| Karolinska Institutet

Kristina Gemzell Danielsson and Thomas Helleday.

Photo: Andreas Andersson,Stefan Zimmerman

ERC grants to KI researchers for new treatments for breast cancer and inflammation

Kristina Gemzell Danielsson will develop contraceptives that protect against breast cancer, while Thomas Helleday aims for new points of attack to counteract chronic inflammation and, by extension, cancer, autoimmunity and ageing. They receive the ERC Advanced Grant for their projects.

Photo: Getty Images

New study

New blood test detects more high-risk prostate cancer cases

A new blood test may make it easier to detect the most dangerous forms of prostate cancer early on. In a study, the Stockholm3 blood test detected more clinically significant cancer cases than the PSA test, without subjecting more men to unnecessary testing.

Photo: Getty Images

Collaboration

KI steps up efforts in medical preparedness

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.

Photo: Gett Images.,Getty Images

New study

Longer paternal leave linked to lower risk of depression

Fathers who take several months of parental leave have a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms during the early years of their child’s life than fathers who take only a short period of leave, according to a new Swedish study.

Grants, awards and donations

Photo: Liza Simonsson

Three assistant professors at KI receive funding from the Swedish Research Council

Three assistant professors at Karolinska Institutet have been awarded funding as part of the Swedish Research Council’s new initiative on strategic recruitment. The grant aims to strengthen the development of future research leaders and create long-term conditions for research of the highest quality.

Photo: Johannes Frandsén

The Anders Jahre prize 2026 awarded a KI brain researcher

Anders Jahre Senior Medical Prize 2026 is awarded to Professor Ole Kiehn, Karolinska Institutet and University of Copenhagen. Professor Kiehn receives the main Jahre prize for his groundbreaking discoveries on the organisation of and the function of neural circuits that control movements. These are findings of great significance for the treatment of disorders such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease.

Photo of researcher Marcus Buggert, MedH, KI

Photo: Ulf Sirborn

Marcus Buggert awarded the Eric K. Fernström prize 2026

Docent Marcus Buggert at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, is awarded the Eric K. Fernström prize for particularly promising and successful researchers, for his remarkable research on the function of T cells in the human immune system and their importance for new therapies.

Pär Nordlund wearing glasses and smiles.

Photo: Håkan Lindgren

Pär Nordlund awarded the Prize for Innovation and Utilisation 2026

Pär Nordlund is an internationally prominent researcher who successfully combines excellence in basic research with tangible societal impact. By translating groundbreaking discoveries into successful companies, he has contributed to accelerating the development of new medicines and strengthening the link between academia and industry. He is now awarded the 2026 Prize for Innovation and Utilisation.

Photo: Martin Stenmark

Philanthropic support from the Savén Family bolsters colorectal cancer research

Donations by Björn Savén and his wife Inger Savén to Karolinska Institutet’s research on colorectal cancer will hopefully improve our understanding of the disease and the possibility of early detection. One of the aims of the research is to enhance the disease prognosis by increasing the number of people tested at an early stage.

Photo: geralt

New policy forum article

Lack of access to data can skew medical conclusions

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses form the basis for healthcare and health policy, but access to the data on which the results are based is often lacking. This is shown in a new policy forum article.

Photo: Getty Images,Getty Images/iStockphoto

New study

Women sleep better than men – but experience the opposite

Women are more likely than men to report poor sleep, even though objective measurements show that their sleep is better in several respects, according to a new study. The researchers have also found a possible explanation.

The magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap on AI in healthcare

Photo: Peter Gehrman

The AI frenzy in healthcare

AI is not just another technology. The magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap has spoken to researchers who describe their hopes and fears amid the current AI fever. First published in no 2 2026.

Photo: Peter Gehrman

More and more people are turning to Dr AI for advice

Dr AI has become a colleague of Dr Google. Researchers see both benefits and risks in this development. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Christian Gustavsson

How AI can accelerate drug development

Andreas Luttens has trained an algorithm that can explore the so-called chemical space – all conceivable combinations of atoms and bonds. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Martin Stenmark

Donation

Björn Gysell and Family donate 80 million to research on future prostate cancer therapy

One of the largest private prostate cancer research investments in Sweden is being made possible thanks to donations totalling SEK 80 million from entrepreneur and inventor Björn Gysell and family. The investment will enable Karolinska Institutet’s leading research environment in prostate cancer to develop the next generation diagnostics and therapies using AI, genomics and precision medicine.

Photo: Getty Images

New study

Some immune cells can limit the effect of cancer immunotherapy

A type of white blood cell in the immune system, known as neutrophils, can make cancer immunotherapy less effective, according to a new study. The results show that a signalling molecule in the tumour affects neutrophils, reducing the effect of treatment.

Photo: Per Uhlén

Award

Per Uhlén awarded 2026 Lennart Nilsson Award

Per Uhlén, professor of cell signalling at Karolinska Institutet, is awarded the 2026 Lennart Nilsson Award for his pioneering development of advanced microscopy methods that visualise the fundamental processes of life.

Photo: Getty Images

New study

Living with cats did not worsen children’s asthma in the short term

Children with asthma and allergies who live with one or more cats do not experience worse asthma outcomes than children without cats at home, according to a comprehensive Swedish registry study.

Photo: Getty Images

Societal benefit

Three KI projects on 2026 IVA Research Impact list

Karolinska Institutet found itself well-represented when the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) recently released this year’s Research Impact list, which spotlights 30 research projects with a real potential to be translated into innovations of significant societal benefit. Three of these projects are run by researchers at KI.

Photo: N/A

Government commission

Professor Clas Rehnberg to investigate national procurement of healthcare

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.

The Conversation

Photo: Getty Images

A single dose of psilocybin eased depression symptoms for months

A single dose of the psychedelic substance psilocybin, found in so-called magic mushrooms, can provide rapid relief from recurrent depression, with the effects lasting for over three months, according to a new study. However, the researchers also caution that the results may have been influenced by the placebo effect. Read the article in The Conversation.

Photo of man and woman on exercise bikes.

Photo: Getty Images

New study downplays the risk of atrial fibrillation in fit people

New research suggests that the risk of atrial fibrillation in highly fit people is lower than previously thought. The benefits of high fitness levels, including lower rates of cardiovascular disease, clearly outweigh any potential downsides. Read the article in The Conversation.

Photo: Getty Images

Why has PCOS been given a new name?

After decades of research, PCOS is now being renamed PMOS. The new name reflects a growing understanding that the condition is a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting far more than fertility.

Photo: Getty Images

The shot that could stop cancer before it begins

Vaccines like the HPV shot are already proving that cancer can be prevented before it develops, by stopping the infections that trigger it years or even decades later. Evidence from long-term studies shows that getting vaccinated early – before exposure – dramatically reduces cancer risk, highlighting the critical importance of early immunisation.

Photo: Getty Images

Weather affects preschool children’s activity levels

Sunshine, heat, cold and rain all play a role in how active preschool children are during the day. This is shown by a new study in which researchers have linked children’s activity patterns to everyday weather conditions.

Student ambassador Ymir Hallgrimsson spoke with visitors about KI’s programmes and its popular science magazine.

Photo: Linnea Bengtsson,LBAB/KI

Collaboration

KI met future students at Järvaveckan

Karolinska Institutet was present at Järvaveckan, an event where the Swedish public sector engages with the general public, discusses current issues and forges new connections. Järvaveckan is also an important forum for inspiring future students and fostering dialogue on education, research and health.

Monitoring a person's heart rhythm using a mobile phone

Photo: Jonatan Fernstad

New study

Heart rhythm monitoring with a smartphone could save healthcare resources

Smartphone-based heart rhythm monitoring from home can reduce same-day cancellations and help save significant healthcare resources ahead of planned electrical cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Photo: Erik Flyg

Strategic recruitment

KI continues its strategic initiative – new recruitment of 21 Assistant Professors

On 1 June, Karolinska Institutet launches a major international recruitment campaign for 21 Assistant Professor positions. The aim is clear: to bring in the very best early-career researchers and strengthen KI’s position as a world-leading medical university.

Photo: Per Groth

Academic freedom

“We must continue to fight for Ahmadreza Djalali”

Ahmadreza Djalali has been imprisoned in Iran for ten years, facing the threat of execution. The case of this KI researcher highlights a growing threat to academic freedom – even in Western countries such as Sweden.

