Seven receive this year’s silver medals
Five people are to receive Karolinska Institutet’s Grand Silver Medal, and a further two KI’s Silver Medal. These two classes of medal are awarded to people who have made tremendous or excellent efforts, respectively, in support of KI’s activities and will be presented this year at the installation ceremony on 9 October.
Karolinska Institutet has been awarding medals since 2010 to people who have made exceptional contributions to KI and to research in general.
It is an opportunity for KI to show genuine appreciation for inspirational role models whose expertise has helped science and society to advance, says KI vice-president Martin Bergö in summing up the meaning of the medals:
“This year, we’re rewarding more people than is usually the case, which reflects the volume and quality that has gathered and flourished around KI over a long period,” he says. “These prominent figures have strengthened education and research at KI in various ways, and enhanced our global renown. There is simply every reason to give recognition to a few more people than usual this year.”
Five people are to receive KI’s Grand Silver Medal for tremendous contributions: Lars L Gustafsson, Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg, Louise Nygård, Jan Albert and Carl Bennet. Two are to receive KI’s Silver Medal for excellent contributions: Anders Björkman and Birgitta Söder.
“Altogether, this year’s medallists are exceptional examples of the sheer breadth and magnitude of Karolinska Institutet’s ecosystem, from world-leading research on drugs and viral diseases to groundbreaking advances in dentistry, geriatrics and global health,” says Professor Bergö. “They also represent a lasting commitment and civic responsibility, and are worthy recipients indeed.”
Recipients of KI’s Grand Silver Medal, 2025
Lars L Gustafsson – “Leading efforts in clinical pharmacology”
Professor Lars L Gustafsson is to be awarded the Grand Silver Medal for his leading efforts in clinical pharmacology. In numerous groundbreaking studies, he and his team have demonstrated how pharmaceutical effects and adverse reactions can vary among individuals and population cohorts as regards, for example, tropical diseases, HIV and pain, and among children and pregnant women. His objective has been to create optimal, individualised drug therapies.
Lars Gustafsson has also developed tools such as Kloka Listan and Janusinfo, which now constitute the national standards, and which have improved drug use and generated considerable health economic grains. His work has been highly influential both nationally and internationally.
Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg – “World-leading contributions to research and education”
Professor Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg is to be awarded the Grand Silver Medal for his world-leading contributions to research, doctoral education, higher education and administration. Over his 50-year career at Karolinska Institutet he has had several leading roles and been involved in the development of medical and doctoral education.
Magnus Ingelman-Sundberg has supervised over 100 Master’s students, 33 doctoral students and 35 postdocs, and his research has given rise to pioneering discoveries in drug metabolism and pharmogenomics.
With over 580 publications to his name, he is one of the world’s most cited scientists in his field; he has also been frequently engaged as an expert in Sweden and abroad.
Louise Nygård – “Great relevance to the future of geriatrics”
Professor emerita Louise Nygård is to be awarded the Grand Silver Medal for her unique contributions to healthcare science, geriatrics and dementia that are of great relevance to the future of geriatrics. She founded KI’s CACTUS research group, the world’s largest research group in occupational therapy and dementia care, which she also led for two decades.
Louise Nygård’s research has focused on people with cognitive decline and their ability to live and engage with an increasingly digitised society. This has required methodological development and interdisciplinary collaboration, including with engineers, social scientists, architects and legal professionals.
Jan Albert – “Spearhead science and social engagement”
Professor Jan Albert is to receive the Grand Silver Medal for his pioneering research on viruses and HIV, which has focused on the virus’s genetic evolution and spread, infectiousness and drug resistance.
This spearhead science he has combined with great social engagement, which has, amongst other things, elevated him as an influential voice against HIV stigmatisation. During the COVID pandemic, he also made valuable contributions to our understanding of viral variants and to the development of viral and antibody diagnostics.
Jan Albert led Karolinska Institutet’s COVID-19 team and in 2023 was appointed chair of a government inquiry into the country’s preparedness for future pandemics.
Carl Bennet – “Crucial to strengthening KI’s global influence”
Businessman and industrialist Carl Bennet is to be awarded the Grand Silver Medal for his long-standing support of global health research at KI. His input has been at the heart of KI’s global research collaborations, particularly in the fields of critical neonate care and young people’s mental health.
Carl Bennet is a strong advocate of the value of science to health and societal growth. His long-term, strategic support has been crucial to strengthening KI’s global influence and improving the care of children and adolescents.
Recipients of KI’s Silver Medal, 2025
Anders Björkman – “Global infection research and malaria control”
Professor emeritus Anders Björkman is to receive the silver medal for his work in global infection research and malaria control. He has been active at KI since the 1970s, during which time he has led several groundbreaking malaria studies in Africa.
As an advisor to the WHO and a member of international panels of experts, he has had a direct influence on international health policy and global public health.
Anders Björkman’s research has contributed to more effective treatments, especially for vulnerable groups. He has also been an engaged teacher and supervisor at KI and an important voice in society, not least during the COVID pandemic.
Birgitta Söder – “Pioneering work in dental research and education”
Professor emerita Birgitta Söder is to be awarded the Silver Medal for her pioneering work in dental research and education. She was the first dental hygienist in Sweden to earn a PhD in dental medicine and has been instrumental in establishing dental hygienists in academic research.
Birgitta Söder’s research has particularly highlighted the link between oral health and systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, and has been of great significance to both science and society. She has also been a valuable mentor for the next generation of researchers.