Researcher profile: Åsa Konradsson Geuken gives us tools to understand the diseases of the brain

Just a minute... Marcus Wanselius, PhD student at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and national competence center SweDeliver, that Friday 20 October defends his thesis in which he introduces a new method to understand how injected drugs act in the human body.

The SciFest science festival is in full swing in Uppsala and the queues to the Faculty of Pharmacy exhibition stand are long with curious children wanting to learn more about drugs. "Right now I'm building a molecule and soon I'm going to try Virtual Reality. This is super exciting," says Alvina, visiting Fyrishov with her mother.

“It is a fantastic experience to finally see my grandfather's collection,” says Anne-Marie Dale on a visit to her childhood Sweden and Uppsala University, where Julius Swanlund's Pharmaceutical History Collection has found a permanent home in the Faculty of Pharmacy's new Scheele room.

How about a six-week summer internship at one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies? We asked Tilde Hagelin, pharmacy student at Uppsala University, and Frederik Dörr, Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca.

Antibiotic platform ENABLE-2 welcomes two new programmes: the "Ornicidine" programme, a scientific collaboration between Leiden University in the Netherlands and Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland; and the "BamA Inhibitors" programme, based at the German Justus Liebig University Giessen and Fraunhofer IME.

The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates Maria Kjellsson and Sara Mangsbo, newly appointed Professors of Pharmacokinetics and Protein and Antibody Drugs respectively. With these appointments, the Department of Pharmacy is the first department of our faculty to have more women than men among its professors.

Emplicure AB, industrial partner in SweDeliver, receives a SEK 1 million research grant from Vinnova as partial financing of a project with a focus on drug delivery in the treatment of opioid use disorder or pain.

According to the National Board of Health and Welfare's new recommendations regarding hazardous use of alcohol, healthcare shall offer support to people who consume four standard glasses on one or more occasions a month. "If you really want to tackle the problem, focus should be on the age at which an alcohol problem starts," says Fred Nyberg, Professor em. at Uppsala University, in a comment to Swedish Radio.

In interdisciplinary collaboration, researchers and physicians at Uppsala University and the Uppsala University Hospital are looking for new ways to treat primary liver cancer, the second deadliest tumor disease in the world today. "I am convinced that we will deliver results that enable earlier diagnosis and improved survival," says Hans Lennernäs, Professor of Biopharmacy.

“My work at Strike Pharma was a highly educational experience,” states Amanda Gustafsson, master's student with a focus on biopharmaceuticals and one of six future pharmaceutical experts selected for this summer’s internships at the national competence center SweDeliver's industrial partners.

With the conference Tuberculosis in the Baltic region, Uppsala University gathered representatives from more than ten countries on Campus Gotland to focus on one of the biggest threats to global public health. "The meeting provided important energy and hopefully laid the foundation for a new and important tradition," states Ulrika Simonsson, Professor of Pharmacokinetics.

With a virtual intestine and an amped up 3D printer, Christel Bergström is on her way to alter pharmacy as we know it. "We are on an incredibly inspiring journey that would not be possible anywhere but here in Uppsala," she states from her own laboratory in the heart of the Swedish life sciences.

Per Andrén, Professor at Uppsala University has, in collaboration with colleagues at Stockholm University and KTH, introduced a new Spatial Omics method in Nature Biotechnology. By combining the two techniques Imaging Mass Spectrometry, MSI, and Spatial Transcriptomics, SRT, the publication is an important step for research on biological tissue.

The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates Paarkavi Udayakumar and Yuming Zhang, PhD students at the Department of Pharmacy, on receiving awards for outstanding poster presentations at the Controlled Release Society Annual meeting 2023 in Las Vegas.

Farmis invites to annual Alumni meeting 26 september 2023. The meeting will include an exclusive lecture with Agneta Larhed, Senior consultant at RegSmart AB, Alumnus & Industry profile. Participate at Pharmen or online via Zoom. Please pre-register no later than 25 september.

Wednesday 4 October, SweDeliver invites to half-time seminar: Self-assembly of therapeutic peptides with Ellen Brunzell, PhD student at the Department of medicinal chemistry. Half-time seminars with Marco Tjakra, Xiguo He and Rebekkah Hammar will follow during the autumn semester.

You can now register for this year's Scheele Symposium with focus on chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. Confirmed speakers include Sara Mangsbo, the Faculty of Pharmacy, who will present her acclaimed innovation ADAC, and Peter G. Schultz, The Scripps Research Institute (US), receiver of the Scheele Award 2023.

Through the mapping of lipid molecules within the brain, researchers at Uppsala University are contributing crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease. "As the first research team to use MALDI MSI for analysis of lipids in distinct brain regions within an experimental Parkinson’s disease model, we have extracted completely new information," states Ibrahim Kaya at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

“It is extremely important that we can offer our PhD students and postdocs the scientific exchange that NorDoc Summer School enables,” states Grete Dyb, newly appointed chair of the NorDoc Network, during her visit to Uppsala University and the scientific meeting Antibiotics According to a New Generation.

New business models, curiosity-driven research, international action plans or a fair distribution of resources? Opinions about what is required to stop the resistant bacteria diverged when Uppsala University invited to panel Antibiotics: Past. Present. Future.

"Fantastic science in a fantastic environment" and "Immensely successful" are some views on Cerebrovascular Biology 2023: The international conference that in late June brought 360 researchers with a focus on diseases in the blood vessels of the brain to Uppsala University and the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Elin Svensson, Senior lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, receives the 2023 Oscar prize, an award presented to young, promising scientists at Uppsala University who "offers the greatest promise of continued academic writings at the University".

Tuesday 15 August, Vice-Rector Mats Larhed welcomed the participants of the 6th annual NorDoc Summer School to Sweden, Uppsala University and a scientific arena uniting researchers from all over Northern Europe in the search for effective methods to handle the accelerating antibiotic resistance.

At this summer's Almedalen Week, the Faculty of Pharmacy addressed a number of societal challenges with Forum U-FOLD arranging five seminars highlighting, among many issues: drugs, mental illness and gang crime. Now you can see two of them online (Note: Seminars in Swedish).

The Faculty Summer competition is over and three lucky winners will end their vacation in the best possible way: With a novel delivered delivered straight to the hammock.

In the QS World University Ranking 2024, Uppsala University advances ten positions, currently reaching number 24 in the field of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Looking at individual researchers, this year's rankings also provide inspiring reading for the Faculty of Pharmacy, where, among others, Anna Orlova and Ola Söderberg enter the lists of the foremost in their disciplines.

