News archive

The sun was shining over Aula Medica on 17 January when it was time for the formal graduation ceremonies for four of KI's educational programmes.

2024 marked the fifth anniversary of the University Alliance Stockholm Trio – a partnership between Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University. To mark this milestone, Stockholm Trio has launched a new website where you can follow our work to strengthen collaboration between the universities.

Until July 2025, Annika Östman Wernerson, President of Karolinska Institutet, holds the chair of the University Alliance Stockholm Trio.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital in Sweden have determined how children’s immune systems react to different kinds of cancer depending on their age. The study, which is published in the journal Cell, reveals significant differences between the immune response of children and adults, and has the potential to lead to new tailored treatments for children with cancer.

Wednesday 15 January saw FyFa's first updated weekly Fika - FyFa Fika 2.0 - with a new format for presentations and feedback. The first presenter was Harald Lund.

In a groundbreaking study published in the medical journal The Lancet, researchers have explored the possibility of treating acute, non-perforated appendicitis in children with antibiotics instead of surgery.

In the latest issue of Newsweek Magazine, there is an article on the implementation of whole genome sequencing in the USA, "Scientists and Doctors Reveal How Genes are Mapping Cures for Cancer". One of the persons being interviewed is Richard Rosenquist Brandell, Professor and research group leader for clinical genetics and director of Genomic Medicine Sweden.

During the inauguration of the new initiative "Advances in Artificial Intelligence - AI@KI", on Dec 18, 2024, the first award for an important advancement in AI made at KI during the past year was handed out. Among many nominated candidates, Dr Sara Hägg was evaluated as the most outstanding contribution from a panel of reviewers.

For children battling both congenital heart defects (CHD) and cancer, the road to recovery is far more precarious than previously understood, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The research reveals that these children face a higher risk of death within five years after a cancer diagnosis compared to their peers without CHD. Although their survival rates have improved over recent decades, lymphoma mortality remains disproportionately high.

Hi Elinor Nemlander, doctoral student at the Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care. On January 31 you will defend your thesis ”Early cancer detection through symptoms and signs”. What is the main focus of the thesis?

In diabetic kidney disease, fat accumulates in the kidneys, leading to lipotoxicity and kidney damage. A recently published study by Ulf Eriksson's research group at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Karolinska Institutet shows that elevated levels of the protein VEGF-B in the kidney and adipose tissue correlate with increased fat accumulation in the kidney and impaired kidney function in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

A fully digital treatment for physical activity is well received by people who have suffered a stroke and has a wide geographical reach, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in the International Journal of Stroke.

As a junior researcher, you have the opportunity to apply for an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Scholarship in connection with the Swedish Suicide Research Conference taking place in May 2025.

Tips from Grants Office regarding current calls

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that cells commonly associated with ageing and age-related diseases, known as senescent cells, may play a significant role in chronic pain and potentially headaches. This process has been linked to various conditions, including cancer and heart disease.

Anna Martling, Professor of Surgery at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, is today presenting the large ALASCCA study at a press conference during the ASCO-GI meeting in San Francisco. The study is a randomized drug trial that began in 2016 and has included approximately 3,500 patients from 33 centers in the Nordic region. The study is evaluating the value of adding aspirin to patients who have a specific genetic change and whether this can reduce the risk of recurrence.

We congratulate Ulf Hedin, Professor of Experimental Vascular Surgery at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, who has been elected Alexander W. Clowes Distinguished Lecturer 2025.

Histopathological evaluation of tumour specimens has long been essential in diagnosing breast cancer and guiding clinical decision-making. However, one of the key challenges in routine diagnostics include the inter-observer and inter-lab variabilities present in the assessment of prognostic markers that could lead to under- and over-treatment of patients.

Researchers in the group of Associate Professor Ninib Baryawno, Department of Women's and Children's Health, KI, have made significant strides in the fight against pediatric cancer by studying tumors of the nervous system, particularly neuroblastoma. The study is published in Cancer Research, the journal of the American Association for Cancer.

The first node of the emerging EOSC federation was launched in fall 2024. The node will supply research data and other resources. This webinar is about the EOSC EU node and how you may use it.

New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity. The world’s largest and most diverse genetic study ever of major depression has revealed nearly 300 previously unknown genetic links to the condition.

The ability to plan several steps ahead and promptly adapt to a rapidly changing environment is essential to being an elite footballer, a new study led from Karolinska Institutet reports. The paper, which is published in the scientific journal PNAS, also shows that it helps not to always be so agreeable.

When Sophie Erhardt took over as Head of FyFa in 2022, she and the management team embarked on a transformation journey to create a stronger and more united FyFa, well equipped for the future. What are the elements of this change process? And how are we all involved at FyFa?

In collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, the Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University, Region Stockholm offers funding for projects in healthcare, medical technology, AI, mental health, and sustainable societal development. Follow our researchers who have received funding through ALF.

