Why now?

IMM has a unique role in both academia and society. With a long tradition of strong research, high-quality education and national expert support, the department contributes knowledge and evidence that inform important decisions in society.

At the same time, the conditions for our activities are changing, both within academia and in the wider world. To remain strong and relevant, today and in the future, we need not only to build on our strengths, but also to identify new opportunities and develop our activities in response to changing needs and circumstances.

We have therefore initiated IMM Forward, a joint process to discuss where we stand today, where we want to go and how we can shape IMM’s future together.

During 2025 and 2026, research at KI Solna and KI South was evaluated by international expert panels as part of KIRA. The panel described IMM as a cohesive department with a clear mission and a strong culture, and with a societal impact that extends far beyond what traditional publication metrics can capture.

The panel also noted that IMM has a good understanding of its mission and context, but that this understanding has not yet been fully translated into clearly prioritised and broadly supported strategic choices. The observations of the KIRA panel thus confirmed several of the issues that had already been identified within IMM and that form the basis of IMM Forward.

The process began at the Unit Council meeting on 24 March, where different perspectives were gathered and key questions concerning IMM’s future direction were identified.  

On 23 April, research group leaders and heads of unit met for a full-day session. Together, these two occasions provided a shared picture of the current situation and the issues that four working groups are now taking forward.

These questions have no simple answers. They involve interdependencies, conflicting priorities and uncertainty. The groups are therefore exploring connections and trade-offs before moving on to proposals for solutions to individual challenges.