New National Research School
for Biomedical Laboratory Science

“It is both exciting and extremely important for the profession and the discipline in Sweden. This is about more than just the funding – it ensures future teaching capacity and reinforces the connection between healthcare, research and education,” says Dick Wågsäter, Professor at the Department of Medical Cell Biology and Programme Director for the Biomedical Laboratory Science Programme at Uppsala University.

Strong demand and clear need

The Biomedical Laboratory Scientist Research School for eXcellence (BioLabX) will be a unique collaboration between seven higher education institutions, with Uppsala University acting as the coordinating university. Its purpose is to train the next generation of researchers and teachers within biomedical laboratory science – a field essential to healthcare, where around 70 per cent of all medical diagnoses are based on biomedical analyses.

“There is a significant shortage of biomedical laboratory scientists, and the need has been evident for a long time. This research school will help establish a pathway where more students can progress from undergraduate studies to master’s level and then on to doctoral education within the main field. This strengthens quality and elevates the discipline as a whole,” says Dick Wågsäter.

The research school offers specially designed courses in pedagogy, practical method development, supervision, project management and the assessment of clinical skills. All doctoral students will also teach, which strengthens teaching competence and ensures long-term recruitment to the programmes. In addition, half of the doctoral students are expected to combine their doctoral studies with clinical work, further integrating research, education and the needs of healthcare.

“We want to maintain the clinical strength of the profession, which is why our aim is for half of the doctoral students to combine their studies with clinical practice. It is a challenge, but it is a clear goal.”

Close collaboration for strengthened expertise

The initiative is led by a steering group from Uppsala University in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet, the University of Gothenburg and Örebro University. The advisory board also includes Linköping University, Malmö University and Umeå University. These universities will also be the primary home institutions for the research school’s doctoral students.

“We have a well-functioning national network and a strong commitment to the Biomedical Laboratory Science Programmes. That enabled us to come together and seize the opportunity when the call was announced. Now we want to make full use of each other’s expertise,” says Dick Wågsäter.

Plans for a quick start

The plan is for the research school to begin shortly, at the start of 2026. During the spring, doctoral positions will be allocated among the participating universities, and the first projects are expected to be announced before the summer.

“This is an important step in strengthening both research and education within a field that is somewhat anonymous, yet absolutely central to Swedish healthcare. Biomedical laboratory scientists will now have a clearer academic pathway and greater opportunities to drive development forward,” concludes Dick Wågsäter.

Robin Widing