HELIX
A knowledge ecosystem between Sweden and Brazil in life science and health
Photo: N/AAbout Helix Discover how Helix is building a long-term platform for Sweden–Brazil collaboration in life science and health, connecting research, education, mobility and innovation
Why this matters
Photo: Annie ÅsbergResearch
Brazil has one of the largest life science and health research systems in the Global South. Helix connects it with Swedish strengths in translational research, health data and clinical trials
Photo: PixabayEducation and mobility
Doctoral students and early-career researchers spend extended periods in the partner country, whether at a university, a hospital or a company. A clear route back into their home system turns the stay into a lasting connection, for the individual and for the institutions involved.
Photo: Pete Linforth/PixabayInnovation
Helix is a way into both countries’ innovation ecosystems. Swedish researchers and companies gain a route into Brazil’s research, healthcare and industry networks, and Brazilian partners gain the same in Sweden and Europe. A mobility programme funded jointly by partners from both countries keeps the door open
HELIX Pillars -Three areas of collaboration
Data-driven health and AI
Pillar 1 aims to advance data-driven health and AI by harnessing health data, real-world evidence and digital technologies to improve diagnostics, research and healthcare, supported by responsible and effective data governance.
Translational and clinical integration
Pillar 2 aims to strengthen translational medicine and clinical trial ecosystems by fostering closer integration between universities, hospitals and industry, accelerating the translation of research into clinical practice and innovation.
Health resilience and demographic transformation
Pillar 3 aims to strengthen health resilience and address demographic transformation by advancing research and collaboration in ageing and neuroscience, chronic disease and infectious disease preparedness, contributing to more resilient and sustainable health systems.
Events and news
Sweden Brazil Innovation Week
Join Sweden–Brazil Innovation Week 2026 and connect with stakeholders from Sweden and Brazil to exchange ideas, build partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The week will also provide an important setting for continued discussions and next steps within HELIX.
Partners
Partners
Helix is led by Karolinska Institutet together with Lund University and Halmstad University. In Brazil, universities, research institutes, hospitals and industry take part from Florianopolis to Bahia.