Annika Östman Wernerson: A strong regional collaboration is essential to strengthen Sweden globally

 When we strengthen the academic culture at Karolinska University Hospital and give  researchers and healthcare personnel greater opportunities to conduct research by investing, for instance, in more clinical studies, we build an environment in which we expedite the conversion of new knowledge into better diagnostic tools and treatments for our patients. The new FoUU strategy clarifies how we can work together with the hospital to help strengthen the region and Sweden as a research nation.

New presidential advisor for life science

To further bolster KI’s position as a leading medical university, I have decided to appoint Clara Hellner presidential advisor for life science as of 1 March this year. Dr Hellner will be coordinating KI’s collaborations in the field at an overarching and strategic level. Her remit covers such matters as health data, corporate alliances and startups. She will be responsible for transferring knowledge and skills to future key persons at KI, reporting back on activities and plans, and anchoring them within the organisation.

Newly appointed coordination steering committee on government research policy

Dr Hellner is also to become the chair of a newly appointed coordination steering committee on the research bill, tasked with reviewing the forthcoming government research policy. 

In the research bill for 2025–2028, for example, calls are announced that require coordination by applying universities. One proposal is for a gradual increase in R&D grants during the period of SEK 6.5 billion, including both competitive funding for higher education institutions and funding for government research financiers. Some of the calls can be responded to by individual researchers, while others will require coordination by applicant universities.

KI’s new steering group has been set up to produce a strategy that will enable KI to take advantage of the forthcoming investments.

A counterweight to the storm clouds

Since the new US administration took over at the end of January, decisions made by the President have raised serious concerns about the future of the research and education sector. To make KI better prepared and able to act on matters and challenges relating to the US, we have now formed a cross-functional resource group with a remit to monitor, report on and act upon developments, to watch what other stakeholders in the field are doing and, when necessary, coordinate joint initiatives.

Even if the gathering storm clouds are throwing the world into disarray, not least for us in academia, there is much to look forward to. With spring just around the corner, a lovely time awaits us, and while it is still hard to tell from day to day whether the sun will warm us up or not, there is an undeniable spirit of dedication at our university that makes the future look bright. 

Thanks to all of you for your efforts to create a solid basis for research and education when the opposing forces are being especially clamorous. One particular pleasure recently was to present the NOR awards for “zeal and devotion in the service of the realm” to colleagues with over 30 years in public service. You are all role models for younger members of staff and students, and together we build the KI that is us.