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The Nobel Prize

Don't miss the 2023 Nobel Lectures in Physiology or Medicine

Listen to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman talk about the research that led to effective mRNA vaccines and saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation in Aula Medica on December 7 is free of charge, but to ensure a spot and have time to go through the security check, you should arrive well in advance. Find out more in the KI Calendar.

“Their discoveries have helped to save millions of lives”

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded this year to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, whose research gave rise to effective mRNA vaccines that contained the COVID pandemic and saved millions of lives. A well-deserved honour, according to Karolinska Institutet.

Montage of photos illustrating the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

More about th Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

In the first week of October each year, the recipients of the Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature and Peace are announced, as Alfred Nobel stated in his will. First out is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine — and it is the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet that selects the recipients since 1901.

New study

The risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by eating more oily fish

People with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease may benefit from eating more oily fish, according to a study.

Grants, prizes and donations

Marie Wahren-Herlenius, Head of the Department of medicine Solna, KI’s President Annika Östman Wernerson, and Stefan Persson, Chairman of the Erling Persson Foundation cut the ribbon and declared the new MRI scanner inaugurated.

New MRI scanner in Huddinge opens up new opportunities

On Tuesday 28 November, a new laboratory for MRI examinations was inaugurated at Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge. The purchase of a new MRI scanner, following a donation from the Erling Persson Foundation, creates completely new opportunities for the Stockholm Region and Karolinska Institutet for both doctors and researchers.

KI researchers Anders Kvanta and Fredrik Lanner awarded a SEK 10 million grant

KI researchers Anders Kvanta and Fredrik Lanner have been awarded a grant of SEK 10 million from the Erling-Persson Foundation for a clinical phase 1 trial on macular degeneration, a common age-related eye disease. By transplanting retinal cells from embryonic stem cells, the researchers hope to curb any further loss of vision and ultimately recover lost sight.

Two KI researchers are awarded distinguished professor grants

Professor Gonçalo Castelo-Branco and professor Jonas Frisén, Karolinska Institutet, are awarded distinguished professor grants from the Swedish Research Council, totalling just over SEK 62 million for the years 2024-31.

New study

Early body contact develops premature babies' social skills

Skin-to-skin contact during the first hours after birth of very preterm babies helps develop their social skills, according to a news study. The study also shows that fathers may play a more important role than previous research has shown.

Professor Robert Harris made honorary doctorate

Professor Robert A. Harris is made honorary doctorate at the Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The honour is given in recognition of Bob Harris’ exceptional contributions to the development of the university, especially in the context of the European University Alliance NeurotechEU project.

New study

Non-Europeans face more eating disorders – less likely to receive specialist care

People in Sweden of non-European descent have almost three times as many eating disorder symptoms as people born in Sweden. But despite this, they have significantly less access to specialist treatment.

The Conversation

How your biological clock unveils the risk of dementia and stroke

As we journey through life, the risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders, increases significantly. However, while we all grow older chronologically at the same pace, biologically, our clocks can tick faster or slower. A new study suggests your biological age, more than the years you’ve lived, may predict your risk of dementia and stroke in the future.

Decorative image of a woman watching the sea and bathing people.

Why a holiday is good for you – even before you take time off

You have spent the past few days on a cloud over your forthcoming, well-deserved holidays, and will go back to daydreaming about them as soon as you finish this article. And the truth is that the benefits of a good holiday can be felt even before the trip begins.

Baby deaths in Tanzania: being born in a city no longer increases their chances of survival

Babies born in urban areas in Tanzania are less likely to survive than babies born in rural areas, writes a group of researchers including from KI in The Conversation. Several policy areas for action are presented.

Why understanding how spiders spin silk may hold clues for treating Alzheimer’s disease

KI researchers Michael Landreh and Anna Rising explain in The Conversation why they are studying spider silk to find important insights into diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

New findings on long-term treatment of ADHD and its link to cardiovascular disease

A large proportion of patients who start taking ADHD medication, especially young adults, stop within the first year. However, people who use ADHD medicine for a long time and in higher-than-average doses seem to have a higher risk of some cardiovascular diseases.

KI and Stockholm School of Economics to launch a program in health diplomacy

Global health is becoming increasingly complex, ranging from pandemics and climate change to wars, migration and deteriorating mental health. There is an urgent need for a new generation of global health leaders. The Stockholm School of Economics and Karolinska Institutet are now launching a new initiative to meet the challenges ahead.