Karolinska Institutet
As one of the world’s foremost medical universities, KI accounts for the single largest share of all academic medical research conducted in Sweden. KI also offers the country’s broadest range of education in medicine and health sciences.
KI celebrated this year’s master’s scholarship recipients at a ceremony
On 15 October, 17 new master’s students who have been awarded scholarships for their studies at KI were recognised. At a joint ceremony, they received their awards from KI President Annika Östman Wernerson and celebrated with friends and family.
The discovery sheds light on the brain’s mysteries: “There is a before and an after”
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries behind optogenetics, a method that makes it possible to switch nerve cells in the brain on and off using light. The technique has given researchers new tools to understand how specific nerve cells contribute to memories, emotions and behaviour.
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel and Karl Deisseroth
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 is awarded for optogenetics — a method that makes it possible to show how nerve cells shape memories, feelings and behaviours in the living brain. Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel discovered a remarkable protein, channelrhodopsin, in a single-celled alga. Karl Deisseroth transformed the protein into a light-controlled switch for nerve cells. The laureates have laid the foundation of a new era in neuroscience.
The Mentorship Programme for students and alumni kicks off
The kick-off for the new mentorship programme for students and alumni at KI was held on 7 October. A total of 20 pairs have been matched and will meet for conversations and to share experiences over the next seven months.
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