They received Region Uppsala’s Research prize

This time, four researchers were honoured for their contributions to clinical research. The awards went to Eva Kosek, Ingrid Glimelius, Johan Sundström, and Maria Jonsson.

At the Vice-Rector’s summer dinner on 12 June, each recipient was presented with a diploma, flowers, and warm applause following the reading of the award citations by Erik Weiman, Chair of the Regional Council.

The 2024 Research prize recipients are:

Professor and Senior Consultant Ingrid Glimelius, at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, is recognised for her research in cancer epidemiology, with a particular focus on malignant lymphomas. Professor Glimelius has established an impressive research profile by combining biological methods, innovative molecular tools, and their clinical applications. Her work has led to revised follow-up recommendations in the Swedish treatment guidelines for Hodgkin lymphoma. Ingrid has received substantial research funding and leads several clinical trials involving new targeted treatments and innovative methods for monitoring treatment response. She is a highly promising clinical researcher; her work is translational and holds significant potential for clinical application, thereby improving patient care.

Professor and Senior Consultant Maria Jonsson, at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, is recognised for her significant contributions to clinical obstetric research. Her work addresses a range of critical issues in modern obstetrics and has had a direct impact on the improvement of obstetric care in Sweden. Maria’s research is deeply rooted in clinical practice and has played a key role in large-scale randomised studies. Her work includes evaluations of the optimal timing and new pharmaceutical agents for labour induction, as well as the effects of episiotomy—all aimed at enabling more evidence-based and safer obstetric care. Many of her studies have contributed to new knowledge and revisions of clinical guidelines in the field. Maria is a nationally and internationally recognised clinical researcher whose work has been pivotal in advancing safe and patient-centred obstetrics. Through her expertise, dedication, and ability to inspire others, she promotes a high scientific standard in obstetrics at Uppsala University Hospital. She is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of researchers and clinicians.

Professor and Senior Consultant Eva Kosek, at the Department of Surgical Sciences, is recognised for her outstanding contributions to clinical pain research, with a particular focus on chronic pain. Eva is a world leader in the field and was among the first globally to document that the nervous system in individuals with chronic pain may function as an amplifier of pain signals, thereby perpetuating the pain. She has published over 100 original articles, which have been cited more than 15,000 times, and her research has contributed to a new international classification of pain. She has also been a driving force in the development of new clinical treatment guidelines. Professor Kosek has received several prestigious awards for her work, including the Roland Melzack Lecture Award from the IASP. Her research has not only academic significance; Eva has a longstanding commitment to patient organisations and places great emphasis on ensuring that research findings are understood by patients and implemented in healthcare.

Professor and Senior Consultant Johan Sundström, at the Department of Medical Sciences, is recognised for his pioneering work in precision medicine, the application of which has significantly transformed the management of high blood pressure worldwide. Johan has published the first clinical trial designed to determine the potential for precision medicine in complex diseases. His research into strategies for identifying individuals suitable for treatment has garnered international attention, and one of his articles has been referred to as “the most important paper in general practice in the past decade”. Johan’s research has greatly influenced all modern clinical guidelines for hypertension. This paradigm-shifting work is expected to have a substantial impact on both clinical practice and future precision medicine research in complex diseases.