27-29 November, Competence centers SweDeliver and NextBioForm will host the New Horizons in Drug Delivery and Formulation 2023 conference, an international arena where academia and industry meet in Uppsala to present the latest scientific advances in drug formulation and delivery.

With sundrenched students on the BMC lawns and midsummer around the corner, the time has come to sum up our third year as Dean and Deputy dean at the Faculty of Pharmacy. And as always, it's easy to be amazed at the accomplishments of our fantastic researchers, teachers and students.

With a well-deserved vacation just weeks away, the Faculty of Pharmacy strikes with the hottest event of the season: The Summer competition 2023. Three lucky winners will receive a literary prize that will position them as the beach's intellectual giants.

ENABLE-2 expands its project portfolio with Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders, a program based in Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. With this collaboration, the platform takes the step into Europe in its search for new promising antibiotics.

Farm sales of alcohol, Gambling addiction during recession and the role of Artificial Intelligence in facing the challenges of drug dependence are some of the topics in focus for U-FOLD’s seminars at Almedalen Week 2023. "We are traveling to Visby to higlight a number of crcuial challenges," states Mathias Hallberg, Dean at the Faculty of Pharmacy and chair of U-FOLD.

An increasing number of Swedish children and adolescents use prescription drugs to sleep at night, so how can parents and schools help them come to rest naturally? In Swedish Radio's Junior news (Juniornyheterna), ten-year-old Tindra and sleep researcher Christian Benedict talk about routines and fun challenges likely to come in handy before bedtime.

The 2023 SweDeliver Retreat turned out a much appreciated two-part event where the national competence center's junior researchers enjoyed the opportunity to network with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry during a career evening arranged by The Swedish Pharmaceutical Society, followed by a day of research presentations and panel discussions.

With a multimillion grant from the Danish Novo Nordisk Foundation, sleep researcher Christian Benedict will track the daily routines of 240 people for two weeks. One of the questions he hopes to answer is how the infamous evening snack affects the restorative powers of nighttime sleep.

With frontline research and Swedish Midsummer festivities in a Viking environment as an extra attraction, Uppsala University is all set to host Cerebrovascular Biology 2023, the international summit gathering 350 participants from five continents.

Two days in June, researchers and medical professionals from all the Baltic Sea countries gather in Visby at the conference Tuberculosis in the Baltic region • Moving into a new era: An international effort to stop the accelerating spread of the tubercle bacteria in the area.

“That I receive the award for Student Treatment is very much a reflection of the inspiration that interacting with the students gives me,” says Birgitta Hellsing, Administrative Coordinator at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, who together with Anne-Lie Svensson and the Department Board of Pharmaceutical Biosciences receive the Pharmaceutical Student Union's Pedagogical awards 2023.

A friend of SweDeliver is a friend of ours and Apotek Produktion & Laboratorier AB is the company that steps into action where the needs are most evident: As one of Europe's leading manufacturers of extemporaneous medicines, they adapt drugs and technical aids for care recipients with unique needs. Join us for a Q&A with Christina Holmberg, one of two Managers at APL's department for Pharmaceutical Development, about an operation that contributes to both survival and increased quality of life.

“Halfway to my dissertation, a future continued career in academia and the Faculty of Pharmacy definitely seems like an attractive scenario," states Anna Simonsson, PhD student with a focus on developing new methods to administer drugs to the lungs.

Eight teachers at the Faculty of Pharmacy have already been admitted as Distinguished University Teachers (formerly Excellent Teacher) at Uppsala University. The Board of the Disciplinary Domain now welcomes all teachers at our faculty to apply for the title – that includes a salary increase corresponding to that of a docentship.

Just a minute... Göran Alderborn, Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology, who in mid-September inaugurates Pharmaceutical Aerosols, a new course highlighting inhaled drugs that will gather PhD students and researchers from three universities and numerous companies within Swedish pharma.

Margareta Hammarlund-Udenaes, Professor em. and former Dean at the Faculty of Pharmacy, is awarded Uppsala University's Elder Gustaf Adolf Medal in gold for her many significant contributions.

The Swedish Research Council recently invested SEK 30(!) million in the Faculty of Pharmacy's research. Associate Professor Lindon Moodie received SEK 3.84 million for his project Degradation of bacterial target proteins. Join us for a quick Q&A-check on the status of the project.

Alexandra Teleki and Ann-Christin Jacobsen of SweDeliver have received a Best Paper Award for their article Intrinsic lipolysis rate for systematic design of lipid-based formulations, published in the scientific journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research Special Issue May 2023.

In an article published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Göran Frenning and Irès van der Zwaan present new ways to model dissolution of polydisperse powders. The results simplify determination of dissolution profiles and can eventually be included in models for absorption of drugs administered, for example, to the lung.

“The new technology offers fantastic opportunities for pharmaceutical research. Thus, slowing down the ongoing progress might relegate Sweden to an international backwater,” says Per Larsson, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy who in 2022 led a project at Uppsala University's interdisciplinary initiative AI4Research.

Friday 26 May, Uppsala University will hold its traditional Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony, a celebration for those who have received doctorates during the year. This year, the Faculty of Pharmacy promotes seven new doctors, Our Warmest Congratulations to jobs well done!

Ola Söderberg's and Björn Hellman's research groups have received UU Innovation's Attractive Innovation Project Award 2023 for their work with Sloppymerase, the artificial enzyme expected to be of great importance for biotechnological and medical research.

In Swedish Television series Sov Gott, sleep researcher Christian Benedict and program host David Batra accept the challenge to help four famous Swedes with their sleep deprivation. After four prime time Thursday evenings, it is obvious that the duo has created a public education success.

At the Schizophrenia Association's Congress 2023, Åsa Konradsson Geuken, Senior lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, was elected new chair. "I am extremely honored by the trust shown in me by the association," says Åsa Konradsson Geuken.

What goes on at the bank after 3 PM may never be know. Another question that keeps occupying the generations is what's up before 9 AM in the pharmaceutical lab. We set the alarm clock and headed to BMC and the Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry research group. Among the machines we found Jenny Nilsson, PhD student in Metabolomics.

Can you invent new drugs and be a pop star at the same time? Join in as Alice, David, Nadia and Valter, seventh graders at the Uppsala Music Classes, visit Uppsala University's Faculty of Pharmacy to find out if it is true that some of the world's best researchers work in their hometown (English subtitles available).

In an international collaboration, researchers have mapped the process when different viruses reproduce by imitating protein segments and hijack interactions between human cells. The results are published in Nature Communications.

“Sport is not the answer to everything, but it is an effective tool to create dreams, context and fellowship, stated Ian Sirelius, manager for the IK Sirius project Gränslös Fotboll, one of several successful initiatives in focus at U-FOLD's seminar Restart the future.

With funding from the UKRI Medical Research Council, Uppsala University's Faculty of Pharmacy and the Scottish University of the Highlands and Islands along with NHS Highland have initiated a collaboration to implement an environmental perspective when prescribing drugs - and ambitions reach even further.

Life science company Genovis has acquired the patent rights to Sloppymerase, an artificial enzyme developed at Lab Söderberg at Uppsala University's Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences. "We aim to pave new ways for both molecular biology research and cancer therapies," says Ola Söderberg, Professor of Pharmaceutical cell biology.

In August, Uppsala University and KI welcome PhD students from all over the Nordics to the NorDoc Summer School and three days of knowledge exchange and networking. "We offer a program that with theme Antibiotics according to a new generation combines frontline research with education for the future," states Anders Backlund, Vice-Dean for Research Training.

“Congratulations on a perfectly prepared and well-executed conference,” states Dominika Luptáková, postdoctoral fellow at the Czech Academy of Sciences and one of 130 researchers from four continents that participated in the Regional MSI Workshop at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress 27-29 March.

In a new article, Benyamin Naranjani and Per Larsson of SweDeliver, show that decreased peristaltic wave speed can increase the maximum concentration of permeation enhancers and macromolecules at the epithelial surface with 397 and 380 percent respectively.

Tuesday, May 2, U-FOLD returns to the Uppsala University Main Auditorium with Grand Seminar 2023: Restart The Future. With this meeting, the forum initiates the next step in the ongoing process to create a positive environment for our nation's young ones - and the preliminary interest is ample.

Eight out of ten participants in the Complementary Programme for Pharmacists with a Foreign Degree are established on the labor market three years after completing their studies, a report from UKÄ shows. Of these, 93 percent work in a pharmaceutical profession – and the positive statistics seem set to continue.

On Hans Lennernäs’ desk is a christmas greeting, signed by a German patient expressing his gratitude for the cortisol replacement Plenadren, ”The best Christmas gift I ever got”. Despite our time’s frenzy for digital recognition, the card will never reach social media. But chances are it will inspire future pharmaceutical progress.

What can I do to sleep better? And surely I can catch up on sleep during the weekend! As the poster man of Swedish sleep research, Christian Benedict faces both distress and the search for simple solutions. This year he sets sail for television and bookstores to guide us to a good night.

In the fall semester of 2020, the Faculty of Pharmacy launched its newly revised Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy, but in the midst of an ongoing pandemic, the first batch of students had to be welcomed online. Today, almost three years later, the future experts of pharmacy have gathered on campus for R-POPS, a new tradition where the students present their degree projects.

Taking a promising substance the full distance from laboratory to treatment requires large resources. Consequently, rare diseases are seldom first in line when new ideas are tried. Now the Faculty of Pharmacy is joining several European consortia on the outlook for new therapies among well-known drugs.

Addiction can have many faces. Someone hits the bar's outdoor seating already at lunch. Another picks up the mobile phone at every red light. But who is really addicted? And what tools does society have to help before it's too late?

“Being part of the SweDeliver network is a constant source of inspiration,” states Ellen Bruntzell, PhD student at Uppsala University, who in a research project connected to both the Faculty of Pharmacy and AstraZeneca contributes new knowledge about the mechanisms that cause aggregation of peptide-based medicines.

In a laboratory at BMC stands a machine, about the size of a coffee maker but with the potential to fundamentally revolutionize healthcare. "By 2030, we expect to have 3D printers in private homes that will create drugs in accordance to each individual need," says Christel Bergström, Professor at the Department of Pharmacy.

When the first images from Uppsala University's robotic course laboratory reached the Internet, they quickly went viral. Today, the course Laboratory Automation in Life Sciences provides a unique opportunity to build the skills the pharmaceutical industry needs to utilize its investments in the new technology.

Current research shows how pharmaceuticals affect our environment. Now the Faculty of Pharmacy has gathered several key organisations to build sustainable networks between a new generation of experts and their future employers.

19-20 June, Uppsala University welcomes representatives of a number of Baltic countries to Campus Gotland and the conference Tuberculosis in the Baltic region • Moving into a new era. "We want to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation and national guidelines that effectively will limit the spread of tubercle bacteria, says Ulrika Simonsson, Professor of Pharmacokinetics.

With almost 70 high-quality applications from around the world, SweDeliver is facing the pleasant task of selecting the six master's students who during an intensive summer will experience drug delivery research at its very best.

In a new thesis, Vicky Barmpatsalou, PhD student at SweDeliver, introduces new in vitro models to cost-effectively identify which drug candidates are best suited for oral delivery and absorption in the large intestine.

Throughout the winter, Vicky Barmpatsalou, Agnes Rodler, Staffan Berg and numerous other junior researchers at SweDeliver are publishing results that add valuable knowledge to the fields of drug delivery.

How should the Swedish pharmaceutical industry secure access to future competence and attract manufacturing were questions in focus at SwedenBIO's conference 8 February with, among others, Christel Bergström, Uppsala University. Watch the discussion online now.

When UU Innovation presented the 2022 Attractive Innovation Project Awards, quite a few eyebrows were raised. Among the winners were two scientists recreating a 17th-century miracle elixir. Today, Hjärne's Testament is a highly desirable bitter that will soon enjoy pleasant company in the liquor cabinet.

“Everything was just super exciting,” says Alice Mankert, one of four middle school students from Uppsala Music Classes who in early February visited the Faculty of Pharmacy to learn more about frontline pharmaceutical research and also performed a much-lauded rock concert at the Pharmen Student union building.

Thursday 16 March, Alumni Association Farmis invites you to the inspirational series Profiler i branschen (Industry profiles). The first guest of 2023 is Niklas Hedberg, Chief pharmacist at the Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency (TLV) and Chair of EUnetHTA. Welcome to Pharmen and online via Zoom.

“When criminals and gangster rappers lure with status and fast money, we have to tell the truth: These are older criminals who need child soldiers to do the dirty jobs they don't dare to do themselves”, stated police chief Jale Poljarevius in front of a packed Gunne auditorium when U-FOLD highlighted the crime wave that is currently tormenting our country.

