From Cell to Society 2020 KI’S NEW PROFESSORS on THEIR RESEARCH MEET the PRIZEWINNERS

From Cell to Society 2020 KI’S NEW PROFESSORS ON THEIR RESEARCH MEET THE PRIZEWINNERS

COVER IMAGE: Coronavirus and white blood cells. Photo: Getty Images

From Cell to Society 2020 Human egg cell. Photo: Getty Images Contents

FOREWORD Ole Petter Ottersen President 4

PROFESSORS Eleni Aklillu Professor of Tropical Pharmacology 8 Maria Bradley Professor of Dermatology and Venereology 9 Yenan Bryceson Professor of Translational Immunology 10 Henrik Engblom Professor of Clinical Physiology 11 Fang Fang Professor of Epidemiology 12 Erika Franzén Professor of Physiotherapy 13 Susanne Guidetti Professor of Occupational Therapy 14 Maria Hagströmer Professor of Physiotherapy 15 Inger Kull Professor of Health Care Science 16 Andreas Olsson Professor of Psychology 17 Christian Rück Professor of Psychiatry 18 Johan von Schreeb Professor of Global Disaster Medicine 19 Olof Sköldenberg Professor of Orthopaedics 20 Eric Westman Professor of Neurogeriatrics 21

ADJUNCT PROFESSORS, VISITING PROFESSORS AND FOREIGN ADJUNCT PROFESSORS Torkel Brismar Adjunct Professor 24 Paul Gerdhem Adjunct Professor 24 Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf Adjunct Professor 25 Baldvin Jónsson Adjunct Professor 25 Anna Norhammar Adjunct Professor 26 Michael Uhlin Adjunct Professor 26 Eva Weidenhielm Broström Adjunct Professor 27 András Matolcsy Visiting Professor 28 Martin Widschwendter Visiting Professor 28 Peter Visscher Foreign Adjunct Professor 29 Naomi Wray Foreign Adjunct Professor 29

PRIZES AND AWARDS The Grand Silver Medal 32 The Dimitris N Chorafas Prize 34 The Med Dr Axel Hirsch Prize 34 Håkan Mogren Foundation Award 35 Karolinska Institutet’s Pedagogical Prize 35 Lennart Nilsson Award 36 PRIZES AND AWARDS

Foreword

We live in a time where the exceptional has be- As professors, you serve as important role come the new normal, where things previously models for our students and your younger col- taken for granted have become almost unthink- leagues. As we strive for the advancement of able, and where we have been forced to reevaluate knowledge and improved health, there are also and reprioritise our workdays and weekends, other perspectives that need to be fully integra- professional life and leisure-time activities. The ted with our core activities and operations. We coronavirus pandemic will undoubtedly mark must attend to the need for sustainable deve- our society for a very long time to come. Our lopment and equity, and we must adhere to our need to understand, to acquire knowledge, and core values that emphasise respect for others to find solutions is enormous. For a medical uni- and solidarity with the disadvantaged. Take this versity such as Karolinska Institutet, the ongoing responsibility upon yourself – and take it fully. pandemic has highlighted our mission: to strive For several years, Karolinska Institutet has for a better health for all. been on a journey of transformation. We have I am always proud of what we, here at Karo- invested significant amounts to modernise linska Institutet, achieve together. Progress takes and update our premises and infrastructure, place in a wide variety of research fields every implemented major changes to our organisation, day, and our students are constantly acquiring tightened our internal regulations and adopted new knowledge. Still, the transformation and the a long-term strategic plan: Strategy 2030. momentum that we have experienced since the All this has been done so that Karolinska beginning of 2020 are unprecedented. Institutet can respond optimally to today’s and KI´s vision statement reads: tomorrow’s needs for the development of know- We are advancing knowledge about life and ledge. We have come a long way when it comes striving towards better health for all. to infrastructure and campus development. In short: Knowledge and health are in focus But more important than modern premises with – now more than ever. That is why, for me, it advanced technology are the people who work is an extraordinary honour this particular year in them. All of you creative, curious, enthusiastic to congratulate those of you who have now at- and extremely competent people. tained the highest academic university position. In this 25th issue of “From Cell to Society,” As you now advance to become professors, you we present our new professors, adjunct profes- have proved that you are successful in your re- sors and visiting professors as well as esteemed spective fields. Through your research you have individuals who have been awarded prizes for showed that knowledge is the key to a society’s their services and achievements. I wish you all development and that by working together – in the very best in your new assignments. the region, in Sweden and globally – we can gain significant advancements by constantly pushing back the frontier of science and knowledge. Stockholm, October 2020 With your expertise and insight you are important to Karolinska Institutet and for the society at large. I have no doubt that you take this responsibility very seriously, and that you, as individuals and collectively, will do all you can to promote health on the regional level as well as Ole Petter Ottersen nationally and globally. President, Karolinska Institutet

4 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PRIZES AND AWARDS

Knowledge and health are in focus – now more than ever. That is why, for me, it is an extraordinary honour this particular year to congratulate those of you who have now attained the highest academic university position.

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 5 Photo: Erik Flyg Neural network. Photo: Getty Images PROFESSORS PROFESSORS

Better utilisation of drugs in low-income countries

Guidelines for treatment are often established based on drug development and research performed in relation to the Western world. Eleni Aklillu wants to contribute to the appropriate use of drugs adapted for conditions in sub-Saharan Africa.

What are you researching? Our overall goal, which we are Eleni Aklillu “I am a pharmacologist by profession succeeding with, is to contribute to and my research is focused on how to better recommendations about how Professor of Tropical improve the utilisation and effective- medicines should be used in sub- Pharmacology at the Department ness of drugs for the treatment and Saharan Africa. One good example of Laboratory Medicine prevention of major infectious diseases is our study of how two important in low-income countries, especially in drugs used to treat tuberculosis and Eleni Aklillu was born in Ethiopia in sub-Saharan Africa. This particularly HIV should be combined when 1965. She studied pharmacy at Addis applies to treatment and prevention of patients are taking both drugs. This Ababa University, graduating in 1987. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and had previously been studied in white Through educational collaboration parasitic diseases such as elephantiasis, and Asian populations; however, we between Addis Ababa University and bilharzia and river blindness. The last saw that these drugs interact and me- KI, she obtained a master’s degree in three diseases mentioned belong to a tabolise differently in black Africans, biochemistry in 1996. group of parasitic diseases usually refer- leading to toxic levels in the blood. Aklillu defended her doctoral thesis red to as Neglected Tropical Diseases.” Our findings led to new recommen- obtaining a PhD in molecular genetics dations from the WHO.” from KI in 2003, and subsequently Why is there a need for became engaged in research at the this research? What will happen in the future? Department of Laboratory Medicine. “Two important reasons are comorbi- “We will continue our research on Aklillu became an associate professor dity and polypharmacy, that is when medicines for infectious diseases, in 2009. Aklillu has been a member a patient has multiple infections and but we are also expanding to non- of the Swedish Research Council’s chronic diseases (comorbidity) and is communicable diseases, such as Committee for Development Research receiving multiple drug therapies at the treatments for cancer and diabetes. since 2016, and during 2014–2018 was same time (polypharmacy), which in- Here too there are substantial needs. Vice Chair of the Scientific Advisory crease the risk of negative side effects. In addition, I am working at KI, as Committee for EDCTP – European and In sub-Saharan Africa, it is common well as nationally and at the EU level, Developing Countries Clinical Trials for patients to have HIV infection in to develop research collaborations Partnership. Professor Aklillu is a mem- combination with tuberculosis or mal- between European and African ber of the steering committee for KI’s aria. There is also greater human gen- universities. My own research career Centre for Malaria Research. etic variation in sub-Saharan Africa began in such a joint collaboration Eleni Aklillu was appointed Professor than in the rest of the world, and I and it is important for me to contri- of Tropical Pharmacology at Karolinska am one of the first to study how this bute to more people obtaining the Institutet on July 1, 2020. impacts the effects of drug therapies. same opportunities.”

8 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

Studying genetic causes of atopic dermatitis

When the skin barrier is defect, inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis can arise. Maria Bradley is engaged in research focusing on the genetic causes of the disease and how they vary in populations in different parts of the world.

