News archive

Increasing age in adults with depression may be associated with a less favourable long-term disease course. A new study published in BMJ Mental Health by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Amsterdam University Medical Center shows that depressive and anxiety symptoms declined more slowly with age and that older participants were more likely to experience a chronic course of depression.

A digital educational escape room developed through the BalticSeaBioMed collaboration is now available for educators and students. In Saving Alex, players work through a biomedical mystery by uncovering clues, solving problems, and applying scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and ethical judgement.

Apply for SASUF+ mobility funding for a long-term research stay at a South African partner university. Open to eligible KI doctoral students and early career researchers.

Researchers from six countries gathered in Stockholm in September for the fifth annual workshop organised by the Social Inequalities in Ageing (SIA) Network. The event brought together junior and senior researchers to discuss ongoing studies, strengthen research collaborations and exchange perspectives on ageing and health.

When representatives of various organisations working with mental health in crises and ultimately war gathered for a roundtable discussion to provide input to an ongoing government inquiry into the topic, there was clear agreement and common ground in regards to what is important for creating good mental health and strong psychosocial preparedness. The group now plans to continue meeting and monitoring the issue.

On 25 September, Researchers’ Friday (Forskarfredag) was held at Albanova University Centre and at several other locations across Sweden. This year, the event celebrated its 20th anniversary while also looking ahead to the discoveries and solutions that may shape the next 20 years. Under the theme "The Future Mission", around 2,000 upper secondary school students had the opportunity to meet researchers and students, discover current research and try out science in practice.

The KI NeurotechEU Collaborative Awards were established to promote academic activities, organization of workshops and lectures, and mobility between KI and the other eight partner institutions within NeurotechEU.

This week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited Karolinska Institutet together with a delegation from Minnesota for a strategic forum on research, healthcare, innovation and life sciences.

Researchers at KI have been involved in a NATO working group that has drawn up guidelines designed to reduce the risk of soldiers’ brains being affected by shock waves from explosions, primarily during training. The Unit for Experimental Traumatology has been conducting defence medicine research for nearly 20 years and has worked closely with the Swedish Armed Forces. The NATO assignment forms part of the group’s long-term work to advance knowledge in the field of Swedish defence medicine.

Daniel Andersson, a doctoral student at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, won the Stockholm heat of the Researchers’ Grand Prix on 25 September. With his presentation “A Better Diagnosis for Heart Attacks?”, he managed, in four minutes, to explain his research in a simple, inspiring and educational way. The win means he will progress to the national final in November. The Stockholm heat was held at Albanova as part of the Researchers’ Friday science festival (Forskarfredag).

Rodiah Rodiah, a former student at the Master's Programme in Public Health Science, gives us an insight into TB prevention behind prison walls in Indonesia, examining the challenges, collaborations and practical strategies needed to improve care in high-risk correctional settings.

Meet Mia Brandelius, KI’s new Erasmus Institutional Coordinator. With long experience in international education, she shares her passion for mobility, her best advice for students considering exchange, and what she looks forward to this year.

A declaration published in The Lancet on the International Day of Peace calls for stronger protection of the right to health during conflicts and greater use of health as a tool for peace and conflict resolution. Stefan Swartling Peterson at Karolinska Institutet is part of the writing team behind the 2026 World Health Summit Academic Alliance Declaration.

A new video from Forte shines a spotlight on two recently funded Swedish research centres that aim to strengthen dementia research over the next decade. In the film, the directors of TraCeDem at Karolinska Institutet and DEMSAM at the University of Gothenburg discuss the challenges of dementia and the need for research that supports people in everyday life.

At a packed panel debate at The Cell in Hagastaden, the matter of research funding and infrastructure evolved into a discussion on the use of AI, who has power over our health data and which human skills ought not to be ceded to machines. The conversation brought together perspectives from science, social science and science journalism.

Konstantina Kilteni, researcher at Karolinska Institutet, has received a 2026 European Research Council (ERC) Public Engagement with Research Award. The award recognises her work in engaging the public with research on touch and ticklishness, and how everyday sensory experiences can provide insights into how the brain works.

Bacterial meningitis can cause severe brain damage even when patients receive antibiotic treatment promptly. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now developed tiny biological vesicles that, in animal studies, were able to capture bacterial toxins, protect neurons, reduce inflammation and delay the progression of the disease. The findings are published in the scientific journal Journal of Extracellular Vesicles.

Recently, several EU-funded Swedish AI initiatives came together to establish a more structured collaboration. Our shared ambition is clear: To amplify the impact of our work and strengthen support for researchers, public sector organisations, and companies that are developing and deploying AI solutions.

We’re happy to invite you to this upcoming event with Minnesota Trade Office and Mayo Clinic among others. Meet with colleagues across the KI-Mayo community for an inspiring opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new collaboration possibilities.

Karolinska Institutet, together with KTH, Stockholm University, and Region Stockholm, is undertaking a strategically important initiative in radiation therapy. Thanks to a donation of SEK 15 million from business leader Björn Savén, the establishment of a new center for medical radiation science is being strengthened. In addition, the donation will fund a project focused on precision radiation therapy.

Karolinska Institutet (KI) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to further develop their collaboration in vaccine research and education. The agreement establishes a framework for promoting scientific exchange, joint research and educational initiatives with a focus on global health.

