KAW’s goal with this investment is to build a strong research climate in Sweden, creating conditions for the effective utilization of resources and expertise in Swedish Life Science. In collaboration with Lund university and Region Skåne, KAW has established the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), serving as a hub for translational research and regenerative medicine. Through a close partnership between researchers and clinicians, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application.
Focus on Translational Research and Regenerative Medicine at WCMM Lund
At Lund University, KAW’s investment, along with support from Lund University and Region Skåne, has enabled the recruitment of over 20 promising researchers, both clinicians and preclinical fellows. These researchers now form the core of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at Lund University. Together, they work to understand and treat injuries and diseases through advanced research in regenerative medicine.
For the 2025-2028 period, WCMM LU has renewed its commitment to strengthening Swedish medical research. The focus areas include precision medicine and targeted therapeutics, as well as regenerative medicine and disease mechanisms. Now, Region Skåne announce a new call for two clinical research positions with grants from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028. These researchers are expected to contribute to advancing treatments that improve patient outcomes across a wide range of conditions.
Region Skåne: A Key Partner in the Translational Environment
Region Skåne, which manages healthcare in southern Sweden, plays a critical role in integrating research with clinical practice. By providing access to patient populations, clinical resources, and expertise in patient care, Region Skåne facilitates the effective translation of research findings into practical medical applications. This collaboration ensures that medical breakthroughs made within WCMM can quickly be implemented in healthcare, benefiting both the research community and patients.
The partnership with Region Skåne ensures that the research conducted at WCMM aligns closely with regional healthcare priorities, creating a unique environment where researchers and healthcare providers collaborate closely. This integrated environment is essential for fostering innovation and improving patient care across the region.
Support for Young Researchers’ Career Development
The clinical researchers recruited through this call will work part-time and receive financial support covering up to 40 percent of their salary costs, up to a maximum of SEK 500,000. Additionally, they will have access to an operational grant of SEK 200,000 per year (including 10% overhead). In parallel, two experimental researchers will be recruited in the same research areas, fostering an environment where basic and clinical research can intersect seamlessly, covering the entire translational spectrum from "molecule-to-man."
Mentorship and leadership development are central to WCMM LU’s program. By participating in joint activities within the WCMM network, researchers receive support in developing their skills and establishing themselves as leaders in their fields.
Pioneering Research for the Future of Healthcare
The continued investment from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation represents a crucial step towards strengthening Sweden’s position in global medical research. By recruiting and supporting young researchers in some of the most promising research fields, KAW, Lund University, and Region Skåne aim to drive scientific breakthroughs that can lead to new treatments and medical innovations.
It is part of a broader vision to restore Sweden to a leading role in medical research, where national expertise and international collaboration can elevate Swedish Life Science to new heights. With Region Skåne’s support ensuring that research translates directly into patient care, the investment creates opportunities for new scientific insights to improve healthcare and quality of life for people across the country.