Research areas at KI
Karolinska Institutet accounts for the single largest share of all academic medical research conducted in Sweden. Our research spans the entire medical field, from basic experimental research to patient-oriented sciences and global health – and can be described in nine overall research areas. We are also a part of the special effort on strategic research areas (SFO) made by the Swedish government.
Cancer and Haematology
Karolinska Institutet is at the forefront of cancer research in both Sweden and internationally. Our research encompasses all areas within the research field, from the examination of molecules to the study of large demographic groups
Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology
These research areas investigates structure and funktion of the cell, both normally and pathologically. Research involves the study of genes and their expression, as well as proteins and other organic substances in the living cell.
Circulation and Respiration
Research into circulation and respiration deals principally with the heart, blood vessels and lungs. It spans several important medical fields and diseases which impact significantly on both individuals and society.
Developmental Biology, Reproductive, Regenerative and Reparative Medicine
Within these research areas everything from cell-growth regulation and stem cells to biomaterials and new methods of repairing damaged tissue are studied. Research also concerns for example infertility, foetal medicine, and orthopaedics.
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Research into endocrinology and metabolism touches upon many of the most important health problems of our time, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis and hormonal disturbances. The research spans drug metabolism and intensive care to psychiatry and life style issues.
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Sciences
Researchers in epidemiology and public health sciences study how the environment, lifestyle and genetic factors affect health and the aetiology of disease. This knowledge is used to create methods and approaches for the prevention of disease and ill health.
Healthcare Sciences and Ageing
Health care sciences include studies in a number of disciplines such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, ageing, and health economics. Studies at KI can be applied to such widely-separated areas as cancer, dementia and musculoskeletal problems, as well as defined sub-sets of the general population.
Immunology, Infection, Inflammation and Microbiology
These four research areas are closely connected. The immune system protects us against infections caused by microorganisms. Immune responses also cause inflammation, involved combating infection as well as causing chronic inflammatory diseases.
Neuroscience and Mental Health
Neuroscientists at Karolinska Institutet strive to make fundamental discoveries about nervous system function, to teach and train the next generation of scientists and clinicians, and to translate research findings into improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.