What are you researching? in eczema patients in Africa. The Maria Bradley “My research is focused on inflam- fact that mutations, and thus disease matory skin disorders, atopic eczema mechanisms, differ means that future Professor of Dermatology and in particular. This is a public health treatments may need to be indivi- Venereology at the Department disease that affects 20 percent of dually adapted. Currently, we are of Medicine, Solna Swedish children and 10 percent of pursuing studies focusing on how the adult population, and that very the skin’s flora of microorganisms, Maria Bradley was born in Stockholm negatively affects the quality of life. its microbiome, affects eczema in in- and received her education from KI, With atopic eczema, defects occur teraction with the patient’s mutations obtaining a medical degree in 1987 and in the skin barrier, which lead to an and their immediate environment. becoming a specialist in dermatology and abnormal immune response. The Is the microbiome of the skin dif- venereology in 1996. After obtaining a condition is caused by a complex ferent in eczema patients in Ethiopia PhD in 2001, she held a postdoc position interaction between several muta- compared to eczema patients from at Stanford University, California, USA, tions in combination with several Ethiopia who live in Sweden?” during the period 2001–2002. Bradley environmental factors, and we want became an associate professor in 2008. to understand how this occurs. To What do you seek to achieve Bradley has been the Director of Stu- a large extent, our research is about in the long run? dies at the Dermatology and Venereology what the mutations are, however “As a clinician, I see many patients Unit at the Department of Medicine, we are also investigating how they with severe atopic dermatitis, and Solna, since 2016, where she was also interact with other factors. We are my hope is that the increased know- Acting Head of Unit for the years 2016– engaged in research on both Swedish ledge about the disease’s mechanisms 2018. She was a member of the Board eczema patients and other cohorts – can in the future increase the quality of Higher Education at KI in 2014-2018. primarily in Africa but also in South of life for my patients – by leading As a clinician, Bradley has been active America and Asia.” to more effective treatments and primarily at Karolinska University Hos- ultimately to preventive measures pital, where she is a senior physician. In Why is that? that inhibit disease outbreaks. With addition, she has also worked in Zambia “The causes of the disease, including the global puzzle we are now putting and Ethiopia and is the project manager risk genes, differ greatly between together, I want to contribute so that for KI’s Linnaeus-Palme programme for ex- different populations. Among other knowledge and proper treatments change teachers and students in Malawi. things our research team has shown will benefit all patients, regardless of Maria Bradley was appointed Professor that the most common mutation which part of the world they live in.” of Dermatology and Venereology at Karo- in atopic eczema in Europeans and linska Institutet from October 1, 2019. North Americans is not found at all

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 9 PROFESSORS

Studying unusual immunodeficiency

Yenan Bryceson researches certain types of primary immuno- deficiencies that lead to overactive parts of the immune system and severe illness. The goal is to understand human immunological diseases, establish accurate diagnostics and contribute to improved treatments.

What are you researching? mutations found in patients mess up Yenan Bryceson “My research concerns certain forms the immune system. Collaboration of immunodeficiency that make with researchers in other parts of Professor of Translational people, usually children, very ill from the world is really important to us, Immunology at the Department infections that others will normally partly because these conditions are of Medicine, Huddinge manage without encountering sig- rare. In complementary efforts, we nificant problems. It is essential that also systemically chart the molecular Yenan Bryceson was born in 1976 in these children obtain rapid and ac- mechanisms surrounding cytotoxic Dar es-Salaam, Tanzania, and in 2000 curate diagnostics so that they receive leukocytes in healthy people – know- graduated from the University of Oslo, the proper treatment when they end ledge that might help harnessing Norway, with a master’s degree in up in hospital. Basically, the condi- these cells for immunotherapy against molecular and cell biology. He did his tions can be due to malfunction in cancer.” doctoral studies at KI and the National certain types of white blood cells that Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, otherwise kill infected or malignant What do you hope to achieve in Maryland, USA, within the framework cells. This results in other parts of the long run? of KI’s and NIH’s Graduate Partnerships the immune system being overac- “We want to contribute to better Programme, and his dissertation was tive, which in the most severe form knowledge about why these children presented in 2008. After completing his of disease leads to a life-threatening become ill, how healthcare providers studies in medicine during 2007–2009 hyperinflammatory situation.” can quickly make a definite diag- and performing postdoc work in nosis, and in the long term better 2008–2010, Bryceson has been leading What are you trying to find out? alternatives for treatment. Presently, a research team at KI since 2011. “Mostly we try to identify the genetic the most seriously ill children need Since 2012, he has also held a part- causes of the disease, along with to undergo stem cell transplantation, time professorship at the University methods to develop better functional which cures the condition but at the of Bergen in Norway. diagnostics. In recent years, several same time entails a risk of serious Yenan Bryceson was appointed Pro- new genes and mutations behind complications. In the future, based on fessor of Translational Immunology at severe forms of these life-threatening detailed understanding of the human Karolinska Institutet on March 1, 2020. diseases have been found, and our immune system, I hope more patients research has contributed to those can be treated with immunomodu- advances. Still, a lot remains to be latory drugs or tailored gene-editing done. We continue with the work techniques.” of searching for more genes and studying the mechanisms for how

10 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

Investigating problems in the small coronary arteries

Problems in the small blood vessels of the heart muscle is a common cause of angina, especially in women. So far, this cause of angina has been difficult to identify and we still lack a lot of knowledge in the field, not least about treatment. Henrik Engblom wants to change that with his research.

What are you researching? a narrowing of the coronary arteries, Henrik Engblom “My research focuses on diseases while others only have problems in linked to the supply of blood to the the small blood vessels of the heart Professor of Clinical Physiology heart muscle. Chest pain related to alone. It is also clear that there is a at the Department of Molecular the heart, or angina pectoris, has significant difference between sexes Medicine and Surgery traditionally been associated with – this affects women to a much grea- problems in the large arteries of the ter extent than it does men. Studies Henrik Engblom was born in Helsing- heart, the coronary arteries. However, conducted in the US indicate that borg in 1978 and received his education in recent years, we have seen that deterioration in the small vessels can and clinical training as a doctor at Lund reduced function in the thousands of be suspected in more than 50 percent University, receiving his degree in 2004. small vessels of the heart muscle can of women who seek treatment for He earned a PhD at the same university also be a common cause of disease. classic symptoms of angina pectoris. in 2006 after defending his doctoral My research nowadays is primarily There is also a link to other diseases, thesis, and became an associate pro- about this type of angina pectoris. such as diabetes, high blood pressure fessor in 2012. It is a field where there is a significant and inflammatory diseases such as Engblom received a doctor’s licence need for more knowledge – today systemic sclerosis.” in 2008 and has been a specialist phy- we lack both a basic understanding sician in clinical physiology since 2015. of the disease’s mechanisms and How will you proceed? Since 2009 he has held combination effective treatments. In this research, “We are presently making prepa- positions at Lund University and Skåne we are primarily using a new method rations for both experimental and University Hospital with approximately in magnetic resonance imaging. clinical studies to investigate whether equal parts of research and clinical I have had the privilege of being in- anti-inflammatory treatment can have activities. volved with the first clinical validation a positive effect. The patient study In connection with his move to KI, study of this technique, measuring concerns the anti-inflammatory effect Engblom will also become a senior blood flow in the heart muscle in of exercise, while in the experimental physician at Karolinska University patients with angina pectoris.” study, the effect of anti-inflammatory Hospital. drugs will be assessed. In parallel, we Henrik Engblom was appointed What have you found out so far? are continuing the research relating Professor of Clinical Physiology at Is it a disease of its own? to the causes of the disease and how Karolinska Institutet on January 1, 2020. “We see signs that it can appear both it affects the patient’s prognosis.” as a disease of its own and as part of more general atherosclerosis. In some patients it seems to be a precursor to

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 11 PROFESSORS

Changing the image of ALS

Much of Fang Fang’s research concerns ALS. Although her background is in epidemiology, she likes to integrate other types of research. In her view, multidisciplinary collaboration is key to understand and, in the long run, to cure the disease.

