Dan Larhammar on research and pseudoscience

Dan Larhammar and his research group are currently focused on two issues in brain research; the molecular mechanism for long-term memory and a new strategy for treating Parkinson's disease. In both projects, they use evolutionary comparisons to draw conclusions about mechanisms. Previously, his research group has worked on the regulation of appetite and the evolution of the sense of vision.

Dan Larhammar has been a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences since 2007 and has since 2018 the role president of the Academy. In addition to many review assignments, for example for the Swedish Research Council and the Brain Foundation, Dan Larhammar has also for many years participated in an expert group at the Swedish Research Council that investigated suspected research misconduct. This is important for maintaining confidence in research.

"Recently, says Dan, I have participated in three expert groups at European level that have conducted investigations. Last year, an expert group that I had the privilege to chair, published a report entitled “Fact or fake" which is about how researchers and research communicators can and should get involved in responding to misinformation in scientific matters. Dissemination of false claims for both ideological (as by anti-vaxxers) and financial reasons has become a dangerous propaganda weapon."

Regarding the so-called third task of university researchers, Dan Larhammar has over the years taken several initiatives to alert the public about pseudoscience to avoid being cheated.

"Knowledge of research and science, Dan continues, is a phenomenal consumer protection against fraudsters of all kinds, such as those who offer useless and unreasonable treatment methods. In addition, we researchers who receive support from tax funds have a responsibility and an obligation to give taxpayers something in return in the form of both research results and knowledge."

This year's royal medals were supposed to have been awarded personally by King Carl XVI Gustaf at the castle this February, but due to the covid situation, the ceremony has been postponed until April.

"Receiving the King's Medal is a fantastic honor and came as a total surprise, says Dan Larhammar. I assume the award is mainly in recognition of my efforts as president of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It is an outstanding privilege to be trusted with the position of president of the uniquely broad expertise that is gathered in the Academy of Sciences. I hope that my efforts to disseminate research and science and address pseudoscience have also contributed."