Project from Karolinska Institutet on IVA's list for research impact 2026
David Marlevi's research on new imaging technology for blood pressure measurement has been recognized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and included in the IVA 2026 list for research projects with particularly high impact. The list highlights research that makes a major difference in society.
Each year, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) publishes a list of research projects deemed to have made a significant impact beyond academia, for example in healthcare, industry and society at large. The IVA list aims to highlight research that contributes to tangible benefits and meaningful change in society. The selection is based on the projects’ potential and their demonstrated impact, such as the development of new treatment methods, innovations or policy changes.
This year's selection includes the project "Imaging blood pressure changes throughout the body" led by David Marlevi, associate professor of medical imaging at the Clinical Physiology group, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Accurate assessment of regional blood pressure variations is here essential for accurate diagnosis. However, current clinical methods are primarily based on invasive techniques, leaving many conditions where pressure information is virtually inaccessible.
“Our research offers a non-invasive solution where a combination of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), AI-driven image processing and physics-based image analysis enables the estimation of regional blood pressure changes throughout the body. Based on existing MRI equipment at the hospital, we also have a number of projects underway where the method is being tested for cardiovascular patients, and where we are now actively collaborating with healthcare providers and industry for clinical implementation,” says David Marlevi.
“It is both extremely gratifying and a great honour that our work is being recognised in this context. This is the result of a team effort, with many of us having worked together on this for several years. Being highlighted by IVA is clear validation that our research not only meets a high scientific standard, but also delivers real-world benefit. It is an example of modern technology shaping the future of healthcare,” he continues.
The project was presented in connection with IVA’s seminar on research impact on 2 June 2026.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ (IVA) List for Research Impact
Swedish research is of a high international standard, and Sweden benefits from strong innovation environments as well as a long-standing tradition of collaboration between academia, industry and entrepreneurs. At the same time, global competition for talent, capital and emerging technological fields is intensifying. To ensure that research continues to contribute to Sweden’s competitiveness, environments are needed in which scientific excellence can be combined with entrepreneurship, collaboration and long-term risk-taking.