What are you researching? with researchers within different dis- Fang Fang “My research concerns mainly neuro- ciplines and specialities to understand degenerative diseases, with a parti- more about disease mechanisms. Professor of Epidemiology at cular focus on the devastating disease In recent years, we have initiated a the Institute of Environmental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS. We new population-based case-control Medicine try to understand why some people study for ALS, where we collect infor- suffer from ALS, whereas most of us mation about the study participants’ Fang Fang was born in 1980 in the do not, and why the prognosis looks immune responses, metabolism and archipelago outside Shanghai, China, so different for different patients with bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal and graduated from her medical ALS. In my research, we have demon- system. We are starting to understand studies in 2004 from Capital Medical strated increased risk of ALS among that ALS may be developing through University, Beijing, China. In 2010, she blood relatives of ALS patients and an interplay between these and other received her PhD degree in Medical shown that the disease likely affects systems.” Sciences at KI, after a PhD study period the whole-body physiology including that also included a year at the Natio- the energy metabolism. Previously, What do you hope to achieve nal Institute of Environmental Health ALS was seen as a disease limited to in the long run? Sciences in North Carolina, USA. the central nervous system, but we “My goal is to build a strong integrative Fang was a postdoc at Harvard are beginning to understand that it collaboration within ALS research Medical School, USA, 2009–2010, and involves much more of the body.” and care at KI that should range from at the Department of Medical Epide- etiological studies to clinical trials. miology and Biostatistics (MEB), KI, How do you go about When different disciplines and com- 2011–2012. Fang became an associate researching this? petences are combined into a rich col- professor in 2013 and has continued “The starting point for me as an laborative environment, the quest for research at MEB until her professorship epidemiologist is registers, cohorts, answers to a complex research ques- appointment. case-control studies, and biobanks – tion can be pursued more efficiently. Among other recognitions achieved, partly those that are already establis- There has been considerable progress she has been awarded the Dimitris hed, and partly those that we establish in ALS research over the past decades N Chorafas Prize 2010 and the ERC ourselves. With these resources, I and I believe that our research will Starting Grant 2018. have the possibility to combine my assist in the future development of Fang Fang was appointed Professor epidemiological tools with other types both effective treatment for patients of Epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet of research, with the aim to obtain with ALS and preventive measures on October 1, 2019. a more comprehensive image of the for those at high risk of developing disease. For example, I collaborate the disease.”

12 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

Challenging exercises effective for Parkinson’s

Erika Franzén is engaged in research on exercise that improves balance and gait for people with Parkinson’s disease. Her programme HiBalance, which poses significant physical challenges to the patients, has proven to be both effective and much appreciated.

What are you researching? patients. They, like other people, like Erika Franzén “I’m engaged in research on how to be challenged. HiBalance is now exercise, especially gait and balance used by several parties in the health- Professor of Physiotherapy at training, can be of help to patients care field in Stockholm, and its use the Department of Neurobiology, with Parkinson’s and other neuro- has begun to spread across the country.” Care Sciences and Society degenerative diseases. My research group has contributed to the past How will you be continuing Erika Franzén was born in Luleå in 1974. decade’s detailed systematic charting with your work? She received her education as a physio- of gait and balance problems in per- “One important next step is to deve- therapist at Vårdhögskolan in Boden, sons with Parkinson’s disease. With lop tailored exercises that the patients now part of the Department of Health that knowledge as a starting point, we can do on their own at home. We Sciences at Luleå University of Techno- have developed a training programme also want to establish similar training logy, and at KI, where she graduated with – HiBalance – that we have evaluated programmes for other neurological a master’s degree in 2001 and a PhD in and are now in the process of imple- diagnoses – studies are already un- 2006 after defending her doctoral thesis. menting. Two important components derway on a concept for patients with In 2007-2008, she held a postdoc of HiBalance are that it challenges multiple sclerosis. Another goal is to position at Oregon Health & Science patients to the limit of their ability investigate what makes HiBalance ef- University in Portland, Oregon, USA. and that exercises in multitasking are fective: more precisely, what happens In 2009 she returned to KI, where she included – something that is often in the brain. Among other things, we became an associate professor in 2013. difficult for people with Parkinson’s study the patients in an MRI camera As a clinician, Franzén has been active disease.” before and after the training period, at Karolinska University Hospital since and also during multitask exercises. 2008. There, during the years 2009-2010, What results have you One new research track that was she had assignments as a care develop- obtained so far? quickly added this year is how phy- ment manager and between 2016-2018 “We see that the method works quite sical activity and health for people as R&D Manager for the Allied Health well – ten weeks of training means with Parkinson’s are affected by Professional Function. Since 2013, she is that patients increase their abilities various restrictions due to the also affiliated with Stockholms Sjukhem significantly. However we are also see- COVID-19 pandemic. Data collec- and its R&D Department. ing that continued further training is tion in this regard has taken place Erika Franzén was appointed Professor required to maintain this. Otherwise during the spring and summer, and of Physiotherapy at Karolinska Institutet the effect wears off and is gone after we hope to be able to present the on May 15, 2020. six months. The intensive approach results towards the end of the year.” has generally been appreciated by the

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 13 PROFESSORS

Rehabilitation on the patient’s terms

Susanne Guidetti develops methods and interventions for rehabilitating people who have had a stroke and for supporting older people. Her interventions are based on person-centred care, digital support and activities where the individual’s own priorities are in focus.

What are you researching? every night asking them to evaluate. Susanne Guidetti “In my research, I have primarily stu- Our pilot study in Uganda produ- died the rehabilitation process after a ced very promising results and I am Professor of Occupational Therapy stroke. Initially, it was a matter of de- looking forward to evaluating this in at the Department of Neurobio- scribing what the process looked like randomised controlled studies in both logy, Care Sciences and Society and investigating which interventions Sweden and Uganda. Close follow- were effective, considering that occu- up with technical support is also an Susanne Guidetti was born in 1962 and pational therapy is a relatively young essential element of the interventions grew up in Rimbo, Stockholm county. academic discipline and, in many for healthy aging. In collaboration She obtained her education as an cases, there was a lack of evidence for with medical researchers from Spain occupational therapist at the School the various interventions. Currently, and Poland, we combine physical of Health Care Sciences in Stockholm I am working primarily with deve- exercises that the older persons do at and received her degree in 1986. loping and evaluating new complex home, along with sensors that mea- From 1987 to 2012 she worked as an interventions – partly to support the sure their results and questionnaires. occupational therapist at Karolinska rehabilitation of people after stroke, The purpose is for the healthcare pro- University Hospital. Her position inclu- and partly to support older people fessionals to quickly be able to detect ded a significant proportion of clinical in healthy aging through preventive and act supportively when there is a development projects and research. measures.” deterioration for the older individual.” Guidetti defended her doctoral thesis at KI in 2008. Since 2012, she has been Could you tell us a bit about the What do you hope to achieve employed at the Department of Neuro- methods you are developing? in the long run? biology, Care Sciences and Society, and “The basis of the intervention we “To contribute to a better rehabilita- worked as group leader for the research have developed for stroke rehabilitation process that leads to people being group HELD. Professor Guidetti has tion, referred to as F@ce, is to allow able to maintain, to a greater extent, been the Programme Manager for the the patients’ own priorities to govern their everyday lives and participate Doctoral programme in health care – what they want to do and need to in the activities that are important sciences since 2018, and in 2019 she do in their everyday lives. This can to them – in Sweden and globally. became an associate professor. be very different for different people. For large parts of the population Susanne Guidetti was appointed One important component is to use in low-income countries, rehabilita- Professor of Occupational Therapy at digital solutions, where we have tried tion is largely non-existent today. Karolinska Institutet on February 1, 2020. to send a text message reminder to It is my hope that we can participate the participants every morning about in changing this.” their goals, and then another message

14 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

Understanding and using physical activity for health

The health benefits of exercise are well known, but healthcare needs to become better at actually using physical activity as a treatment. This is the opinion of Maria Hagströmer, who is engaged in research concerning the relationship between physical activity and health.

What are you researching? encouraging patients to be more Maria Hagströmer “I research the connection between active after surgery has produced physical activity and health, both very good results in the form of Professor of Physiotherapy at in the general population and in shorter care times and faster recovery. the Department of Neurobiology, particular for people with physical It is presently being used in clinics Care Sciences and Society disabilities or illness. My research is throughout the country. We are now partly about systematically charting continuing with the work in order Maria Hagströmer was born in Örn- what the situation looks like today, to see how it can be combined with sköldsvik in 1963. Hagströmer has a and partly about methods for promo- better follow-up after the patient has degree in physiotherapy from KI 1996 ting physical activity. We use activity been discharged.” and a master’s degree from KI in public trackers to obtain objective data and health 2001. Hagströmer defended her experiment with new methods for What do you seek to achieve doctoral thesis at KI in 2007 and was a rehabilitation. Part of this involves in the long run? postdoc in 2008 at the National Cancer the utilisation of new technologies, “That issues of physical activity are Institute, National Institutes of Health, for example in the form of smart- taken more seriously in healthcare. in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. In 2010 phone apps, to support the patient.” The health benefits of being physically she became an associate professor. active have received quite a bit of at- Maria Hagströmer has been active at What conclusions have you tention in recent years, however when the Department of Neurobiology, Care arrived at? it comes to concrete changes, there Sciences and Society since 1999 as a “Our results have dispelled some is still a lot to do in this field, not the university lecturer and later medical myths, for example that men are least in healthcare. Physical activity researcher and unit manager. In 2018– more physically active than women, is a powerful treatment tool that 2020, she was a professor at Sophia- or that overweight individuals are continues to be used far too little – hemmet University College. more sedentary than normal-weight even if the number of good examples Linked to her KI professorship, people. That’s actually not true. increases. I also feel very strongly Hagströmer has a combined employ- We also clearly see how important about education, and look forward to ment position at the Academic Primary everyday physical activity is for that part of my professorship – both Health Care Centre in Region Stockholm. maintaining health. That’s one factor personally teaching and also develo- Maria Hagströmer was appointed that is often overlooked because a ping the physiotherapy programmes Professor of Physiotherapy at Karolinska lot of the discussion about health and strengthen their connection to Institutet from April 15, 2020. and activity focuses on the narrower research.” concept of exercise. Our evaluation of the “Exercise Board” method for

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 15 PROFESSORS

Studying care and support for children with allergies

Inger Kull is engaged in research focusing on children and young people’s allergies and the patient’s transition from paediatrics to adult care. Much of her research is linked to the BAMSE Project she co-founded 26 years ago.

What are you researching? follow-ups. BAMSE has had, and Inger Kull “I conduct research concerning aller- continues to have, great importance, gic diseases in children and young with data that forms the basis for Professor of Health Care people. Initially, my research was more than 200 scientific publica- Science at the Department primarily focused on the causes of tions. Most of my research today is of Clinical Science and allergies, however in recent years I still based on data from the BAMSE Education, Södersjukhuset have largely moved toward studying Project. My most notable finding is what it is like to have an allergic that babies who receive only breast Inger Kull was born in Stockholm in disease and how we can improve the milk for a minimum of four months 1958 and received her education care for these patients. I am especi- are less likely to develop asthma than from Årstaviken Nursing School, ally interested in the transition from those who are breastfed for a shorter graduating in 1979. Inger Kull has being a paediatric to an adult patient. period of time.” specialist training as a paediatric nurse This includes both the patient’s own 1985 and district nurse 1991. In 2005 personal development and maturity What are your plans for the future? she defended her doctoral thesis as well as organisational issues regar- “I look forward to soon expanding at KI’s Institute of Environmental ding the transition from paediatrics my research group so that we can Medicine, and in 2013 became an to adult primary care. The importance do more, however we will maintain associate professor. of preparing and helping patients our current focus. When it comes to Inger Kull has worked with the take that step is often overlooked in research on transition, we are plan- BAMSE cohort since the start in 1994, healthcare.” ning for an intervention to strengthen initially as a research nurse, and today the patient and facilitate the step as Co-PI. For the years 2005–2014 she You are participating in and from paediatrics to adult care. Our has served as the Chairperson of the leading the BAMSE Project. hope is that we can continue to follow Swedish Asthma, Allergy and COPD What is this? the BAMSE cohort, the members of Nurses Association (ASTA). “The BAMSE – Children, Allergy, which are now entering childbearing Inger Kull was appointed Professor Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology – age and whom we still have a lot of Health Care Science at Karolinska Study is a birth cohort that we esta- to learn from. I will also continue Institutet on January 1, 2020. blished in 1994 for the purpose of teaching, which is a large and very studying asthma, allergies and lung important part of my professorship function in children. More than 4,000 and something I feel very strongly people born between 1994 and 1996 a b out .” are included and a high proportion of them still participate when we do

16 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

Investigating affective learning

When we draw conclusions in our everyday lives, what we learn is often linked to emotions – such as that a particular matter is important, a person has a high status, or that an environment is frightening. Andreas Olsson studies how this learning takes place in social situations.

What are you researching? ctional magnetic resonance imaging, Andreas Olsson “I use experimental methods to fMRI. So far, our findings have understand the biological and psy- shown, among other things, that Professor of Psychology chological mechanisms that underlie several mechanisms are the same at the Department of Clinical social, affective learning. What this when we learn about threats through Neuroscience means is understanding how we our own experiences as when we learn, in interaction with others, to observe the behaviours of others. Andreas Olsson was born in Malmö value things and people – if we, for Other findings include that factors in 1973. He received his education in instance, should be afraid of someone, such as group affiliation and empathy psychology from Lund University, gra- or if something is important or good. affect social learning: we learn better duating with a master’s degree in 1998. This type of learning is ongoing and from those who are similar to us and The following year he was a visiting is absolutely fundamental to what people whose nervous systems are scholar at the University of California, people think, feel and do. We try to synchronised with our own.” Berkeley, USA. study this at all levels, from the basic Olsson earned his PhD in psychology biological mechanisms in the brain How can these results be utilised? at New York University, USA, in 2006. to the complex human behaviour.” “Our purpose is basic science; to During the years 2006–2008 he gained understand these important aspects post-doctoral training experience at Co- How do you go about of human psychology. With that lumbia University, and during 2008–2010 researching this? said, I think the knowledge is useful at KI. He has since continued at KI as a “We start by looking at two research both in and outside of healthcare. research team leader and Director of traditions that previously have been We have seen among other things the EmotionLab. separated. One is research concerning how social learning effectively ex- Olsson became an assistant profes- emotional learning, which has been tinguishes learned anxiety and fear. sor in 2011, and associate professor in around for a long time but has been Moreover, social learning about what 2015. He has significant funding from the focused on the individual. The other is threatening can have a powerful Swedish Research Council, the European one is the recent field of research on impact on our emotions and deci- Research Council and the Wallenberg the mechanisms of social cognition. sions, even when these conflict with Foundations. In our lab, we connect these fields. our own good. This research is also Andreas Olsson was appointed Profes- We use image and video screenings, relevant for understanding important sor of Psychology at Karolinska Institutet actors and virtual reality, and then societal phenomena, such as polarisa- on September 1, 2019. record reactions and behaviour with tion and conformity.” various instruments. We measure brain activity primarily with fun-

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 17 PROFESSORS

Developing online treatments for OCD

Christian Rück is a psychiatrist who researches different types of obsessive-compulsive disorders – both causes and treatments. He has developed Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is currently used in psychiatry in Sweden as well as abroad.

