Great interest in this year’s Olof Rudbeck Day
The Olof Rudbeck Day attracted a big crowd from the start. Foto Robin Widing
Diabetes was the theme of this year’s Olof Rudbeck Day, and many interested participants gathered in the Grönwall Hall at Uppsala University Hospital to listen to leading researchers and experts.
Malin Flodström-Tullberg, Professor at KI, was one of the lecturers. Foto: Robin Widing
Just over 200 people were in attendance – either in person or online – when the Olof Rudbeck Day was opened by Vice-Rector Mats Larhed and the Chair of Upsala Läkareförening, Stellan Sandler. This year’s theme, Diabetes – a silent pandemic, clearly proved to be a subject that engaged many.
“The presence in the hall and the viewers online suggest that the topic attracted a great deal of interest. We were treated to many excellent lectures and I found it particularly interesting to listen to those addressing modern diabetes treatment. It was encouraging to see the progress made and how much easier life has become for insulin-treated diabetics thanks to today’s modern tools,” summarises Stellan Sandler.
“This year’s prize lecture by Lars Rönnblom was also highly interesting, about a disease that I believe is unfamiliar to many.”
Per-Ola Carlsson, Professor at Uppsala University, gave a lecture on his groundbreaking research, which could possibly become a cure for type 1 Diabetes. Foto Robin Widing
Increased understanding of SLE
The Olof Rudbeck Day concluded, as in previous years, with a lecture by the recipient of Upsala Läkareförening’s Olof Rudbeck Prize. This year the prize was awarded to Lars Rönnblom, Senior Professor at the Department of Medical Sciences. His lecture took the audience on a journey through research on the disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in which Lars’ own research has been groundbreaking.
Senior Professor Lars Rönnblom, recieved the Upsala Läkareförening's Rudbeck Prize. Foto Robin Widing
“To receive the Olof Rudbeck Prize felt incredibly honouring and solemn. The setting was magnificent and the fanfare during the award ceremony greatly enhanced the atmosphere. The feeling that my colleagues have recognised my work and that of our research group is both delightful and deeply satisfying. Many times, as a researcher, one works ‘against the wind’ and wonders what will come of all the efforts. The recognition of one’s research in the form of this prize means a great deal, also for the family, who have had to forgo much during all the years of intensive research,” says Lars.
Although his own research lay outside this year’s theme, Lars agrees with Stellan Sandler’s assessment of the day.
“The Olof Rudbeck Day was extremely interesting and it was valuable to receive an up-to-date overview of the state of diabetes research and current treatments. At the same time, it was enjoyable to meet so many colleagues and acquaintances, both during the day and at the subsequent dinner at the castle. Uppsala University and our disciplinary domain are exceptionally good at organising festive and pleasant gatherings and dinners, for which I am incredibly grateful.”
Robin Widing
About the Olof Rudbeck Day
The Olof Rudbeck Day is an annual event to promote and spread awareness of current medical research. It is organised by Upsala Läkareförening, Uppsala University Hospital and the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy at Uppsala University.