2026 Björkén Prize goes to Karl Michaëlsson
Karl Michaëlsson is the recipient of the 2026 Bjorkén Prize. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt, Uppsala University
Karl Michaëlsson, professor at the Department of Surgical Sciences, is the recipient of the 2026 Bjorkén Prize. This prize is one of Uppsala University’s biggest science prizes for outstanding research.
From the prize citation: Professor Karl Michaëlsson is a researcher in medical epidemiology at Uppsala University and an international leader in his field. His research is characterised by theoretical acuity, exceptional methodological thoroughness and strong international impact. Through pioneering studies, he has deepened our understanding of the relationships between dietary patterns, cardiovascular disease and skeletal biology, and shown how factors such as vitamin D, calcium and milk consumption influence the risk of fractures, cardiovascular disease and mortality. With the help of advanced epidemiological and genetic methods, and through building Swedish research databases over a long period, he has carved out new opportunities for translational medical research at the population level. Karl Michaëlsson’s work has thus contributed greatly to strengthening medical science’s knowledge base and to developing the evidence base for the prevention and treatment of serious endemic diseases.
Ulrika Hurtig
Facts about the Bjorkén Prize
- The prize was awarded for the first time in 1902 on the day of John Bjorkén’s death, which was 16 December.
- The prize is alternately awarded in four different fields:
- Botany, zoology and landscape planning
- Chemistry, mineralogy, metallurgy and geology
- Physics, mechanics and engineering science
- Theoretical disciplines in medical science.
- The University Board selects the prizewinner, who receives the prize in connection with the University’s anniversary celebrations in October.