Last month, Karolinska Institutet launched the first-ever Sustainable Health and the 2030 Agenda PhD course, organized by the Department of Global Public Health (GPH) and the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH). Offered within the framework of the Doctoral Programme in Health Care Science (PUF-V), the course received incredible feedback and enthusiasm from participants. It is now planned to be offered again in Autumn 2025.

A new framework agreement for the purchase of cylinder gases will enter into force on the 1st of February 2025 and will be published in the contract catalogue on the same day.

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer care. However, in recent decades, Sweden has fallen behind in this area, both in terms of healthcare resources and research. Medicinsk Vetenskap has interviewed researchers who want to continue developing a bright idea.

Radiation oncologist Alexander Valdman conducts research at the Department of Oncology-Pathology at Karolinska Institutet. He works to ensure that patients with rectal cancer experience fewer side effects from their treatment.

Radiotherapy can cause long-term skin damage in cancer patients. New research shows that radiation creates a memory in skin cells that hinders healing, but also that antibodies can help restore the damage.

Neuroblastoma is a rare disease that affects children, often before the age of two. Some are born with the disease. Paediatric surgeon Jakob Stenman is investigating whether targeted radioactive drugs can slow down the disease in those with the most severe form.

When Louise Karlsson was treated for breast cancer, she suffered radiation damage to her lung. Now she wants more people to know that it can happen.

As a child, Loke Lassen underwent harsh treatment, including whole-body radiotherapy. Today she lives with the side effects of the treatment that saved her life.

Hi Charlotta van Eggermont Arwidson, doctoral student at the division of nursing. On January 23 you will defend your thesis ”New Beginnings, New Challenges: Health & Housing of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in their Early Post-Migration Period in Sweden.” What is the main focus of the thesis?

A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Mayo Clinic has revealed important insights into brain degeneration in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). This research, published in JAMA Neurology, could help doctors better monitor and treat this serious brain disease.

Daniel Sjöholm is one of many experts in Clinicum's network, supporting researchers who need help with various methodological issues. Daniel is a research engineer at the Department of Medicine in Solna, and a specialist in programming. He can help you understand what you want and can do with data - something that is very useful in his role as one of Clinicum's advisors.

Pete Williams, researcher at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital, has been awarded a research grant from the American Glaucoma Foundation to develop a treatment for glaucoma and other eye diseases. With the grant of USD 75,000 (SEK 840,000), the Foundation wants to recognize groundbreaking, innovative glaucoma research. This is the second time Pete Williams has received the grant.

Sven Carlsson has been appointed as new head of the Legal, Planning and Economic Affairs Office. He comes from the position of CFO at SLU, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Remember to apply care of a sick child (VAB) and parental leave in the PA web portal.

On Friday, 17 January 2025, the graduating classes of four programmes at Karolinska Institutet will receive their diplomas. These programmes are the nursing programme, the medical programme, the physiotherapy programme, and the occupational therapy programme. Two of the graduating students, Måns and Niklas, have answered questions about their time at university and future plans.

Patients with celiac disease face an increased risk of developing any chronic liver disease. This risk increase can persist for at least 25 years after celiac diagnosis. The findings from a national study from Karolinska Institutet published in Lancet Regional Health - Europe underscore clinical vigilance to signs of liver disease in patients with celiac disease to prevent major adverse liver outcomes.

Ten innovation projects in life sciences have received grants within the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation's and SciLifeLab's Proof-of-Concept Program. Four of the projects are run by researchers at Karolinska Institutet. The Proof-of-Concept Program aims to bridge the gap from academic research to innovations in the life sciences.

Following a procurement process, KI is switching to a new security contract with the supplier CSG. The new contract is valid from Friday 10 January.

Due to data storage laws Wondr needs to delete and clear all member accounts and data in the beginning of 2025.

The library's open events (including the workshop series for researchers and doctoral students) have become more and more presentation or webinar orientated, shorter or longer sessions, with or without Q&A. Under the heading KIB Talks, we have gathered our wide range of workshops, presentations, Q&As, etc. in our various areas of expertise.

From the jubilee year of 2010 and onwards, Karolinska Institutet awards medals to people who have made special efforts in support of KI’s activities. There are three categories: the Gold Medal, the Grand Silver Medal and the Silver Medal. Medals are awarded in conjunction with various academic ceremonies.

The Society for Child Welfare announces over 4 million SEK in grants for applications supporting research and further education in the field of pediatric diseases.

A new international study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that AI-based models can outperform human experts at identifying ovarian cancer in ultrasound images. The study is published in Nature Medicine.

Do you have ideas for developing the pedagogical quality of higher education at KI? Apply for project funding by 13 March 2025.

A new study from Karolinska Institutet maps the cellular and molecular dynamics of human wound healing in exceptional detail. The study was published in Cell Stem Cell.

An international research team, including researchers at Karolinska Institutet, has mapped the genes expressed in the brain cells of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The atlas, which is presented in the journal Neuron, is hoped to contribute to more personalised treatment of MS in the future.