A strong close to the autumn

National and international successes

In mid-November, the Swedish Research Council announced several of its decisions. As many as 25 researchers in medicine and pharmacy at Uppsala University received project or starting grants, totalling around SEK 110 million. Shortly afterwards came news from the Swedish Cancer Society: SEK 143 million for cancer research at Medfarm. This put Uppsala University in third place among the country’s higher education institutions.

It was particularly pleasing that Ingrid Glimelius received a substantial grant for research on early detection of secondary cancer. And as the icing on the cake, I have just received information that two of Medfarm’s researchers, Thomas Dorlo and Xingqi Chen, have each been awarded a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant.

This autumn, the research council Forte has decided on long-term centre grants. Of eleven new centres in Sweden, two went to Uppsala University: Uppsala Centre for Preventive Psychiatry, led by Simon Cervenka, and WHOLE – an interdisciplinary centre for women’s health from a life-course perspective, with Alkistis Skalkidou as principal investigator.

I have just learned that the Swedish Research Council has granted funding for the University’s initiative BioLabX – the Biomedical Laboratory Scientist Research School for eXcellence, led by Dick Wågsäter with colleagues. The outcome was a complete success, with SEK 60 million awarded. This is a significant and very positive development for the future education of biomedical laboratory scientists (BMA).

In November, Clarivate also published its list of the world’s most cited researchers. This year, four come from Medfarm – a clear testament to our research strength. Finally, Per-Ola Carlsson has been awarded the prestigious international Innovation in Science and Technology Award by the organisation Beyond Type 1.

An autumn to build on

As I summarise the autumn, it is clear to me that we have achieved a great deal together. Our researchers and staff have not only contributed to scientific breakthroughs but also strengthened Uppsala University’s role as an internationally leading environment for medicine and pharmacy. At the same time, it is necessary to look ahead. The year 2026 will bring new challenges and opportunities – and I am convinced that, with the energy and creativity within our Disciplinary Domain, we will continue to make a difference for science and society.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your commitment and your work during the year. You make Medfarm the fantastic environment it is. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – and I look forward to continuing this journey together with you.

Mats Larhed, Vice-Rector of the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy