News archive

No rest, no creativity! Now as I welcome you back from your holidays, I hope that you’ve had a summer of recuperation and stimulation, and perhaps had some fresh insights or met interesting new people.

Eleni Aklillu, Professor of Global Health Pharmacology at GPH, has been named among ten EDCTP-supported leaders driving progress in global health research and innovation. The feature highlights Professor Aklillu's longstanding contributions to pharmacovigilance, clinical pharmacology and regulatory science, as well as her leadership in strengthening research and regulatory capacity across Africa.

On Sunday 23 August, around 50,000 people marched through the streets of Stockholm during the major climate demonstration, organised by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Rebellmammor, Rebellpappor and Researchers’ Desk. Over 280 organisations took part in the demonstration, including several KI researchers and staff members.

Inflammation, altered gene regulation, and exposure to substances in tobacco smoke may all contribute to the development of cluster headache. This is demonstrated by two new studies from Karolinska Institutet, which improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms behind this painful condition.

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. This is shown by a study led by Karolinska Institutet and published in Nature Medicine.

Professor Wendell Lim, this year’s Ulf von Euler Lecturer, seeks to understand how cells communicate and control their functions. By mapping the molecular signals that enable cells to respond to their environment, he aims to understand and influence biological processes with greater precision. His research could contribute to the development of new treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Francesca Grassi from Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM) at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge (MedH) is defending her thesis titled: "Targeting DCPS in acute myeloid leukemia : from target validation to biomarker-driven patient stratification", on 2 September 2026. Main supervisor is Julian Walfridsson.

Welcome to contribute to the annual MEB photo exhibition! The photo tradition started in 2014 so we want to keep this going! More than 500 photographs from around the world have passed by the walls of Ljusgården. And once again we welcome photographs from all Mebbers!

Bodil Lund, Nagihan Bostanci, Peggy Näsman, George Belibasakis, Husam Alsamia, Georgios Tsilingaridis och Tassos Grigoriadis are some of the speakers. View the programme and take part in the symposium here.

Discover how wearable neurotechnology is transforming neuroscience, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. In this hands-on international hackathon, you will collaborate with participants from different disciplines, explore cutting-edge brain monitoring technologies, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges using EEG and fNIRS.

Three projects have been awarded funding as part of the collaboration between the Stockholm Trio and the University of Tokyo. One of the projects is led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, and all three involve participation from KI.

If you have recently started working at KI, welcome to the introductory day for all new employees. For international employees, the introduction focuses on research support and shorter sessions tailored to living and working in Sweden.

Florian Rosenberger, Assistant Professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics (MBB), has been awarded a prestigious SciLifeLab Fellowship. The fellowship comes with substantial research funding, and access to the SciLifeLab community, creating new opportunities for collaboration and scientific development.

In a recent article in Nature Medicine, two Karolinska Institutet initiatives are highlighted as key Nordic AI assets: KI’s Centre for AI Innovation and TEF-Health, the European Testing and Experimentation Facility for Health AI and Robotics, whose Swedish node is hosted by KI.

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.

A research internship enables doctors on an internship to combine their regular clinical internship (in Swedish Allmäntjänstgöring - AT) with up to 12 months of research at KI.
Apart from being eligible for an internship, candidates must also at the time of the application, hold a medical degree and either as a registered doctoral student at KI or a PhD engaged in research at KI.

Binge eating disorder and anorexia nervosa share some genetic features, but they also differ in important ways. This is shown in a new study published in Nature Mental Health, in which researchers, including scientists from Karolinska Institutet, analysed genetic data from tens of thousands of individuals. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the biological basis of different forms of eating disorders.

A warm welcome to all new KI Housing tenants! We hope you will enjoy your new home and your time in Stockholm.

In June, Freja Segerros joined the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, as a doctoral student. Her principal supervisor is Marie Löf.

On 24 August, the restaurant Eatery Campus Solna (formerly Jöns Jacob) and a microwave are will open at Berzelius väg 9 in newly renovated premises on the Solna campus.

A recent study involving Dr Nitesh Tewari, PhD student at the Department of Dental Medicine, Division of Paediatric Dentistry, Karolinska Institutet, has received public attention in India.

Karolinska Institutet researchers can join a new AI-powered platform to connect with collaborators in Sweden and 20 African countries, explore shared research interests, and prepare for upcoming SASUF-NRF Seed Grant opportunities.

A patient with advanced, treatment-resistant lung cancer became tumour-free after treatment with the selenium compound selenite. This is shown in a new study from Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet published in the journal Oncology and Therapy as a case report. The findings may contribute to increased knowledge about selenite as a possible cancer treatment.

Individuals with subjective cognitive decline feel that their memory or thinking abilities have worsened, although they still perform normally on cognitive tests. While some will later develop dementia, many do not, making it difficult to determine who may benefit from further assessment or closer follow-up. A new grant has now been awarded to KI researcher Ingrid Ekström to help support her research into whether smell tests can help improve early dementia risk assessment.

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 published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University in Sweden. These findings are based on up to 14 years of follow-up data from the Stockholm–Gotland screening programme.

Older adults who typically had longer intervals between meals accumulated chronic diseases more rapidly over time than those with shorter intervals, according to a study from Karolinska Institutet published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. The association was most pronounced among people aged 78 years and older.

– I was invited to take part in a new collaborative project within the Stockholm Trio focusing on supporting Japanese researchers transitioning into Swedish university environments, says Müjde Nordling, writing instructor at KIB, Karolinska Institutet University Library.

An internet-based treatment supported by a therapist led to a greater reduction in depressive symptoms among adolescents with depression than standard care, at a lower treatment cost. This is shown in a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal BMJ Mental Health. At the same time, the results suggest that a self-guided internet-based treatment may be a cost-effective alternative where access to therapists is limited, although the clinical effect is more uncertain.

Due to planned system maintenance, the bibliometrics system will be unavailable from 08.30 on Wednesday 26 August until approximately 12.00 on Friday 28 August.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet 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, published in Cell, reveals a new way in which the gut microbiota helps protect vital bodily functions.

Master’s students can apply for a SASUF+ stipend of SEK 30,000 to support thesis-related fieldwork or data collection in South Africa. The programme strengthens research collaboration between Sweden and South Africa. Apply by 15 October 2026.

SASUF+ invites researchers at partner universities to apply for seed grants supporting new multilateral collaborations between Sweden, South Africa, and 19 other African countries. Projects run March 2027–July 2028. Apply by 3 November 2026.

In her thesis, the researcher shows that activation of the oestrogen receptor ERβ reduces Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain and improves memory. The results also highlight important sex differences that may have implications for future treatments and clinical studies.

This autumn, the Communications and Public Relations Office is launching PopSci Talks – an open, English-language webinar series for researchers and staff at Karolinska Institutet who want to develop their skills in research communication. The first webinar, taking place in September, will focus on media logic and working with journalists.

New doctoral student at the Division of Physiotherapy.

Two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can face very different futures. One may live for decades without needing treatment, while another may develop rapidly progressing disease. In a new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in the journal Blood Neoplasia, American Society of Hematology, researchers map what distinguishes the two patient groups.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Karolinska Institutet had received a total donation of SEK 538 million through the will of Leif Lundblad, of which SEK 500 million has been allocated to research project funding. The first calls for research funding for 2026 are now open.

A blood test that measures how quickly tumour cells divide could in future help doctors assess prognosis and select treatment strategies for patients with melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body. This is shown in a study involving researchers from Karolinska Institutet, published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.

Akademiska Hus is installing UPS units in Biomedicum’s equipment cabinets to strengthen the property’s operational reliability. The work will be carried out in the mornings to minimise disruption to laboratory work.

Andri Lemarquis is a new Assistant Professor at Labmed since 1 July and the candidate selected by Labmed in KI’s major call for Assistant Professors last year. With a background from Iceland, Sweden and the USA, he studies how the thymus and T cells can repair the immune system after cancer treatment and other immunological damage.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University 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.

Susan Sami is welcomed a doctoral student at the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge. Her principal supervisor is Axel Wester.

A simple new method based on the results of two studies from Christofer Juhlin’s research group can make it easier to identify the underlying cause of a common form of high blood pressure and help predict who will benefit most from surgery. The approach has now moved from research into routine patient care at Karolinska University Hospital.

Karolinska Institutet hereby announces research grants for studies on the common disease osteoporosis, funded by a donation from Ebbe and Lena Krook. A total of SEK 5 million for 2026.

Funded by a donation from Birgit Backmark, Karolinska Institutet hereby announces a call for research grants for research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A total funding allocation of SEK 9.5 million for 2026.

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).

Ten collaborative projects bringing together partners across the NeurotechEU alliance have been selected for funding through the NeurotechEU Collaboration Funding Call. Karolinska Institutet is involved in four of them.

Karolinska Institutet is launching a new higher education teaching and learning course for teachers, doctoral students, supervisors and educational staff who want to strengthen their ability to foster entrepreneurial thinking among students. The course, Entrepreneurial Mindset in Higher Education, is offered in collaboration with the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship.

The Center for Innovative Medicine (CIMED) announces planning grants for 2027. The application period is 17 August to 10 October 2026.