Photo: Getty Images

Breathing – a key to the body’s stress system

Breathing usually happens without us having to think about it. At the same time, conscious breathing exercises can have a calming effect during anxiety or stress, but there are also breathing techniques that are not without risks. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Getty images,Getty Images

Researchers point to benefits of nose breathing

Does it matter whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth? Here’s how three researchers answer. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Christian Gustavsson

New tools aim to improve risk assessment in psychiatry

John Wallert’s research aims to develop tools that can be used in psychiatry to predict the risk of serious incidents, so-called prediction models. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Martin Stenmark

She looks for answers among the perpetrators

By seeking to understand those who commit domestic homicide, Shilan Caman hopes to find ways to prevent future killings. Her research shows that one factor unites them all: the need for control. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Linnea Bengtsson

Doctoral thesis

Working while unwell is common in the aviation industry 

Many pilots and cabin crew members go to work despite suffering from mental or physical health issues. This is shown in a new doctoral thesis by Filippa Folke at Karolinska Institutet. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 2 2026.

Photo: Getty Images

Appetite suppressants are reshaping the landscape

A minority of Swedes are within the normal weight range, while one in five is obese. New, effective drugs have drastically changed the possibilities for treatment. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 1 2026.

Photo: World Obesity Federation

More children are receiving obesity medication

For several years, the rates for childhood obesity have been fairly stable. However, the use of new drugs is increasing. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 1 2026.

Photo: Amanda Berglund

Myths and misunderstandings about testosterone

The use of testosterone is rising rapidly among Swedish men, and online the hormone is often sold as an elixir of masculinity. But much of what is written there is misleading and often based on pure myths. First published in the magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap no 1 2026.

Photo: Liza Simonsson

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

Staff practices determine the use of coercion against young people
Astrid Moell et al, Lancet Psychiatry, June 2026

From PCOS to PMOS: why the name of a disease matters
Elisabet Stener-Victorin et al, Nature Medicine, May 2026

Chronic bowel disease involves multiple types of inflammation happening at once
Eduardo J. Villablanca et al, Immunity, May 2026

New insights into protein breakdown in cells pave the way for new medicines
Helin Norberg et at, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, April 2026

More patients receive recommended heart failure treatment
Gianluigi Savarese et al, European Heart Journal, April 2026

More high-impact publications

ERC grants to KI researchers for new treatments for breast cancer and inflammation

New blood test detects more high-risk prostate cancer cases

KI steps up efforts in medical preparedness

Longer paternal leave linked to lower risk of depression

Grants, awards and donations

Three assistant professors at KI receive funding from the Swedish Research Council

The Anders Jahre prize 2026 awarded a KI brain researcher

Marcus Buggert awarded the Eric K. Fernström prize 2026

Pär Nordlund awarded the Prize for Innovation and Utilisation 2026

Philanthropic support from the Savén Family bolsters colorectal cancer research

Lack of access to data can skew medical conclusions

Women sleep better than men – but experience the opposite

The magazine Medicinsk Vetenskap on AI in healthcare

The AI frenzy in healthcare

More and more people are turning to Dr AI for advice

How AI can accelerate drug development

Björn Gysell and Family donate 80 million to research on future prostate cancer therapy

Some immune cells can limit the effect of cancer immunotherapy

Per Uhlén awarded 2026 Lennart Nilsson Award

Living with cats did not worsen children’s asthma in the short term

Three KI projects on 2026 IVA Research Impact list

Professor Clas Rehnberg to investigate national procurement of healthcare

The Conversation

A single dose of psilocybin eased depression symptoms for months

New study downplays the risk of atrial fibrillation in fit people

Why has PCOS been given a new name?

The shot that could stop cancer before it begins

More articles by KI researchers published in The Conversation

Weather affects preschool children’s activity levels

KI met future students at Järvaveckan

Heart rhythm monitoring with a smartphone could save healthcare resources

KI continues its strategic initiative – new recruitment of 21 Assistant Professors

“We must continue to fight for Ahmadreza Djalali”

Breathing – a key to the body’s stress system

Researchers point to benefits of nose breathing

New tools aim to improve risk assessment in psychiatry

She looks for answers among the perpetrators

Working while unwell is common in the aviation industry

Appetite suppressants are reshaping the landscape

More children are receiving obesity medication

Myths and misunderstandings about testosterone

Updates from the University Management

Selected top publications

KI in the media (Swedish only)

Research subjects wanted

Working while unwell is common in the aviation industry 