With the support of a Minor Field Studies (MFS) grant, master's student in Public health Nabilah Amalina Rozi travelled to Indonesia to explore how young people perceive mental health and the support they need. Her study highlights the importance of involving youth in conversations and decisions that affect their lives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Following the visit of the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) to Karolinska Institutet earlier this year, a delegation from the Unit for Teaching and Learning (UoL) travelled to Brazil in May 2026 to continue developing the collaboration.
The visit, funded by KI's Collaborative Grants, marks the next step in establishing a long-term, bilateral partnership focused on educational development, research collaboration and capacity building

The late-summer sun shone down on Stockholm as Karolinska Institutet took part in this year’s Pride parade on 1 August. Together with KI President Annika Östman Wernerson, students, staff and alumni, the parade once again filled the streets with colour and enthusiasm during what was perhaps the most inclusive celebration of the year. The tragedy in Berlin cast a sombre shadow over the parade, serving as a reminder of why the event is so important.

As the 26th International AIDS Conference opens in Rio de Janeiro, Karolinska Institutet will be represented in an innovative global initiative that brings together science, art and public engagement. The exhibition HIV Unwrapped pairs leading HIV researchers with emerging fashion designers to transform complex scientific concepts into wearable works of art.

Professor Miia Kivipelto and other researchers at Karolinska Institutet have contributed to the development of the World Health Organization’s updated guidelines on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The recommendations provide countries with an evidence-based framework for prevention and could help address risk factors associated with up to 45 per cent of dementia cases worldwide.

KI’s Internationalisation Board is pleased to announce the availability of a limited number of competitive planning grants to support collaboration with University College London (UCL).

Karolinska Institutet is leading the HELIX project, which has received SEK 10 million from the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT) to build a long-term, scalable joint platform between Sweden and Brazil in life science and health.

Karolinska Institutet (KI) is launching a strategic initiative in medical preparedness aimed at strengthening Sweden’s ability to prevent and manage the health-related consequences of crises and war.

On 1 June, the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health (CESH) and the KI-Africa Student Network co-organised their first joint event — a summer afterwork at Karolinska Institutet. Under the theme "Connect for Sustainable Health," the evening brought together students, researchers, and colleagues from across KI for networking, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural connection, inspired by the Sweden–Uganda partnership at the heart of CESH.

How can universities move from good intentions to meaningful action on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)? The DEI in Higher Education Toolkit, co-created within the NeurotechEU alliance, offers a practical and engaging answer.

Karolinska Institutet is the host organisation for nine applications – and KI researchers are involved in several other additional ones – in the Swedish Research Council’s and Vinnova’s call for excellence clusters for groundbreaking technologies. These clusters of excellence will combine research of the highest scientific quality with the best and most extensive innovation capabilities. Among the KI applications is a cluster for RNA-based drugs.

Early intervention targeting a key stress protein could protect against lasting behavioural and brain changes linked to childhood adversity, according to a study in Advanced Science led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry.

At the end of May, KI’s President approved local guidelines for responsible internationalisation.

The Swedish government appoints Clas Rehnberg, professor in health economics at the Department of LIME, KI, as a special investigator with the task of analysing how the state can contribute to more efficient procurement of specialised healthcare in the private sector.

At the end of last week, Karolinska Institutet took part in Järvaveckan, an annual event focused on dialogue and societal issues. Each year, political parties, public authorities, companies, organisations, universities, and schools come together to meet the public, discuss current topics, and build new connections.

A mapping of publications from Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University shows a broad range of research linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Bibliometric analysts at the three universities have compiled an overview of publications issued by the universities between 2018 and 2023. The results point to opportunities for further collaboration.

Join the NeurotechEU Doctoral Network - A European network empowering the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

On 21 May 2026, a delegation from Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing visited the Aging Research Center (ARC) at Karolinska Institutet. The visit, hosted by ARC and the Transdisciplinary Research Center for Personalized Dementia Prevention & Care (TraCeDem), focused on the interaction between research, policy, and care practice within the Swedish health and social care system.

The step from working on Gotland to working in Afghanistan may seem a long one, but for anaesthetist Dr Anders Mattsson, it could soon become a reality. If it happens, it will not be his first time working on missions abroad. It is a way of working that he feels facilitates a two-way exchange of expertise, a philosophy that is entirely in line with the Centre for Health Crises’ and, not least, the idea behind the course ‘Anesthesia and critical care with limited resources’.

On 1 June, Swetrial will open the 2026 calls for applications for government grants aimed at strengthening Sweden’s capacity to conduct clinical trials. The calls are aimed at organisations involved in clinical activities that wish to develop collaboration and national initiatives in this field.

Humanitarianism is often seen as an implicit good. The dedication to preserve, protect and support human life, dignity, and the reduction of suffering. But its implicit goodness can also stand in the way of further analysis and debate about what it contributes to in practice. That is why Centre for Health Crises at Karolinska Institutet organised just such an evening of discussion.

More than 60 colleagues gathered at Karolinska Institutet’s annual internationalisation mingle, where the 2026 Prize for Internationalisation in Teaching and Learning was also presented in person to the awardees.

From 11–13 May, Karolinska Institutet hosted two major meetings within the European university alliance NeurotechEU. Hundreds of participants from across Europe gathered in Stockholm to discuss the future of education, research and innovation in neuroscience and neurotechnology.