Award for scientific integrity presented to Jonas F. Ludvigsson
When Professor Jonas F. Ludvigsson presented research findings on children’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced fierce criticism from the general public, researchers and doctors alike. For his courage in defending scientific findings even when they have been controversial, he has now been awarded Research!Sweden's (Forska!Sverige) honorary award in recognition of his significant contributions to research, development and health.
As a professor of clinical epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet and a senior consultant at Örebro University Hospital, Jonas F. Ludvigsson has for many years combined research, clinical practice and public health work. He has contributed to new insights into, amongst other things, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, vaccinations and paediatrics, and his research has had a major impact both nationally and internationally.
However, it’s not primarily his scientific achievements that are highlighted in the citation for the award. Equally important is his willingness to communicate about research and to stand up for scientific findings even when they provoke strong emotions.
“Sweden needs researchers who take part in the public debate and share research findings, even if they run counter to what people perceive as the truth. Without evidence-based research, decision-makers risk making the wrong decisions,” says Anna Nilsson Vindefjärd, secretary general of Research!Sweden (Forska!Sverige).
The data should speak for itself
During the pandemic, Jonas F. Ludvigsson’s research showed that the risk of severe COVID-19 among children in Sweden was low in the spring of 2020, despite schools remaining open. The findings became the subject of intense debate, and he was subjected to both harsh criticism and personal attacks. Despite this, he continued to explain and defend his research findings in public.
He highlights two things that keep him going when opposition runs high.
“For one thing, I believe that, as a researcher, one has a duty to present data that can be trusted, even if it is subject to criticism. On the other hand, you don’t just face criticism; you often receive unexpected support from colleagues and the public when the going gets tough,” says Jonas F. Ludvigsson, professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, KI.
He explains that support during the pandemic was strong despite the heated debate.
“People sent flowers and postcards, and I’ve even kept a pair of lovely winter gloves that I received from a couple of parents who appreciated that their children’s school stayed open.”
For Jonas F. Ludvigsson, the issue ultimately comes down to defending academic freedom.
“I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. For me, academic freedom is crucial and worth defending. Free research is an important part of democracy and provides us with vital knowledge. Without academic freedom, we end up with a poorer society,” he says.
Scepticism part of the research process
Throughout his career, Jonas F. Ludvigsson has found himself at the centre of debate on several occasions. He has previously faced strong reactions in connection with his research into vaccination against swine flu, his work on the government inquiry into complementary and alternative medicine, and as an expert in the review of hormone treatment for gender dysphoria in children and young people.
What these issues have in common is that they stir up emotions and touch on values far beyond the research community.
At the same time, he emphasises that scepticism in itself is not a bad thing.
“A certain degree of scepticism is part of the scientific process.”
His advice to researchers and clinicians facing criticism is to stick to the facts, but also to try to understand what lies behind the reactions.
“Try to be informative and to highlight the benefits of the research findings. But also try to listen to the critics, to hear what they are concerned about. When criticism turns into hatred, it is often because the critics are insecure or afraid of something,” he says.
An award for courage and integrity
Forska!Sverige’s honorary award is presented to individuals or organisations that have contributed to strengthening research, development and health.
For Jonas F. Ludvigsson, the award is a recognition of something greater than his own research: the importance of an open society in which researchers dare to report their findings even when they are uncomfortable.
This news article is based on a press release from Forska!Sverige.
About the award
Forska!Sverige’s honorary award is presented to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and contributed to strengthening research, development and health. It was presented for the first time in 2016.
Previous recipients of the award include, among others, Johan von Schreeb, Otto Cars, the Swedish Society for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Mikael Dolsten and Nina Rehnqvist.
More about Jonas F. Ludvigsson
Alongside his research, Jonas F. Ludvigsson has, amongst other things, served as chair of the Swedish Paediatric Association and the Swedish Epidemiological Society, as well as on the Scientific Council for Paediatrics at the National Board of Health and Welfare. He is currently scientific secretary of the Swedish Medical Association and has held several international posts.
His research has had a significant scientific impact both nationally and internationally, and he has received several awards for his research achievements. In 2024, he was awarded His Majesty The King’s Medal for outstanding research achievements in paediatrics and inflammatory bowel diseases.