Medfarm buzzing with activity

Significant successes in research funding

It is a pleasure to congratulate a long list of researchers who have received prestigious research grants in national and international competition. Behind this lie both skill and hard work. Medfarm researchers have indeed been successful this autumn. At the same time, we are working to equip them even better with grant writing workshops. A current workshop is specifically tailored to clinical researchers.

A key research funder, The Swedish Heart Lung Foundation, recently visited Uppsala and met with Medfarm’s researchers and leadership. The foundation was presented with research results, and we engaged in strategic discussions about opportunities and career development. The turnout was great and there was solid representation from both the University and Region Uppsala.

Speaking of career development, the long-awaited announcement from the government has arrived, allowing the period from obtaining a doctorate to applying for a position as an associate senior lecturer to be extended from the current five years to seven. This change enables researchers who have completed longer postdoctoral studies to apply for these important tenure-track positions. We are now eagerly awaiting the promised option to combine professorships with clinical service.

Professor installation and honorary doctors

At this time of year, Uppsala University holds its Inauguration of Professors, a tradition dating back to the 1600s. At each faculty, the new professors give their inaugural lectures. On Friday, 15 November, the Vice-Chancellor will install the newly appointed professors at a formal ceremony in the University Grand Auditorium. The day before, on 14 November, the new professors in Medicine and Pharmacy will give their inaugural lectures in the University Main Building. There’s an exciting range of topics, so take the opportunity to listen as they present their research.

Faculty of Pharmacy inaugural lectures

Faculty of Medicine inaugural lectures

We recently announced the 2025 honorary doctors, who will be conferred in January. We appoint honorary doctors to connect with individuals who have made outstanding scientific contributions or have otherwise promoted research at the University. The three honorary doctors of medicine conduct research in endocrine tumours, international maternal and child health, and antiviral drugs. The two honorary doctors of pharmacy work within academia-industry-healthcare collaboration and drug formulation.

Focus on life science

Life science is now high on the agenda, and the government has introduced an updated national strategy. There is a lot of life science within medical and pharmaceutical research, such as new diagnostics and treatments, innovation, and improved health. Uppsala has long been successful in this area and Medfarm continues to contribute significantly. A recent conference on this theme highlighted the value of strengthening collaboration between the Uppsala and Stockholm regions as we build a strong cluster together.

Facilities and spaces

Medfarm is growing and many activities need to grow. The Vice-Chancellor has decided that the University will lease space at Dag Hammarskjölds väg 17, which is excellently located on Kunskapsstråket and close to Uppsala University Hospital.

Speaking of facilities, surely you haven’t missed the successful inauguration of Practicum, a state-of-the-art facility that enables training and interprofessional learning on a whole new level.

In short, Medfarm is buzzing with activity, and we now eagerly await the Research and Innovation Bill, which will provide guidance on future conditions.

Karin Forsberg Nilsson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine