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/AQ&A drop-in session with Cancer Research Horizons, 3 December 2025
The next Q&A drop-in session with Cancer Research Horizons will be held on 3 December 2025, 12:30 - 13:30h, online.
During this session, you will get the chance to ask any questions on the grants or other opportunities to work with Cancer Research Horizons.
No registration is needed, just follow the link to join the meeting
Photo: PixabayIndustry-Academia Collaborations Seminar Series 21 Jan 2026: Intellectual Property
Save the date for the upcoming Industry-Academia Collaborations Seminar Series on Intellectual Property, which will take place on 21 Jan 2026.
More details about the programme, location and registration will follow shortly.
Events, Seminars and Workshops
Photo: N/ACancer Research KI PI Retreat 2026
We are pleased to announce that the 3rd Cancer Research KI PI Retreat will take place at the beautiful Sånga Säby Conference Hotel on February 16-17, 2026. This exclusive 2-day meeting is open only to PIs leading research groups/teams within cancer research at KI.
More information can be found here.
Photo: CRKISave the date: XXIII Cancer Research KI Retreat
Save the date for the upcoming XXIII Cancer Research KI Retreat, which will take place on 28-29 September 2026!
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: TBA