What are you researching? Currently, we are part of large inter- Christian Rück “My research concerns mental health national collaborations collecting data problems, especially obsessive- on the disorders’ genetic causes. It will Professor of Psychiatry at compulsive disorder (OCD) and take another year or so before we have the Department of Clinical similar conditions such as hoarding the first results. In studies where we Neuroscience disorder and body dysmorphic dis- have used for example the Swedish order (BDD). These diagnoses have twin registry, we have seen that gene- Christian Rück was born in 1971 in much in common, in how they are tic and environmental factors seem to Norrköping. He studied medicine at KI, manifested in repetitive behaviours, both play a role as causes of OCD.” obtaining a medical degree in 1997 and rituals and painful thoughts, in addi- a Swedish MD license in 1999. In 2004, tion to similarities in their treatment. What do you hope to achieve in he became a specialist in psychiatry We are studying different aspects of the long run? and in 2005 a senior physician. As a the disorders – the genetic causes, the “I think we will attain a much better clinician, he has worked in Stockholm treatments and also the consequences understanding of the causes of various County’s Healthcare Services, initially of the disorders. A core part of our re- obsessive-compulsive disorders, and in Psykiatri Nordväst/Psychiatry search activities concerns developing in the long run also develop entirely Northwest, and since 2007 in Psykiatri Internet-based CBT treatments for new treatments. Greater knowledge of Sydväst/Psychiatry Southwest. these syndromes. We want to make the genetics of the disorder will lead Rück defended his doctoral disserta- treatment accessible to more people to an increased understanding of the tion in psychiatry at KI in 2006 and was without compromising on quality.” molecular mechanisms behind the a part-time postdoc at KI during the disease, and in the long run to pos- years 2009 to 2011. In 2014, he became What have you achieved so far? sible targets for drug treatments. In a an associate professor. “For both obsessive-compulsive dis- broader perspective, it is my hope that His popular science book Olyckliga i order and body dysmorphic disorder, the psychiatric profession will take a paradiset: varför mår vi dåligt när allt är we have created online treatments greater leading role in the conversa- så bra? (Unhappy in Paradise – why do that work well and are now being tion about mental illness and its role we feel bad when everything is so good?) used throughout Sweden, plus in a in explaining suffering. Our relation- was published in 2020. number of other countries. It feels ship to mental illness is one of the Christian Rück was appointed Profes- very satisfying to have taken this all critical social issues of our time.” sor of Psychiatry at Karolinska Institutet the way from concept to an available on February 1, 2020. treatment that actually restores the lives of people who have struggled with long-term illness.

18 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

More efficient help in catastrophes

When a society is shattered into rubble by a disaster, people generally want to help. But without knowledge and coordination, the efforts are often misdirected. Johan von Schreeb conducts research on how global disaster medicine interventions can be

Photo: Andreas Andersson Photo: Andreas made more efficient and effective.

What are you researching? economic situation. Thanks to this Johan von Schreeb “My research concerns global disaster knowledge, we can now quickly as- medicine: what are the impacts on sume the main health needs. In Professor of Global Disaster health of various types of disasters and addition, we have increased our under- Medicine at the Department of how should health care interventions standing about treatments and prio- Global Public Health be designed to ensure optimal impact rities that are effective following dis- depending on the context? This is a aster, which are always characterised Johan von Schreeb was born in Stock- relatively new academic field of study. by a lack of resources. Two of my holm in 1961 and obtained his medical In the past it was sufficient for health- doctoral students have written theses degree at KI in 1987. He got his MD care interventions to be guided by on how to simplify triage – that is license in 1991 and became specialist good intentions, but now it is the assigning degrees of urgency – to in general surgery in 1995. He has been results rather than the intentions that injured arriving at hospitals in India. engaged in research on global health, are in focus. My doctoral thesis from Every year, one million people die obtained his PhD at KI in 2007 and 2007 showed that international field of their injuries there; our research became an associate professor in 2012. hospitals arrived too late to save lives indicates that better triage might be Since 1989, von Schreeb has worked and were ill-suited to cover domina- able to save 250,000 of them.” in a significant number of disasters in ting health problems. Since then, countries such as Afghanistan, Kenya, together with the WHO, we have What are you currently Pakistan, Haiti, Rwanda, Sierra Leone developed and implemented a system working with? and Iraq. Initially, he worked as a trauma for rapid mobilisation of field hospitals “At the moment, I am in Beirut for surgeon and over time also in various that live up to pre-defined standards.” the WHO to coordinate international managerial positions, including for the relief after the explosion in August, WHO. He is one of the founders of the What have you achieved so far? using the system we have developed. Swedish branch of Médecins sans Fron- Immediately after a disaster, a rapid During the past six months, I have tières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) needs assessment is required, combi- primarily worked with COVID-19 and his research team is a WHO col- ning information on the vulnerability in Sweden. In ten days, we developed laborative center in disaster medicine. of the impacted area and the scale and an online training that 160,000 Johan von Schreeb was appointed type of disaster as well as the estima- health care workers have taken. Professor of Global Disaster Medicine ted number of affected. Earthquakes, Today, knowledge and experience at Karolinska Institutet on October 15, tsunamis, wars and epidemics have from global disaster medicine is 2019. distinctly different health effects. In more relevant than ever, including addition, needs vary greatly depen- even for healthcare in Sweden.” ding on the affected country’s socio-

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 19 PROFESSORS

Clinical improvements for joint operations

Olof Sköldenberg’s research aims to contribute to better treatment and diagnosis of injured joints – especially hip joints. In recent years, among other activities, he has investigated how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used as support in the analysis of orthopaedic X-ray images.

What are you researching? days; today, almost 80 percent are Olof Sköldenberg “I am an orthopaedic surgeon and operated on within 24 hours. The re- my research concerns improved sults can be seen in the form of faster Professor of Orthopaedics at the treatment methods for hip fractures rehabilitation, fewer complications, Department of Clinical Sciences, and other injuries to shoulder joints, and better survival rates.” Danderyd Hospital knee joints and wrists. One of my main interests is hip replacement What’s currently happening with Olof Sköldenberg was born in surgery – our most common major your research? Stockholm in 1967. He started in surgical procedure. By comparing “For a number of years, we have been the medical field with a nursing treatment A and B in clinical research researching neural networks, as a part education, obtaining a degree in we are able to continuously improve of AI, as a tool in orthopaedics. For 1991 and became a surgical nurse care in a way that collectively makes several years now, our AI has been a in 1992. In 1999 he graduated from a huge difference. Over time, I have part of our regular activities in ortho- his medical doctor studies at Uppsala broadened my research to also include paedics at Danderyd Hospital, where University, and in 2010 he became the organisation at the clinic as well as its analyses of X-ray images are on par a specialist in orthopaedic surgery. AI as a supporting tool in orthopaedic with the quality of senior physicians. Sköldenberg obtained a PhD from diagnostics and treatment.” The next step in this work, which is KI in 2010 after defending his doc- led by my very competent former toral thesis. He has worked as senior What conclusions have you doctoral student Max Gordon, is to physician at Danderyd Hospital since arrived at? get the AI to suggest treatments. Such 2010, as well as a researcher at KIDS “Our clinical trials have touched on systems can be of significant help – KI’s Department of Clinical Sciences, a great variety of different factors not only in developing countries, but Danderyd Hospital. – from surgical incisions to compa- also in industrialised countries such In 2014, he became an associate risons between different types of hip as in Swedish primary care. I am also professor and in 2014-2018 he had a prostheses to the question of in which presently leading a larger study on clinical postdoc, paid for by the ALF cases prostheses should be used. whether air purifiers in the operating agreement. Since 2018, he has been We are one of the research teams that room can lead to fewer cases of infec- Chairman of the Swedish Hip and have shown how important doing an ted surgical wounds. Infections are Knee Association. operation as soon as possible after the most serious complication with Olof Sköldenberg was appointed a hip fracture is, and this has led to orthopaedic surgery.” Professor of Orthopaedics at Karo- major changes in the medical care. linska Institutet on June 1, 2020. Twenty years ago, the normal waiting time for doing an operation was 2-3

20 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PROFESSORS

Seeking mechanisms behind neurodegenerative disorders

Eric Westman combines brain imaging with machine learning to search the whole brain for the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative disorders. An important element of his research is to identify different subtypes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

What are you researching? that we use as a starting point. In ad- Eric Westman “We use medical imaging techniques, dition to brain imaging, this includes such as magnetic resonance ima- clinical data, markers from the blood Professor of Neurogeriatrics at ging (MRI), and positron emission and cerebrospinal fluid. A great the Department of Neurobiology, tomography (PET), to study neuro- breadth characterises our research in Care Sciences and Society degenerative disorders. Much of several respects – in the techniques our research concerns Alzheimer’s we use, the materials we analyse, the Eric Westman was born in Stockholm disease, but we also study Parkinson’s research questions we ask, in our in 1975 and graduated from KTH and frontotemporal dementia, among external collaborations, and also in Royal Institute of Technology with other diseases. We seek to under- the composition and expertise of our a master’s degree in engineering in stand the mechanisms of neuro- research team. For example, I have 2004. He defended his doctoral thesis cognitive disorders so that we can an engineering background. We col- obtaining a PhD from KI in 2009, contribute to better diagnosis and laborate with researchers and clinics after a period as a doctoral student treatment. An important element around the world to build up exten- that also included six months as a of this is to define different variants sive databases, something that is a guest researcher at McGill University of each respective diagnosis. What prerequisite for this type of research.” in Montreal, Canada. we presently consider a disease is, During the years 2009-2011, West- in many cases, actually a group of What are your hopes and man was a postdoc at KI and in 2011- diseases with similar symptoms. aspirations over the long term? 2012 at the Centre for Neuroimaging We have made a number of interes- “I hope that we identify biomarkers Sciences, King’s College, in London, UK. ting findings within this field about that in the future will enable health- In 2012, he returned to KI becoming different subtypes of Alzheimer’s.” care providers to make an early and an associate professor in 2014 in the correct diagnosis of neurodegenera- Department of Neurobiology, Care How do you go about it? tive diseases before permanent Sciences and Society (NVS). “Previous research on the mecha- damage to the brain has occurred. At NVS, Westman has been Head nisms behind dementia has often And that we will then be able to of the Division for Clinical Geriatrics focused on specific parts of the offer the patient a cocktail of effective since 2015 and Acting/Vice Head of brain, such as the hippocampus, treatments, based on the subtype of the Department since 2017. and it is becoming clear that this is the disease that the individual has.” Eric Westman was appointed Pro- not sufficient. My research team uses fessor of Neurogeriatrics at Karolinska machine learning and multivariate Institutet on February 1, 2020. analysis to be able to identify disease patterns in the large patient material

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 21 PROFESSORS

T cells are part of the body's adaptive immune system. Photo: Getty Images

22 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 VISITING PROFESSORS

ADJUNCT PROFESSORS, VISITING PROFESSORS AND FOREIGN ADJUNCT PROFESSORS

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 23 ADJUNCT PROFESSORS Torkel Brismar

Adjunct Professor of Medical Radiology at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology from February 12, 2020

Primary position Senior Physician at Karolinska University Hospital

Research Torkel Brismar is a clinically active radiologist who researches new and improved X-ray methods. He studies, among other things, how the dosage of contrast media can be optimized in computed tomography based on heart function, weight and body type. A common theme in his research is the ambition to develop and evaluate new quantitative measures. These are used to examine skeletal robusticity, liver function or how the body composition changes, for example, with cancer. One conclusion is that individuals with sarcopenic obesity, that is obesity in combination with muscle atrophy, experience more side effects from cytotoxic drugs or chemotherapy, and more often discontinue the treatment. A significant part of Brismar’s research has focused on osteoporosis, including several major studies on the opportunities and possibilities for screening. His research has shown that relatively simple radiographs obtained in the emergency department or in connection with mammography can be used to identify individuals with increased fracture risk. Professor Brismar is also part of a research collaboration that studies how bears maintain skeletal strength during hibernation.

Paul Gerdhem

Adjunct Professor of Orthopaedics at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology from September 1, 2019

Primary position Senior Physician at Karolinska University Hospital

Research Paul Gerdhem is engaged in research on spinal disease, in particular spine deformities and pain in the lower back and neck. His research aims to improve diagnostics and treatment for the patients he sees in his everyday clinical life as an orthopaedic spine surgeon. It also includes studies of underlying mechanisms, especially genetics. As part of his research on the underlying causes of scoliosis, he has studied a group of genes linked to the body’s symmetry. One long-term goal is to contribute to new treatments that will be able to replace surgical procedures for scoliosis. In long-term follow-ups of scoliosis patients, Gerdhem’s research group has shown that the surgical methods used since the 1960s have been appropriate and, in general, worked remarkably well. He is currently conducting a clinical study on whether exercise can be used, instead of a brace, for milder scoliosis. Professor Gerdhem has also studied the connection between scoliosis and osteoporosis.

24 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 ADJUNCT PROFESSORS Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf

Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience from March 1, 2020

Primary position Psychologist, specialist in clinical psychology, at Gustavsberg Primary Care Centre, Region Stockholm

Research Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf is engaged in research concerning treatments for common forms of mental illness, such as anxiety disorders, stress disorders and depression. The goal is to increase knowledge about psychological treatment regarding clinical efficacy, effective mechanisms, predictors and cost-effectiveness. He is primarily focused on developing Internet-based treatments that make therapy accessible to more people, resulting in healthcare resources being used more efficiently. A central theme in Hedman-Lagerlöf’s research is health anxiety (previously known as hypochondria). He has shown in randomised clinical trials that exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy can be very effective against health anxiety and that treatment delivered via the Internet provides equivalent effects as face-to-face therapy. In effectiveness studies with more than 1,000 patients, Hedman-Lagerlöf’s research has shown that cognitive behavioural therapy can lead to clear improvements when provided within regular health care to patients with common mental illness.

Baldvin Jónsson

Adjunct Professor of Neonatology at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health from May 1, 2020

Primary position Senior physician at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital

Research Baldvin Jónsson is a neonatal physician who is engaged in research focusing on improving the care for premature babies. Since the 1990s, he has been studying bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) – a form of chronic lung disease resulting from damage to the lungs that often afflicts premature babies who have received respiratory assistance. In Sweden, 300-400 children are born extremely preterm each year, of whom about 40 percent suffer from BPD. Jónsson has been involved in systematically assessing the basic mechanisms of the disease: how overpressure and level of oxygen content causes an inflammation in the immature lung that interferes with its development. He has also evaluated how harmful various existing technologies for respiratory assistance are, plus in recent years been involved in developing a new, less intrusive, technology, referred to as rPAP. An international randomised study evaluating rPAP has just been concluded and the results are expected to be released within a few months. Jónsson is now preparing for long- term follow-ups of older children – and possibly young adults – who have had BPD.

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 25 ADJUNCT PROFESSORS Anna Norhammar

Adjunct Professor of Cardiology at the Department of Medicine, Solna from October 1, 2019

Primary position Senior physician at Capio S:t Göran’s Hospital

Research Anna Norhammar is a cardiologist and clinical physiologist who researches cardiovascular complications of diabetes and prediabetes. Her finding that people with diabetes, due to a lack of application of evidence-based treatment, have twice the risk of mortality after a myocardial infarction led to improved treatment in Sweden and globally – and to significantly higher survival rates. Her research has further shown that patients with diabetes continue to have an increased risk of heart failure and a worse prognosis than other patients with heart failure. Other findings from Norhammar’s research include that new heart-protecting diabetes drugs are indeed effective outside clinical studies (in real-life) but too rarely used, and that about a third of myocardial infarction patients without known diabetes, have undetected diabetes, and another third have precursors of the disease. Norhammar is now engaged in planning for a randomised study on whether the drug Metformin can improve the cardiovascular prognosis for patients with prediabetes.

Michael Uhlin

Adjunct Professor of Clinical Immunology at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology from February 1, 2020

Primary position Head of the Division of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska University Hospital

Research Michael Uhlin is engaged in research concerning the T cells of the immune system and is particularly interested in unconventional T cells, especially the type called γδ (gamma delta) T cells. These make up a smaller proportion of all T cells and less research has been done on them than many other parts of the immune system. Large studies have nevertheless indicated that they are vitally important for the body’s capability to neutralise for example cancer cells. Uhlin’s research team studies the mechanisms that control the activity of γδ T cells – what the cells’ receptors react to and how various subgroups of γδ T cells differ from each other. The research is conducted close to the clinic, to a large extent on patient material, and the ambition is for the knowledge to be translated into clinical benefit. Part of this is the development of new prognostic methods where γδ T cells are used as markers for how aggressive a cancerous tumour is. Another track concerns the development of new forms of immunotherapy based on the ability of γδ T cells to attack tumour cells.

