Research, collaboration and innovation at CLINTEC Faculty Day
On 14 September 2026, the department’s postdoctoral researchers, senior researchers and lecturers gathered at Münchenbryggeriet for the annual Faculty Day. Through lectures, research presentations and discussions, participants explored current medical research and future opportunities in collaboration, education and innovation. The day opened with a welcome from the Head of Department, emphasising the importance of Faculty Day as a forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Current research and artificial intelligence
One of the day’s themes was how new technology is transforming medical research and diagnostics. The morning’s keynote lecture was delivered by Fayyaz Minhas from the University of Warwick, who explained how machine learning can be used to analyse histopathological images and contribute to new biological discoveries. The lecture described the growing importance of artificial intelligence in precision medicine.
Participants were also given an insight into several current research projects from the department. Lisa Liu Burström presented research on intraperitoneal treatment strategies for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases, Krzysztof Piersiala described the immune landscape in sentinel nodes in head and neck cancer, and Leah Hernandez outlined her work on the function of the blood-brain barrier in chronic kidney disease. Together, the presentations provided an overview of the broad scientific scope at CLINTEC.
Collaboration and development
Collaboration between academia and the healthcare sector was also a key focus. Cilla Martinsson Björkdahl from the Compliance and Data Office (CDO) outlined the support the CDO offers to researchers, whilst Olof Akre, Professor of Oncological Surgery at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and also Director of FoUUI at Karolinska University Hospital, provided a perspective on the collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital in an increasingly regulated research environment. The presentations were followed by an open discussion with participants on issues relating to collaboration between the two organisations.
The participants were then treated to a presentation by President Annika Östman Wernerson and Head of Department Lars Henningsohn on Karolinska Institutet’s vision for Campus South and its future development. The focus was on priority areas within research, education, research infrastructure and collaboration at Campus Flemingsberg. The presentation concluded with questions and discussions regarding the opportunities and challenges related to our activities.
During the presentation, the publication CLINTEC Theses 2016–2026 was also launched; it will soon be available at the divisions.
Global health, healthcare development and research support
After lunch, the focus turned to global health challenges, with a presentation by Johan von Schreeb, Professor of Global Disaster Medicine at the Department of Global Public Health. Drawing on experiences from international crises and disasters, he highlighted how people and organisations respond under extreme conditions, how healthcare can adapt in crisis situations, and what role Karolinska Institutet can play in future preparedness and global health crises.
During the afternoon, educational initiatives were also recognised through the presentation of the CLINTEC Educational Award, which forms part of the department’s efforts to enhance the quality of teaching and supervision. This year’s winners were Anna Granath from the Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Annika Hagerman Sirelius from the Division of Audiology, who were each awarded SEK 30,000.
Michelle Chew, Professor of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, then gave a lecture on how an understanding of physiology, combined with interprofessional collaboration, can help to optimise the care of patients with fragile circulation and complex care needs.
The conditions for research were the focus of the session on research support at Karolinska Institutet. Participants were given an insight into several strategic initiatives and support functions. Antonios Tzortzakakis presented the Theranostics Trial Centre (TTC), Caroline Myrberg and Sara Janzen from the University Library provided information on the Research Information Management System (RIMS), Fernando Seoane Martinez spoke about Stockholm Medical Artificial Intelligence and Learning Environments (SMAILE), and Ninib Baryawno from the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health presented the Junior Faculty.
Stem cell research focusing on diabetes and visual impairment
The day concluded with a lecture by Fredrik Lanner, Professor of Stem Cell Biology, who presented research into how embryonic stem cells can be used to develop new treatments for conditions including diabetes and visual impairment.
The programme was moderated by Marco Gerling, Olav Rooyackers, Mini Ruiz and Lars Henningsohn, all members of the Faculty Day organising committee, who guided the participants through the day’s various sessions and discussions.
This year’s Faculty Day showcased the breadth of CLINTEC’s research and education, as well as the value of bringing the department’s staff together to discuss shared issues and future opportunities.