For three days in March, researchers from around the world will meet in Uppsala with focus on the latest advances in mass spectrometric imaging, a technique for imaging and analyzing molecular types in sections of biological tissue that is becoming increasingly important in the fields of pharmacy and medicine.

Based on Arne Tiselius' Nobel Prize-winning method for protein separation, Erik Jansson and Jordan Aerts at Uppsala University have developed a cost-effective, less temperature-sensitive technique for separating peptides that is already attracting great interest in the world of science.

In summer 2023, SweDeliver offers highly motivated, late stage master students the opportunity to a 6 week research internship with one of our 16 industrial partners positioned in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Belgium. Submit your application no later than 21 February.

“We welcome the great international interest shown in our platform", states Anders Karlén, coordinator of ENABLE-2 that in a recent call for proposals received applications from six European countries.

The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates students Samia Mohammed to Sveriges Apoteksförening's Award and Agnes Morén to Medical officer of health Per Manell’s Prize that were presented at the Faculty Student Symposium 13 January 2023.

“Carrying out my scientific Degree project has been a very valuable educational experience,” states Rita Sabah, student at Uppsala University's Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy and one of all who presented their Degree projects at the Faculty of Pharmacy's traditional Student Symposium.

Monday 6 February 2023 we will film Faculty of Pharmacy • The Movie at Uppsala Biomedical Centre. Of course, we want as many students and employees as possible to star in the film, so Save The Date and join us on the set for a fun-filled experience!

In November, Richard Bergström, Uppsala University Alumnus of the Year 2022, visited the Biomedical Centre to give the lecture "Vaccinsamordnare – i korsningen mellan industri, politik och folkhälsa". Now you can watch the lecture in its entirety online.

Wednasday 1 February, U-FOLD and Uppsala University invite you to a regional gathering against the major challenges that mental illness, violence and drugs pose to our society. Jale Poljarevius, Uppsala Police Department, and Anita Hussénius, National Centre for Knowledge on Men's Violence against Women, will participate at the meeting.

With only two days until christmas, it is time to summarize our Faculty’s 2022. Few knew what awaited when we after the pandemic and somewhat bewildered returned to our labs and lecture halls. But looking in the rearview mirror, we can only state that the scenery is definitely worth a moment of reflection.

Greta Hultqvist, Associate Professor and researcher in Protein drug design, receives a SEK 1 million grant from the Alzheimer's Foundation. "My goal is for my research to contribute to future treatments, and with new protein drugs we can make a big impact," says Greta Hultqvist.

Anders Karlén, Professor of Computational Medicinal Chemistry and coordinator of ENABLE 2, and Årets läkemedelsprofil (Pharmaceutical Drug Profile of the Year) Enrico Baraldi discuss Antibiotic resistance - the silent pandemic in a new episode of Lif:s Podden. Antibiotic expert Bengt Mattson and Pod host Amy Havenäng, both Lif, also participate in the conversation (note: pod in Swedish)

The Christmas gift competition is over and three co-workers will finish 2022 in the best possible way. Our Faculty Santa's regular delivery time is 1-3 working days, which applies to all shipping options, so we dare to promise that the gifts will be delivered in time before your well-deserved holiday leave.

With funding from Horizon 2020, European consortium DRUGtrain is exploring if available drug molecules also have a therapeutic effect against the currently incurable kidney disease ADPKD. "Our goal is to identify how existing drugs will work against ADPKD and thereby contribute to new treatment options," says Alina Meyer, PhD student at Uppsala University.

Just a minute... Per Andrén, Professor of Mass Spectrometry Imaging and head of Uppsala University's MSI facility that in December consolidates its position among the world’s foremost when installing a new instrument that will add significantly increased capacity.

“Our research shows how one sleepless night is enough to affect our metabolism and ability to assess other people's emotional state, which in turn can be of great importance during shift work,” states Lieve van Egmond, PhD Student with a focus on what sleep loss can do to our health.

ENABLE-2 receives continued funding from the Swedish Research Council, now allocating SEK 25 million to the platform's second year of operations. "We are about to open a second call in order to complement our portfolio with additional projects," says Anders Karlén, Coordinator of ENABLE-2 and Professor at Uppsala University.

Sweden Inhalation Network works to give a new generation of Swedish researchers access to leading expertise in pulmonary drug delivery. On Thursday 15 December, the network will present their operations and future initiatives at the SweDeliver and NextBioForm webinar series.

Just a minute... Alexandra Teleki, researcher with a focus on pharmaceutical nanotechnology and Center co-Director of SweDeliver, that in January 2023 will join as the only non-American member of the Particle Technology Forum executive committee.

With glühwein and a well deserved vacation just weeks away, the Faculty of Pharmacy strikes with the most anticipated event of the year: The X-mas Gift Competition 2022. Three lucky winners will receive a most precious present that will add at least one silver lining to their holiday season!

“The project's close ties and relevance to the industry was what first drew my attention to SweDeliver,“ states Julia Parlow, PhD student at the Department of Medicinal chemistry, who is currently developing a method to study the factors affecting the transport of biologics from subcutaneous injection site to absorption site.

SweDeliver continues to receive top marks for its successful research program and building of new networks and expertise for future drug delivery. This time from main financier Vinnova, emphasizing, among many things, the efficient collaboration that characterizes the competence center.

Bringing a PhD thesis and a grant, sleep researcher Christian Benedict left his native Germany for an unwritten future at Uppsala University. Just over a decade later, he is leading his team along the frontline of one of the world's hottest fields of science.

In The Fight against Antibiotic Resistance, the new episode of Forskarpodden, Anders Karlén, Professor and Coordinator of ENABLE-2, and Dan I Andersson, Professor of Medical Bacteriology, discuss the current efforts at Uppsala University to fight the challenges of accelerating antibiotic resistance. (Note: Pod in Swedish)

As the scientific voice in the often emotionally driven debate about drugs and addiction, Fred Nyberg is in demand far beyond Sweden's borders, but also often endures criticism from drug liberal forces. "The spotlight can be demanding, but over time you learn to choose your battles," states the 77 year old and still going strong Senior Professor in Biological Research on Drug Dependence.

Immunotherapy against tumors, Studies of how DNA damage generates cancer cells and Cell profiling in a robotic laboratory are in focus as the Swedish Cancer Society allocates SEK 7.2 million to three promising research projects at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

A survey at Uppsala University shows that mental illness is more widespread among university students than professionals of the same age. Now the Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine is empowering all its employees with the knowledge and tools to provide first aid in acute mental crisis.

The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates Luke Odell on his promotion to Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Uppsala University. “Research is a joint effort, so this is a recognition that our entire team can take pride in,” states Luke Odell.

The Swedish Research Council is allocating SEK 30 million to eight researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy. Congratulations to Per Andrén, Georgy Bakalkin, Thomas Dorlo, Lena Friberg, Margareta Hammarlund Udenaes, Lindon Moodie, Luke Odell and Anna Orlova on well-deserved grants.

“We want to offer an environment that inspires exciting encounters between students and pharmacists from all over Sweden,” says Josef Edelsvärd, chair of the Pharmaceutical Student Union that is currently launching the new meeting place Alla Farmaceuters Hus.

“Many pharmacy customers need guidance towards a healthier lifestyle, and meeting these demands relies both on the frontline workers in the pharmacies and continued excellence from Sweden’s educational institutes to train the next generation”, states Monika Magnusson, new CEO at Apotek Hjärtat and committed alumnus of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

A new PhD course, scientific presentations and journal clubs were only a few of many suggestions for future activities when the PhD students at Research Track Neuroscience gathered for a workshop at Gimo Herrgård. "This meeting was both productive and of great importance," states track leader Åsa Konradsson-Geuken.

Throughout the autumn of 2022, U-FOLD is initiating, arranging and engaging in several high-profile arenas, including the Nordic meeting on opioids, bringing together more than 100 representatives from five countries to Uppsala in September. Currently, the forum is preparing for Sigtunadagarna 16-17 November.

Lack of effective analytical tools to assess the safety and effectiveness of new vaccines often consumes unnecessarily large resources. In a new PhD thesis, Lars Geurink applies Capillary Electrophoresis and Analytical Quality by Design to develop CE tests with potential to enable better and more cost-effective vaccines.

The Faculty of Pharmacy is awarding honorary doctorates to Richard Bergström, former national vaccine coordinator, and Siew Chai, Associate Professor at Monash University. The promotion will take place in the Uppsala University Main Auditorium Friday 27 January, 2023.

“My work in SweDeliver has given me a broader perspective on drug delivery,” states Ann-Sofie Persson, researcher in Pharmaceutical Technology who has remained involved in the National Competence Center since the 2017 launch of predecessor Swedish Drug Delivery Forum.

Olof Eriksson, researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy, is the receiver of the Johnny Ludvigsson Award 2022 and SEK 50,000. "Winning this award makes me feel that you can really make a difference for all the families out there who live with type 1 diabetes," says Olof Eriksson.

During summer and autumn, Ires van der Zwaan, Marcus Wanselius, Ann-Christin Jacobsen and numerous other junior researchers at SweDeliver are publishing results that add valuable knowledge to the fields of drug delivery.

SweDeliver fulfills the high expectations and is well equipped to reach its goals, states the Competence Center's Scientific Advisory Board in a new evaluation of the ongoing collaboration between Uppsala University and 16 pharmaceutical companies.

In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University show how specially designed nanoparticles pave the way for oral delivery of biological drugs. "That the particles are absorbed in large quantities in the intestinal cells may facilitate medication for patients that have to inject their biological drug," says Patrik Lundquist, researcher in Drug Delivery.

With a unique collection of patient samples, researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy are searching for subtypes of the antibody ACPA that contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. "If we succeed, our next goal is to develop a substance that blocks the growth of the antibody and can stop the disease at an early stage," says Camilla Eriksson.

National platform ENABLE-2 continues to expand its project portfolio with a fifth development program in order to assist Thioredoxin Systems AB throughout the development of their EbsArgent product.

A new study from Uppsala University shows that using a weighted blanket at bedtime increases melatonin in young adults. This hormone increases in response to darkness, and some evidence suggests that it promotes sleep. The findings are published in the Journal of Sleep Research.

Thursday 6 October, U-FOLD, Region Uppsala and the Uppsala County Administrative Board are organising in-depth seminar Narcotics - injuries and consequences. The program will include a presentation from Fred Nyberg, Professor em. in Biological Research on Drug Dependence at Uppsala University. (Note: Seminar in Swedish)

With over 5 million euros in funding from Horizon Europe, new knowledge consortium GENEGUT will develop an RNA-based therapy against inflammatory disease in the gastrointestinal tract. "It is inspiring to take on a challenge with such extensive medical needs," says Per Artursson, Professor of Dosage Form Design.

Biological drugs have an increasingly important function in healthcare, but despite numerous years of research, physicians often lack effective methods to give them as tablets. In a current PhD thesis, Staffan Berg presents new knowledge about how permeation enhancers and correct release profile can increase the absorption of biological drugs in the blood when delivered orally.

Farmis invites to annual Alumni meeting 4 October 2022. The meeting will include an exclusive lecture with Monika Magnusson, the new CEO of Apoteket Hjärtat. Participate online via link. Please pre-register no later than 3 October.

A robot that prepares cytostatic infusions, drugs designed for children with severe illnesses and elderly patients who avoid unnecessary readmissions. With the investment in clinical pharmacy, Uppsala University Hospital has an almost unique strengt that is generating great value for both Region and patients.

After last year's online event, the Faculty of Pharmacy was finally able to welcome a new generation of pharmaceutical experts to ULLA Summer School 2022, and the experience received high marks from its international guests.

Utilizing a synthetic peptide developed at Uppsala University, researchers at KI have identified an alternative method to prevent and treat infection during care with urinary catheters. "If we reach clinic, this can generate great benefit for both patients and healthcare," states Ulf Göransson, Professor of Pharmacognosy.

September 14-15, the conference Translating PKPD - (Retro)Perspectives brings the world of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics to Uppsala University. "It is inspiring to welcome such a significant part of our scientific field,” says Irena Loryan at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

SciLifeLab and the Faculty of Pharmacy receive key positions as the EU invests 25 million euros in a European platform to enhance repurposing of medicines. "To bring a promising idea all the way to a clinical study is a complex journey, with REMEDi4ALL we can create completely new conditions," says Ola Spjuth, Professor at Uppsala University.

Antibiotic resistance, Innovations and Design Thinking were on the agenda when the Faculty of Pharmacy welcomed young researchers from six European universities to the TIPAT Summer School 2022. "Organizing an event like this generates great values," says Iris Minichmayr at the Department of Pharmacy.

Three centuries after the scientist and alchemist Urban Hjärne created his imaginative universal medicine, two Swedish researchers have reconstructed Hjärne's Testament as a digestif – and connoisseurs are giving two thumbs up.

“My mission is to replace prejudice and fear with knowledge and curiosity,” says Åsa Konradsson Geuken, researcher and lecturer with a focus on schizophrenia. A mental disorder that affects approximately one percent of the world's population, among them Åsa's older brother Mats.

“Receiving the BiotechBuilders Award 2022 provides valuable inspiration and hopefully contributes to consolidating Uppsala's and Biopharmaceutical’s places on the Swedish Life Science map,” states Sara Mangsbo, research director in immuno-oncology at Uppsala University.

This year's Educational Days at the Faculty of Pharmacy gathered a record number of participants and were characterized by a very positive atmosphere. "The feeling is that we are better equipped for the start of the semester than we have been in many years," states Deputy Dean Anja Sandström.

Hans Lennernäs, Professor of Biopharmaceutics, has been awarded a Humboldt Research Award by the German Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung. The prize money, 60,000 euros, will partially finance a Swedish-German study aiming to develop new drugs for chemotherapy against cancer.

“This is the best course I have taken during my entire PhD,” states a participant at the Uppsala Pharmacometrics Summer School, every August gathering doctoral students from all over the world. "This year's summer school is our biggest to date," says Mats Karlsson, Professor of Pharmacometrics.

The 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities is official: Uppsala University continues to climb in the field of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and now ranks 23rd in the world. "This is yet another acknowledgment that our determined work is fruitful," states Mathias Hallberg, Dean at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

A new study shows that long-read sequencing enables earlier detection of resistance mutations during treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. The method is already implemented at the Uppsala University Hospital after a successful collaboration with Uppsala University and SciLifeLab.

With MolBoolean, researchers at Uppsala University are introducing a new method which can extract more information from cell and tissue samples than previously possible with the help of fluorescent staining of both proteins and complexes. The tool is presented in Nature Communications and is expected to provide important value to both cell research and cancer care.

Fred Nyberg, Professor em. and Senior Advisor in U-FOLD, was named Founder's Awardee at the 2022 International Narcotics Research Conference (INRC) Annual Meeting in Valencia. This recognition is presented to individuals who have a made a sustained and substantial contribution to the science upon which the conference is based.

You can now nominate your candidate for the Scheele Award, the Swedish Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences prize acknowledging prominent pharmaceutical researchers whose discoveries are important for pharmaceutical development and drugs of the future.

The Swedish Pharmaceutical Society announces available scholarships for, among other things, participation in conferences, courses and Postdoc or research stays abroad. Students can apply for a travel grant to conduct a degree project. Welcome with your application no later than 31 October 2022.

Ing-Marie Wieselgren, National coordinator for psychiatric issues at The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), has passed away at the age of 64. Ing-Marie leaves behind a void that is difficult to fill, and we who had the privilege of working with Ing-Marie remember her with gratitude.

The summer calm is gradually finding its way back to BMC after yet another academic year characterized by hard work and loads of it. But whenever the burden may seem like the new normal rather than an exception, it is important that we sometimes take the time to look around at everything we accomplish. The view is magnificent!

“With the launch of two Program Committees, we further increase our potential to provide our Degree programme students the best possible starting point in their future careers,” states Fredrik Jernerén, newly appointed chair of the Committee for the Bachelor of Science Programme in Pharmacy.

The Faculty summer competition is over and three lucky winners will end the academic year in the best possible way: Signed copies of Christina Wedén's Truffles - food for gods, gotlanders & hogs are on their way!

Reza Shariatgorji, researcher at the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, is awarded the Berzelius Silver Medal by the Swedish Mass Spectrometry Society for his important contributions to Swedish mass spectrometry.

“Being a SweDeliver junior researcher, you often interact with companies in different sizes, countries and focus areas. To me, this is providing many important opportunities to develop my skills in scientific communication and project management, says PhD student Maryam Tofiq.

During the spring and early summer, Staffan Berg, Vahid Forooqi Motlaq, Ann-Sofie Persson, Maryam Tofiq and numerous other junior researchers at SweDeliver are publishing results that add valuable knowledge to the fields of drug delivery.

Meet Center directors Christel Bergström, SweDeliver, and Cecilia Persson, AM4Life, in a special edition of STUNS podcast Speed of life, discussing the possibilities and challenges that come with coordinating world leading research and competence centers.

“Receiving the Student Council's Award for Student treatment gives important inspiration,” says Björn Wettermark, Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology, that together with Emma Lundkvist and Malin Nilsson Broberg receive the Pharmaceutical Student Union's Pedagogical awards 2022.

With a well-deserved holiday just weeks away, the Faculty of Pharmacy invites you to this summer's Book Competition. Three winners will receive a signed copy of Truffles - food for gods, gotlanders & hogs: Christina Wedén's popular scientific summary of the history of truffles, spiced with an inspiring collection of recipes by Norbert Lang.

“As long as disaster does not strike with full force, many prefer to look elsewhere,” says Anders Karlén, Professor of Computer-Aided Drug Design, who after coordinating the European flagship ENABLE now continues the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the framework of the international platform ENABLE -2.

Godsent, the devil's invention or simply a mushroom that puts a golden lining on the dinner table? 25 years after Christina Wedén found an unexpected culinary treasure in the Gotland soil, she is one of the world's foremost experts on truffles. This summer, she returns to Visby to lead a university course on the much-coveted delicacies.

Malin Aschan Eriksson receives the 2022 Per Manell award for best presentation of a master thesis at the Faculty of Pharmacy Student symposium. Mustafa Mohamad wins the Pharmacy Association's award for best degree project at undergraduate level.

For six years, the Per Manell Award has provided the students of the Faculty of Pharmacy the opportunity to become acquainted with the European pharmaceutical industry. Now you have the opportunity to contribute to a fund for the survival of the award. Everyone, including companies and organisations, is welcome to donate and no sum is too small.

“We are now fully focused on bringing our ADAC technology to the clinic,” says Sara Mangsbo, Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, who in a new article presents the latest advances in the development of a method with the capacity to open new doors for immune treatments against cancer.

Tuesday 14 June Yassir Al-Tikriti, PhD student at SweDeliver and Uppsala University’s Department of Medicinal Chemistry, will present his thesis Microgels as drug delivery vehicles: Loading and release of amphiphilic drugs.

With the Attractive Innovation Project Award, the researchers behind CoLD Therapeutics are taking the next step in turning their newly developed substances into a pharmaceutical drug against covid-19. "Our project is attracting a lot of attention and the response we receive inspires," says Lindon Moodie, Associate Professor at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry.

