Strategic Research Areas
The Strategic Research Areas (SFOs in Swedish) constitute a national initiative in selected fields, determined by the Swedish Government following evaluation and recommendations from the Swedish Research Council. Karolinska Institutet has received funding for several programmes from the first SFO initiative, launched in 2010, and is also proposed to take part in an additional programme under the 2025 SFO call.
From the 2010 initiative, Karolinska Institutet receives funding for SFOs in stem cells, diabetes, neuroscience, cancer, epidemiology, and health care research. In addition, KI was awarded funding for a joint application in molecular biosciences together with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University—an initiative that has since developed into the national research infrastructure SciLifeLab.
In the most recent 2025 call, KI participates through the Institute of Environmental Medicine and the Stockholm Trio in an SFO focused on climate research. The project has been proposed by the Swedish Research Council for funding; however, the final decision will be taken by the Swedish Government, expected in autumn 2026.
About the KI SFOs
Stockholm Centre for Climate Change Transformation (ClimTrio) is a proposed initiative that aims to develop knowledge on how the climate transition can be effective, equitable, and sustainable in the long term. Stockholm University is the lead applicant for ClimTrio. Through KI and the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), the initiative contributes internationally leading research on climate and health, including advanced exposure and health data, as well as expertise on how healthcare systems can become climate-neutral and resilient.
Cancer Research KI (originally StratCan) is an umbrella organisation for all cancer research at Karolinska Institutet and brings together researchers from different disciplines, from cancer biology to clinical cancer research. The overall goal is to generate new scientific discoveries that can ideally be transferred to clinical use.
Strategic Research Programme Diabetes (SRP Diabetes) brings together over 300 researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University. The programme forms an integrated research environment with both basic and clinical research. Researchers and experts from number of disciplines collaborate with the goal of improving care and treatment of patients with diabetes.
Strategic Research Area Epidemiology and Biostatistics (SFOepi) aims to improve human health by addressing the challenges posed by extensive demographic change at the global level. New epidemics, aging populations, climate change, altered lifestyles, and new technology are some of the issues that researchers in the programme are interested in.
Strategic Research Area Neuroscience (StratNeuro) is a collaborative initiative that unites leading researchers across disciplines to advance our understanding of the brain and nervous system. Through cutting-edge research, StratNeuro aims to unravel the complexities of neurological and psychiatric disorders, ultimately leading to the development of innovative treatments and therapies. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating expertise in neuroscience, clinical research, and technology, to address some of the most pressing challenges in brain health. StratNeuro is committed to pushing the boundaries of neuroscience research, positioning Karolinska Institutet at the forefront of global efforts to improve mental health and neurological well-being.
Strategic Research Area Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (StratRegen) aims to support projects and infrastructure within the field, with the vision to improve quality, significance, and clinical relevance of the research. Stem cells play an important role both in the development of tissues of the foetus and in the maintenance and regeneration of the body's tissues in adulthood. Stem cell therapies are established in clinical medicine for malignant as well as for non-malignant conditions and new therapies are constantly being developed.
Strategic Research Area Health Care Science (SFO-V) is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Umeå University. The aim is to strengthen and develop the connection between science and health care providers through high-quality research and activities that promote collaboration, knowledge exchange and social innovation.
About SciLifeLab
SciLifeLab started as one of 20 strategic research areas but has today developed into a national resource to give researchers access to unique technologies and expertise in the field of life sciences. SciLifeLab is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University and Uppsala University, which also serves as host universities for many of the core facilities and technology platforms that SciLifeLab offers.