26 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 ADJUNCT PROFESSORS Eva Weidenhielm Broström

Adjunct Professor of Physiotherapy at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health from September 1, 2019

Primary position Operations Manager at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital

Research Eva Weidenhielm Broström’s research involves children and adults who have problems with the musculoskeletal system, especially children with rheumatological or neurological diseases and with orthopaedic problems. Professor Broström has built up a computerised three-dimensional motion analysis system at MotorikLab at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, which makes it possible to quantify dynamic biomechanical variables with high precision during movement. The research results have been quickly transferred to clinical practice, where for example gait analysis and functional tests are now used in investigations to select a treatment method and to evaluate treatment outcomes. Currently, Weidenhielm Broström’s research focuses, in collaboration with other research groups nationally and internationally, on developing and using measures for patient experience, physical activity and treatment outcomes in paediatrics.

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 27 VISITING PROFESSORS András Matolcsy

Visiting Professor of Pathology at the Department of Laboratory Medicine from January 1, 2020

Primary position Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Hungary

Research Professor András Matolcsy has been a leading cancer researcher for almost four decades. He has focused primarily on lymphoma and leukemia and is particularly interested in the transformation from indolent cancer to an aggressive, fast-growing form with a much worse prognosis. Matolcsy has made some very important findings in this area, including the cells’ heterogeneity in cancer and the evolution of drug resistance. András Matolcsy heads the Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research at Semmelweis University with a staff of more than 100. One current major project at the department is systematically charting cancer genetics in Hungary compared to international data. Preliminary results show that some cancers show significant similarity in different parts of the world, while other cancer diagnoses show significant geographical differences, especially in terms of the number of mutations.

Martin Widschwendter

Visiting Professor of women’s cancer at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health from July 1, 2020

Primary position Professor of Women’s Cancer at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and the University College London, UK

Research Professor Martin Widschwendter’s research focuses on cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, and ovaries, with his long-term goal being the elimination of women-specific cancers. His research spans four areas: mechanisms of disease, risk assessment, prevention, and early diagnosis. His mechanisms of disease research comprises, amongst other considerations, why the BRCA1 gene leads to a much higher risk particularly for breast cancer, and how women with BRCA1 have elevated levels of progesterone during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. His risk assessment research focuses on epigenetic markers in cervical samples and has been carried out with a number of collaborators including Joakim Dillner’s research team at KI. Professor Widschwendter has an established collaboration project with Kristina Gemzell Danielsson’s research team at KI regarding the use of progesterone antagonists as potential prevention. His research on early diagnosis focuses on the detection of tumour DNA in blood samples, with the aim of developing a screening programme.

28 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 FOREIGN ADJUNCT PROFESSORS

In order to strengthen its international network of contacts, Karolinska Institutet is appointing well-reputed colleagues from abroad as foreign adjunct professors. Their association with Karolinska Institutet must be one of long-standing international collaboration or scientific exchange. A foreign adjunct professor must hold a position or an appointment corresponding to ’full professor’ at their home university or elsewhere, and be an internationally leading researcher in his or her field. The appointment does not entail any financial undertakings.

Peter Visscher

Foreign Adjunct Professor of Statistical Genetics from January 1, 2020

Home university University of Queensland, Australia

Department at KI Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Photo: The University of Queensland University Photo: The

Naomi Wray

Foreign Adjunct Professor of Statistical Genetics from January 1, 2020

Home university University of Queensland, Australia

Department at KI Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Photo: The University of Queensland University Photo: The

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 29 VISITING PROFESSORS

Embryonic stem cells. Photo: Getty Images

30 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 VISITING PROFESSORS

PRIZES AND AWARDS

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 31 PRIZES AND AWARDS Photo: Lars Paulsrud Greenly Photo: Richard Ove Hagelin is awarded the Professor Richard J Heald is medal for saving and cataloguing awarded the medal for his life- priceless book collections through time’s work: the development and his vital work in the founding of refinement of the TME technique, the Hagströmer Medico-Historical which has revolutionized the Library. treatment of rectal cancer worldwide. The Grand Ove Hagelin is an undisputed world aut- hority on older writings, particularly in Professor Richard J Heald, Basingstoke Silver Medal the field of medicine and natural history. Hospital, UK, is perhaps the most well- He has, through his work in establishing known and famous colorectal cancer the Hagströmer Library at KI, helped save surgeon today. There are few living sur- The Grand Silver Medal 2020 and catalogue priceless book collections. geons who have contributed so much to is awarded to Ove Hagelin, During his time as director of the Hag- the surgical treatment of a disease and Richard J Heald, Hans Jörnvall, strömer Library from its opening in 1997 thereby saved so many patients’ lives Lars Olson and Nancy Pedersen until his retirement in 2013, Hagelin helped and reduced their suffering. in special recognition of their collect nearly 40,000 books, the majority of His introduction of the new method outstanding contributions which were printed prior to 1870. Hagelin Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) into to medical research and to is also known for his extraordinary ability clinical praxis has dramatically improved Karolinska Institutet. to convey knowledge and spark interest the prognosis of a large and severely ill in rare books and book illustrations – group of patients. It has without a doubt something that has inspired many book become the gold standard in the surgical collectors without whom important management of patients with rectal cancer. books would have been lost. Professor Heald has visited Sweden more A milestone in Ove Hagelin’s life occur- than 100 times to give lectures and take red in 1986 when he found a 17th century part in surgical workshops, mainly teaching omnibus of 28 writings at the Swedish TME but also participating in scientific Society of Medicine. One of the writings meetings. He has been a returning guest ABOUT THE PRIZE was the first edition of one of the most at Karolinska Institutet for several years, The medal is awarded to a revolutionary documents in the history of which has contributed to the development person who has made great medicine and science: William Harvey’s of the high quality of cancer surgery we contributions in support of De motu cordis from 1628. Following have in Stockholm, as well as in the rest Karolinska Institutet’s acti- the discovery, Hagelin was commissioned of Sweden, today. His dedication to trans- vities. One or more medals to prepare the foundation for a medico- ferring new knowledge and pursuing long- will be awarded in conjun- historical library of rare and old works, a term collaborations with colleagues from ction with the installation project that eventually led to the establish- Karolinska Institutet has paved the way for ceremony in Aula Medica. ment of the Hagströmer Library. the teaching, implementation and scientific evaluation of a new surgical technique.

32 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PRIZES AND AWARDS

Professor Hans Jörnvall has Professor Lars Olson has made Professor Nancy Pedersen is been awarded the medal for significant contributions, as a awarded the medal for her many his outstanding contributions teacher and researcher in neuro- years of work with the Swedish to Karolinska Institutet and to biology for almost six decades, Twin Registry, which is now the the field of protein analysis to Karolinska Institutet’s position largest in the world with informa- over decades. as a world-leading university. tion about more than 100,000 twins.

Hans Jörnvall’s career spans more than 50 Lars Olson has been involved with KI Nancy Pedersen is an excellent example years, most of which he spent at KI. His in some capacity since the early 1960s of how, with an interdisciplinary approach, research has centred on protein analyses, a and commenced his dissertation work academic researchers can propel science field in which he is a pioneer who early on under the leadership of Professor Nils- forward by bridging gaps between research learned new methods in Cambridge, UK Åke Hillarp. Later, Olson became one disciplines. Pedersen began researching and brought them to KI, thereby making of the pioneers in the field of transplant behavioural genetics at a time when it was them available to the Swedish research research. Initially, he used the anterior expected that one would position genetics community. His own research includes eye chamber as a model, and later became against the environment. However, she important works on primary structure involved in conducting transplants on saw beyond that contradic-tion and instead determination of proteins, mainly enzy- patients affected by Parkinson’s disease. showed the fruitfulness of studying mes in alcohol metabolism and bioactive Lars Olson initiated extensive research genetics and the environment. peptides. He started the first core facility aimed at repairing spinal cord injuries in Early on Pedersen saw the unique at KI, a resource for protein analysis that rats, which became a very successful and possibilities of the, at the time dormant, still exists. acclaimed project. He has additionally Swedish Twin Registry, and in the early Jörnvall’s expertise in protein biochemis- made significant contributions to ex- 1980s began an ambitious study program- try is recognised world-wide. He has aut- perimental Parkinson’s research. me based on the world’s largest database hored more than 900 articles, supervised In recent years, Lars Olson’s interest of twins who had grown up apart. more than 20 students to PhD and was has shifted to memory research and the Nancy Pedersen established a research the head of the Department of Medical proteins in the so-called Nogo family. In programme in gerontology and behavioural Biochemistry and Biophysics for 10 years. extensive experiments, Olson and his col- genetics, which today is seen as a milestone Jörnvall was a member of the Nobel leagues have shown that the Nogo system in the field of research. Nancy Pedersen has Assembly at KI for 20 years and served as controls, among other things, the spread convincingly established the influence of its Secretary-General for eight years. He of dendrite trees and synaptic density in genetics on behaviour and how it varies performed research with great enthusi- the brain. In the long run, this knowledge throughout life. Her 30 years of working asm and energy, organised several major may lead to the development of new with the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study international conferences and was also an medicinal treatments. Lars Olson has of Aging (SATSA) have had significant appreciated teacher, for which he received also made significant contributions to KI influence in many areas of psychology, the Mäster award from the Medical Stu- and Swedish research in general as a well- from health behaviour and personality dent Union. liked educator, public commentator and to cognition, and have been of particular founder of the Swedish Brain Foundation. importance for the knowledge surrounding neurodegenerative diseases.

