiction is linked to an increased risk of suicide

People with substance use disorder are at a significantly higher risk of both attempted suicide and death by suicide, according to a new study. The study also shows that the risk of suicidal behaviour is elevated among relatives of people with substance use disorder, particularly among close relatives.

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New study

New study reveals differences in gestational diabetes between social groups

Gestational diabetes has become increasingly common in Sweden, particularly among women with lower levels of education, lower incomes, and women born outside Sweden, according to a new study. It also shows that the relationship between gestational diabetes and complications during pregnancy and childbirth differs between population groups.

Panel discussion at The Cell on AI in healthcare.

Photo: Erika Bellander

Panel debate at The Cell

How humans and machines can work together for the benefit of healthcare

At a packed panel debate at The Cell in Hagastaden, the matter of research funding and infrastructure evolved into a discussion on the use of AI, who has power over our health data and which human skills ought not to be ceded to machines. The conversation brought together perspectives from science, social science and science journalism.

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New study

Rare pregnancy infections linked to autism

Infections that, in rare cases, can be transmitted from the pregnant woman to the foetus are linked to an increased risk of autism and intellectual disability in the child, according to a new study.

Photo: Liza Simonsson

Precision medicine

New centre at KI aims to bring cancer research closer to new treatments

Karolinska Institutet is investing in a new centre for immuno-oncology. The aim is to create an internationally leading research environment where knowledge of the immune system can be translated into new treatments for both solid tumours and blood cancers.

Photo: MD Rokonuzzamnan,Getty Images/iStockphoto

Research communication

ERC award regognises public engagement on ticklishness

Konstantina Kilteni, researcher at Karolinska Institutet, has received a 2026 European Research Council (ERC) Public Engagement with Research Award. The award recognises her work in engaging the public with research on touch and ticklishness, and how everyday sensory experiences can provide insights into how the brain works.

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New study

Women experienced less pain during IUD insertion using a new method

A simple method involving local anaesthesia in the uterus can reduce pain during IUD insertion, according to a new study. The method also increased the proportion of women who found the procedure tolerable. The results may encourage more women to choose an IUD as a method for contraception.

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New study

Longer intervals between colonoscopies may be safe

Patients who have had high-risk polyps removed from their bowel can probably wait five years, rather than three, until their next colonoscopy without increasing their risk of colon and rectal cancer, two new studies show. The findings could reduce the number of examinations and thus the burden on both patients and the healthcare system.

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New study

Documentation gaps in possible cancer investigations

One in three medical records contained at least one documentation shortcoming when health centres in Region Stockholm investigated patients with non-specific symptoms that could be signs of cancer.

Photo: Hatice Gocmen

New study

New method reduced recurrence of atrial fibrillation

An additional treatment performed in conjunction with catheter ablation reduced the risk of recurrence in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. This is shown in a randomised study. The treatment also improved patients’ quality of life without increasing the risk of serious complications.

Photo: Gerd Altmann Pixabay

New type of grant

The Wallenberg Foundations award AI support to four research groups at KI

Four research groups at KI have been awarded the Knut and Alice Wallenberg AI Consultancy Grant, giving them access to AI expertise to integrate AI into their research projects quickly and effectively. This entirely new form of funding is intended to accelerate the research process and enable new breakthroughs.

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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.

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Ranking

KI strengthens its position in this year’s Shanghai ranking by subject

Karolinska Institutet (KI) has strengthened its position in a number of key subject areas in the 2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) published by Shanghai Ranking. For example, KI now ranks first in the EU in the field of public health.

Photo: Anders Kallersand

Obituary

In memory of Jan-Åke Gustafsson (1943-2026)

Jan-Åke Gustafsson, professor of medical nutrition and former member of the Nobel Assembly, passed away on 4 September 2026, at 83 years of age.

Destruction of neurons of Dorsal striatum, conceptual computer illustration. Dorsal striatum is a nucleus in the brain basal ganglia.

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New study

New method tested against bacterial toxin in the brain

Bacterial meningitis can cause severe brain damage even when patients receive antibiotic treatment promptly. Researchers have now developed tiny biological vesicles that, in animal studies, were able to capture bacterial toxins, protect neurons, reduce inflammation and delay the progression of the disease.

Abstract image on the theme physics and radiation.

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Donation

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.

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.

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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.

Photo: Fredrik Persson

Installation ceremony 2026

Meet KI's new professors

On Thursday 8 October 2026, 21 new professors are to be inaugurated at Karolinska Institutet in solemn forms in Aula Medica. The professors' installation ceremony is one of the highlights of the academic year.

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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: Martin Stenmark

Jens Hjerling Leffler: “Research should be punk”

As a young man, he went through a life-changing period. Today, developmental biologist Jens Hjerling Leffler is trying to understand what happens in the brain as we grow into adulthood. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 3 2026.

Photo: Getty images/Stefan Hörberg

Can the ink stay under your skin

Got inked? One in four Swedes has a tattoo, and among young women they are even more common. But what exactly has been injected into your skin? We spoke to researchers who know more. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 3 2026.

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Top politicians' health is to be investigated

Being a politician is associated with high levels of stress and considerable strain. Researchers are now looking at how the health of municipal commissioners who chair the municipal executive board is affected by the role. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 3 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.

KI's President standing in a building at campus.

Photo: Christian Gustavsson

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

Study identifies inherited genetic risk factors in childhood leukemia
Ann Nordgren et al, Nature Communications, September 2026

New molecule protected against acute liver failure in study
Maurice Michel et al, Advanced Science, September 2026

Dizziness test should be used more selectively
Carl Sars et al, JAMA Neurology, September 2026

Recent advances in oesophageal cancer
Shaohua Xie et al, NEJM, September 2026

Study maps the skeleton’s growth plates
Phillip Newton et al, Bone Research, August 2026

More high-impact publications

Four KI researchers receive project grants from the Swedish Research Council

Dietary patterns linked to favourable blood biomarkers relevant to ageing

The Conversation

High levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found in Lancashire residents’ blood

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

More articles by KI researchers published in The Conversation

Probiotics linked to fewer deaths in premature babies

Addiction is linked to an increased risk of suicide

New study reveals differences in gestational diabetes between social groups

How humans and machines can work together for the benefit of healthcare

Rare pregnancy infections linked to autism

New centre at KI aims to bring cancer research closer to new treatments

ERC award regognises public engagement on ticklishness

Women experienced less pain during IUD insertion using a new method

Longer intervals between colonoscopies may be safe

Documentation gaps in possible cancer investigations

New method reduced recurrence of atrial fibrillation

The Wallenberg Foundations award AI support to four research groups at KI

From cell signaling to the treatments of the future

KI strengthens its position in this year’s Shanghai ranking by subject

In memory of Jan-Åke Gustafsson (1943-2026)

New method tested against bacterial toxin in the brain

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

Meet KI's new professors

Experience Nobel Calling at KI

Jens Hjerling Leffler: “Research should be punk”

Can the ink stay under your skin

Top politicians' health is to be investigated

“We must continue to fight for Ahmadreza Djalali”

The AI frenzy in healthcare

More and more people are turning to Dr AI for advice

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

KI in the media (Swedish only)

Research subjects wanted