Cancer Research KI
Cancer Research KI is an overarching umbrella organisation of cancer research at Karolinska Institutet, that includes more than 400 research groups. The aim is to combine cancer research with clinical oncology by bringing together top level cancer scientists from different disciplines, with the goal to aid generating new scientific discoveries that can be rapidly translated into clinical practice for the benefit of patients and society.
The Cancer Research KI missions
Educating
Resources
Photo: n/aWebinar: Clinical Treatment Studies
In this webinar organized by Cancer Research KI in collaboration with Cancerfonden, you will hear three insightful presentations from Karolinska Institutet scientists who were awarded grants from Cancerfonden's special call on Clinical Treatment Studies, aimed at promoting clinical research within cancer
Photo: Lindsten & NilssonTranslational Research: From Basic Science to Early Clinical Trials - Mattias Carlsten
Join Mattias Carlsten, Associate Professor and Head of Development, Education, and Innovation at the Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (CAST) unit, Karolinska University Hospital, as he delves into the latest advancements in translational research.
Photo: n/aThe New National Cancer Strategy - Mef Nilbert
Join Prof. Mef Nilbert, a distinguished medical oncologist and researcher, as she presents the proposed new Swedish Cancer Strategy, "Better Together," at KCCC Day 2025.
News
Photo: Marco GerlingTumour cells exploit damaged tissue in the pancreas
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancer types. A new study from Karolinska Institutet, in collaboration with the Department of Pathology at Karolinska University Hospital, shows that tumour cells grow not only in the connective tissue–rich environment typical of the disease, but also in damaged parts of the pancreas where normal tissue is altered. The findings may provide new insights into tumour development and treatment.
The study is published in Nature Communications. Read more here
Photo: Getty Images.,Getty ImagesKarolinska CCC first in Sweden to renew accreditation
Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center will be the first center in Sweden to receive renewed accreditation. This milestone marks an important step in further strengthening the collaboration between Karolinska University Hospital and KI. Childhood cancer is now also part of Karolinska CCC.
Photo: N/ACancer Research KI PI Retreat 2025 Recap
During February 17th and 18th, 80 principal investigators from 13 departments at KI, both from the Solna and Flemingsberg campuses, participated in the Cancer Research KI PI Retreat in Djurönäset. The participating researchers covered pre-clinical, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research areas. The event featured research presentations, elevator pitches, and, for the first time this year, a session on Personalized Cancer Medicine and Clinical Trials, followed by a panel discussion. Additionally, a Fast-Track Collaboration Challenge was held to foster new collaborations among the participating PIs.
Events, Seminars and Workshops
Photo: n/aIndustry-Academia Collaborations Seminar Series: Academic Collaborations with the Pharma Industry: How to Do It Right!
The next Cancer Research KI Industry-Academia Collaborations Seminar will take place on 22 October 2025 and will focus on Academic collaborations with the pharma industry: How to Do It Right!
Collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry can turn lab discoveries into life-changing therapies and spark new innovations. Why does it matter to you? Because the the right partnerships can advance your science and amplify its impact.
So, how do you build successful collaborations? Join us for an insightful seminar featuring AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), MSD, Roche, LIF (The Swedish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry), and KI, who will share their experiences, challenges, and practical advice on making collaborations successful.
Full programme, location, and registration details can be found here.
Photo: iStock8th Cancer Workshop for Patient Organizations, 23 Oct 2025
The 8th Cancer workshop for patient organizations. The workshop will be held online on October 23, 2025 and will be conducted in Swedish.
During the event, participants will gain insights into cutting-edge research in the cancer field, this year with a special focus on cancers common in men.
More information about the programme and registration can be found here.
Photo: CRKIEn dag för cancerforskning 2025
The 4th edition of the public outreach day, "En dag för cancerforskning", which will take place on 12 November 2025.
Here you will find more information, speakers and program, as well as recordings from previous editions!
Grant Announcements
Photo: Getty ImagesTherapeutic Catalyst Grant
Cancer Research UK Therapeutic Catalyst Awards were launched in late 2021 and have been a great success. The scheme operates as a collaborative venture between research scientists and drug discoverers within Cancer Research Horizons to accelerate the translation of novel ideas for therapeutic discovery. Awards can be up to £250,000 to support a 12–18-month proposal. There are 3 rounds of applications per year held in February, June and October.
Next expression of interest deadline: TBA.
Photo: Getty ImagesChildhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst
Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst accelerates the translation of discovery research into novel therapeutics. It seeks projects with strong potential to deliver novel therapeutics for children and young people with cancer. This scheme aims to de-risk early projects to facilitate further drug discovery research, funding, or partnering.
Successful projects will receive up to £250k for up to 18 months.
Next expression of interest deadline: 10 Oct 2025