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 33 PRIZES AND AWARDS The Dimitris N Chorafas The Med Dr Axel Hirsch Prize Prize Jiayao Lei, previously a doctoral Professor David Gisselsson student at KI’s Department of Nord, Lund University, receives Medical Epidemiology and The Med Dr Axel Hirsch Prize for Biostatistics, has been awarded highlighting recurrent patterns The Dimitris N Chorafas Prize in the genetic development for her thesis Prevention and of tumour cells in childhood prognosis of cervical cancer: the cancer. His research has laid the interplay of human papilloma- foundation for better physician virus, vaccination and screening. prognosis and treatment.

Jiayao Lei is an exceptional student who has produced an David Gisselsson Nord, professor of molecular pathology outstanding doctoral thesis. Her research has mainly focused on at Lund University and senior physician in pathology with comprehensive evaluation of Human papillomavirus (HPV) responsibility for paediatric and fetal pathology in the southern vaccination and cervical screening using nationwide Swedish healthcare region, is part of the international research front registers. Additionally, her research has focused on understan- studying cell evolution in childhood tumours. ding the role of HPV in prognosis of cervical cancer through the integration of biobank data. In three articles published over the years 2013-2018, he highlighted basic mechanisms and principles of genetic changes in Cervical screening and HPV vaccines provide potential to childhood cancer cells, thus contributing with knowledge that eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. In order allow for more effective prognosis and treatment. to achieve this goal, further understanding of the role of HPV, effectiveness of cervical screening and HPV vaccination as well In the southern healthcare region, David Gisselsson Nord as pragmatic change of current practices are needed. Jiayao Lei’s has clinically implemented one of the most important research research addresses these questions and serves as evidence for findings: the large difference in mutations between primary future policy changes towards elimination of cervical cancer. tumour and relapse in cancer in children. A logistical structure for the re-taking of samples and for genetic analysis has been es- Jiayao Lei’s research has already impacted women’s health tablished, often with a pathologist on-site in the operating room. both in Sweden and internationally.

ABOUT THE PRIZE ABOUT THE PRIZE The Dimitris N Chorafas Foundation was founded This prize is awarded annually by the Board of in 1992. Since 1996, the Foundation has established Research at Karolinska Institutet in ”recognition collaborations with 23 partner universities including of a scientific article of high value published by a Karolinska Institutet. The subject area medical Swedish scientific researcher”. The actual choice science focuses on new PhD recipients or doctoral of prize winner takes place through nomination. students who are in the final phase of their doctoral work. The candidates should not be older than 32 years of age during their public defense. Photo: Gunilla Sonnebring Photo: Åsa Hansdotter

34 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PRIZES AND AWARDS Håkan Mogren Foundation Karolinska Institutet’s Award Pedagogical Prize The 2020 Håkan Mogren Eva Broberger has Foundation Award been awarded Karolinska has been awarded to Institutet’s Pedagogical senior physician Prize for her very Nina Cavalli-Björkman significant contributions for her dedication and to the development of tireless work to give KI’s nursing programme. prominence to the care of the severely ill.

Nina Cavalli-Björkman is a senior physician and specialist in Eva Broberger is a trained nurse and a Senior Lecturer at the oncology at Uppsala University Hospital. She is awarded the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society. For Håkan Mogren Foundation Award in medicine for her dedica- many years, she has been the Programme Director for the nur- tion and tireless work to give prominence to the care of the sing training programme and has driven its development in an severely ill. inspiring way, not least by integrating various forms of teaching.

In her book Vård av våra sjukaste – Hur ska doktorn orka?, Broberger has been a member of KI’s Pedagogical Academy (Care of our sickest – How will the doctor cope?), published by since 2014, and has had the responsibility of coordinator for the Studentlitteratur in 2014, Nina Cavalli-Björkman describes development of Interprofessional Learning (IPL) since 2015. She with warmth the care of seriously ill cancer patients. Nina has been instrumental in creating several IPL initiatives, inclu- Cavalli-Björkman has become known to a wider circle via her ding the popular event “Interprofessional Day,” which is held for chronicles in the medical journal Läkartidningen, where she beginner students. generously and with great empathy shares her long experience as an oncologist. As a programme director, course coordinator and academic supervisor to doctoral students, Broberger is a source of inspira- Nina Cavalli-Björkman is highly appreciated among patients tion for her colleagues when it comes to providing support to both and colleagues and sees the patients’ needs, even those beyond undergraduate students and doctoral researchers in the develop- the strictly medical. She has a positive mindset and a unique ment of their learning, creativity and critical thinking. To remain ability to put feelings and thoughts into words when faced engaged over time and up to date with new developments in the with severe, and in many cases incurable, illness. way that Eva Broberger has done is a great achievement.

ABOUT THE PRIZE ABOUT THE PRIZE The Hakan Mogren Foundation Award was established The prize is awarded annually to individual in 2012. Its dual purpose is to promote education and teachers, teacher teams or administrative personnel research within the medical field and to promote the who have undertaken significant educational education and training of classical musicians. Within initiatives related to pedagogical development the medical field, the purpose is to provide the or renewal work within Karolinska Institutet’s opportunity for well-qualified, scientifically com- programmes at first cycle, second cycle or post- petent and clinically active physicians to improve graduate levels. themselves professionally or to carry out research. Photo: Angelica Klang

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 35 PRIZES AND AWARDS

Zebrafish embryo growing its elaborate sensory nervous system, captured in a light sheet microscope by Liz Haynes, Mary Halloran, Henry He, and Jan Huisken.

Lennart Nilsson Award

Jan Huisken, Director of Medical Engineering at the Morgridge Institute, Madison, Wisconsin, is receiving the Lennart Nilsson ABOUT THE PRIZE Award for his pioneering work in light-sheet microscopy. The Lennart Nilsson Award is the world’s top accolade in scientific and medical photography. The With a background in optics and laser physics, award was inaugurated in 1998 Dr Huisken has contributed to the development in honour of Swedish medical of light-sheet microscopy, also called SPIM photographer Lennart Nilsson, who (selective plane illumination microscopy), which achieved worldwide recognition has revolutionized live imaging in biology. In a for his images. The prize is awarded Text and editor: Anders Nilsson, Parabel Media | Translation: Semantix light-sheet microscope, the sample is illuminated each year to individuals who make Co-editors: Anna Molin and Katarina Sternudd, Karolinska Institutet with a thin sheet of light, rapidly sweeping through an outstanding contribution to Portraits (unless otherwise stated): Bildmakarna the sample. It generates a three-dimensional high scientific photography “in the Design: Sofia Lindberg, Karolinska Institutet resolution image, often breathtaking in both spirit of Lennart Nilsson”. Print: Arkitektkopia 2020 | ISBN: 978-91-985484-6-4 Photo: Jan Huisken. beauty and scientific relevance.

36 FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 PRIZES AND AWARDS

2020 Text and editor: Anders Nilsson, Parabel Media | Translation: Semantix Co-editors: Anna Molin and Katarina Sternudd, Karolinska Institutet Portraits (unless otherwise stated): Bildmakarna Design: Sofia Lindberg, Karolinska Institutet Print: Arkitektkopia 2020 | ISBN: 978-91-985484-6-4

FROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2020 37 ki.se