On Wednesday 25 May, Uppsala University invites to the second Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony of this spring term. The Faculty of Pharmacy is promoting eight new doctors that have added important knowledge in the field of pharmaceuticals. Welcome to follow the celebration online.

In May, Uppsala University traditionally holds a Doctoral Degree Conferment Ceremony, a celebration for those who have received doctorates during the year. This year, the promotion takes place on both 18 and 25 May, since the January promotion had to be postponed as a result of the pandemic. On 18 May, the Faculty of Pharmacy promoted eleven new doctors, Our Warmest Congratulations to you.

The gambling market, Organised crime and Artificial Intelligence are some of the topics that will be in focus for U-FOLD's seminars at Almedalen Week 2022. "We are travelling to Visby with our strongest program to date," states Mathias Hallberg, Dean at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Chair of U-FOLD.

The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates Bobo Skillinghaug, Lecturer at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and winner of the Biomedicine Programme Pedagogical Award, the Limbiska Priset 2022. "I feel very happy and honored, not least since it is awarded by the students," says the winner.

In early July, Uppsala University’s Faculty of Pharmacy welcomes PhD students and researchers from all over Europe to the ULLA Summer School 22, a unique experience that will bring together the future leaders in international pharmacy.

The SweDeliver national competence center and the new ADAC technology with potential to open new doors in cancer treatment – both based at the Faculty of Pharmacy – take place on the new IVA 100 list, this year focusing on Technology in the service of mankind.

Just a minute… Björn Wettermark and Marie Ekenberg, Professor and PhD student in Pharmacoepidemiology and involved in COST Action ENABLE, the European collaboration for better medication adherence that in May met for the first time in Málaga.

Rankings of universities and individual researchers are gaining increasingly more attention. A high position can attract new students, leading researchers and important funding - and currently the most prestigious rankings offer very inspiring reading for the Faculty of Pharmacy.

“Sweden has the prerequisites we need to compete globally, and with joint strength we can aim even higher,” stated Björn Eriksson, Director General of the Swedish Medical Products Agency, when visiting Uppsala University and the new Faculty of Pharmacy seminar series.

Gear ​​up you department and participate in Hitta ut, this year's largest wellness challenge, where you and your colleagues search for checkpoints in Uppsala and its surrounding areas. In addition to exercise and beautiful views, you have the opportunity to win great prizes.

With May just a few hours away, tulip blossoms are sprouting in the flower beds, the media reports that Uppsala was the first in Sweden to have summer, and the city’s students are preparing for Valborg with extra anticipation. After two years of postponed celebrations, there are many pent-up needs. Personally, I’m looking forward to putting on my student cap on the balcony of Carolina Rediviva, writes Deputy Dean Anja Sandström.

After two decades at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Pär Matsson left Uppsala University for Gothenburg and the Sahlgrenska Academy. Today, he is head of one of Sweden's most exciting scientific initiatives with the potential to take our country to the absolute front line of the pharmaceutical sciences.

SweDeliver continues to conduct high quality research. In the spring of 2022, Vicky Barmpatsalou, Ilse Dubbelboer, Agnes Rodler and Yassir Al-Tikriti are publishing articles that add important knowledge to the field of parenteral and oral drug delivery.

“It was both fun and educational to finally meet everyone and get an overall picture of the ongoing projects," says Rosita Kneiszl Pettersson, PhD student in SweDeliver and one of 30 participants at the SweDeliver Retreat 2022.

With the launch of a new model to calculate optimised bioavailability of subcutaneously administered biological drugs, Ilse Dubbelboer, researcher at SweDeliver, hopes to pave the way for better treatments with injected pharmaceuticals – preferably with Uppsala as her home.

Vår kollega, professor John Sjögren, Mölnlycke, har avlidit i en ålder av 89 år. John lämnar ett tomrum efter sig som är svårt att fylla, och vi som hade förmånen att under lång period samarbeta med John minns honom med tacksamhet.

With high-quality ADME-profiling, UDOPP provides Sweden's pharmaceutical researchers the data to decide whether their molecules are ready for the next level. The platform has already paved the way for numerous high impact publications and new companies, but now the team identify challenges along the horizon.

Just a minute… Anja Sandström, Deputy Dean for first and second cycle education, who has a central role in the Faculty of Pharmacy's ongoing strengthening of its organisation working with the Master and Bachelor of Science Programmes in Pharmacy.

“Sweden has a very distinctive voice in antibiotic matters that both the EU and the world listen to, and we must use it," states Malin Grape, Swedish ambassador against antimicrobial resistance and alumnus at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

“It is fantastic that Uppsala University provides its students, not least us from other countries, this extraordinary opportunity, states Jessica Mahajan, Master's student in Drug Development and one of six students selected to do a summer internship at SweDeliver's industrial partners.

Professor Abba Jeremiah Kastin, American researcher and Honorary doctor at Uppsala University's Faculty of Pharmacy, has passed away. He died peacefully in his home in Sedona, Arizona, at the age of 87.

FDR welcomes all doctoral students to the PhD Day 29 April 2022 with focus on: Project Management, Planning and Prioritisation, and Stress Management – one of several activities that await in the spring before a new board takes over, writes Rosita Kneiszl Pettersson, chair of FDR.

Starting in the spring of 2022, SweDeliver will offer students the opportunity to do degree projects at one of the center's 16 industrial partners. "This is a good way to further strengthen the ties between academia and industry," states Jonas Fagerberg, Head of Pharma R&D at Disruptive Pharma.

The complementary programme for pharmacists with a foreign degree has proven a great success that contributes valuable competence into the Swedish labor market. This autumn, Uppsala University will expand the education with a language semester that will provide participants with important tools in their future profession.

Now you have the opportunity to nominate a colleague for Uppsala University's innovation prize Hjärnäpplet, which draws attention to contributions to translate valuable knowledge into innovation and sustainable benefit. Welcome with your nomination no later than April 24, 2022.

Researchers and doctoral students, apply now to the UU Innovation Mentor Programme to get an extra boost in your utilisation projects. Welcome with your application no later than 30 April for the opportunity to be awarded a place in the programme for the autumn semester 2022.

Every year on 24 March, World Tuberculosis Day is commemorated with the aim of raising public awareness of the consequences of tuberculosis, a disease that is primarily treated with a combination of antibiotics, but with increasing antimicrobial resistance mortality rates are increasing in several countries.

The Swedish Research Council's investment in ENABLE-2 has, with support from Vinnova, launched with four projects that are considered very promising in the pursuit for new antibiotics. In the first round of admissions, two projects from Uppsala University, and one each from Linköping University and the biotech company QureTech Bio AB were selected for development.

In a study of insects in the Fyris river, researchers identified traces of 33 different pharmaceutical substances. "In combination, these substances can give unexpected and amplified effects that, when they reach further up the food chain, might also affect us humans," says Emelie Sedvall, PhD student at Uppsala University.

Mikael Engskog and Lindon Moodie, the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, and Madlen Hubert, the Department of Pharmacy, have been promoted to Associate Professors at Uppsala University. The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates all three to their much deserved appointments!

Per Manell, pharmacist, entrepreneur, Medical officer of health and one of the Faculty of Pharmacy's most highly profiled alumni died in Uppsala on 4 March at the age of 73 years. “Per Manell was a driving spirit and a true source of inspiration. He will be deeply missed,” states Mathias Hallberg, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Not even frontline pharmacists have a full overview of the long and winding road from new substance to finished pill. If the medicine is also to accomplish its task in a sick body, an extra map is required. With digits and self-learning machines, Ulrika Simonsson, Professor of Pharmacokinetics, shows the way to more effective drug development and treatments.

ULLA, the European University Consortium for Pharmaceutical Sciences, is welcoming our tenth member: the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Geneva. The School joined ULLA as full member 1 January 2022.

Just a minute… Christel Bergström, Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and co-founder of Enphasys AB, one of 50 European companies that receive 75,000 euros in the European Union's new initiative Women TechEU, drawing attention to startups with women at top.

With the launch of several new freestanding courses, the Faculty of Pharmacy takes a central position in the government's prioritised work to strengthen and develop competence supply and lifelong learning.

With its new innovation and entrepreneurship award, Uppsala University recognises researchers, students and alumni who have made a crucial contribution to the successful commercialisation or implementation of discoveries and innovations, based on research or education at our university. Welcome with your nomination no later than March 20, 2022.

With Flash-comet, researchers at Uppsala University is introducing a faster and more cost-effective technology to locate DNA strand breaks in single cells. "We firmly believe that Flash-comet has the potential to revolutionize our field, and are now in talks with a potential European partner to via in-depth cooperation take our technology to the market," says Björn Hellman, Professor of Toxicology.

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed two new substances that show positive results for early detection of metastases in prostate cancer. "If only one of our two leads is successful, we hope to be able to help all men suffering from prostate cancer to longer and better lives," says Anna Orlova, Professor at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry.

All PhDs students at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Uppsala University are invited to participate in the qualifying round for a competition where you present your research in a maximum of three minutes. The competition is organised by the Coimbra international network.

Immunotherapy using biological drugs is a powerful method to fight cancer. For example, vaccines against cancer are being developed that can activate the body's immune system and be used against several different types of cancer. Sara Mangsbo, research director in immuno-oncology, tells how it works in a new episode of Uppsala University's Research Podcast “Forskarpodden”.

The Swedish cityscape is increasingly dominated by pharmacies and advertisements for online doctors. Access and diversity or a playground for entrepreneurs – opinions differ, but what does science say? Uppsala University is currently investing in research environments in Social pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology to help find the right path for the future.

For thousands of years, man has explored the earth to find new tools for health care. When climate change suddenly threatens to eliminate entire ecosystems, hope is set for last unknown outpost of our planet.

The Pharmaceutical Doctoral Student Council launches a well-stocked program for the spring semester 2022, including the PhD Day on 29 April where doctoral students from both the faculty of pharmacy and medicine are welcome to join. Apart from that, regularly faculty meetings, election of a new FDR board, and a Pub Quiz together with the Medicinal Doctoral Student Council are planned. 

The Faculty of Pharmacy is at the forefront of the development of new biological drugs. In the autumn of 2022, the researchers will turn their expertise into a new Master's Programme that is already among Uppsala University's most popular.

July 2–9, the Faculty of Pharmacy will be at the center of European pharmaceutical research when Uppsala University hosts the ULLA Summer School. "I am sure that we will all experience a unique summer school that adds important values ​​to both tradition and future,” says Ulf Göransson, Professor of Pharmacognosy.

Which teacher at the Faculty of Pharmacy has made the most outstanding contributions in undergraduate education? Nominate your candidate for the Uppsala University Pedagogical Awards 2022 no later than 17 March.

Sponges were likely the earliest living animals on our planet, thus containing important clues about the evolution of humans. In a new thesis, Karin Steffen has as the first researcher ever mapped the genome of Geodia barretti, a complex creature from the deep of the North Atlantic.

“In six years, I hope that we have brought a number of variations of antibacterial nano particles close to clinical studies,” says Lena Friberg, professor at one of four research environments that within a new interdisciplinary initiative will develop treatments for lower respiratory tract infections caused by resistant bacteria.

SweDeliver and NextBioForm will continue their joint webinar series through spring 2022. The program offers a wide range of topics and presentations from our junior researchers. Welcome online for next webinar 3 March.

Just a minute… Betty Lomstein Pedersen, Lead scientist at Ferring Pharmaceuticals and new Co-Lead in competence center SweDeliver's Oral Drug Delivery Work package, who identifies an environment with fundamental research of both high quality and industrial relevance.

National competence center SweDeliver is now recruiting two PhD Students in Molecular Pharmaceutics. Welcome to submit your application no later than 18 February 2022.

Vad har Thomas Mann och hans närmast romantiska syn på sjukdom att säga vår hälsovurmande tid där stegräknare och nätläkare aldrig är mer än ett klick bort? En hel del visade det sig då Konst Läkekonst återvände till Akademiska Sjukhusets Grönwallsal efter två års ofrivillig pandemiexil.

Eight teachers at the Faculty of Pharmacy have already been admitted as Distinguished University Teachers (formerly Excellent Teacher) at Uppsala University. The Board of the Disciplinary Domain now welcomes all teachers at our faculty to apply for the title – that includes a salary increase corresponding to that of a docentship.

Alumni association Farmis once again invites you to the inspiration series Profiler i branschen (Industry profiles), where we meet exciting persons in pharma. The first guest of 2022 is Linn Mandahl, pharmacist and CEO of pharmaceutical company AbbVie. Join via Zoom on Wednesday 9 February.

Studies of the medical effects of cannabis are growing in scope, still we lack sufficient knowledge. Therefore, all discussions about legalisation and decriminalisation must be preceded by genuine and extensive research, states Fred Nyberg, senior professor at Uppsala University.

SweDeliver now offers students the opportunity to do a degree project consisting of 30 or 45 credits at one of the competece center's industry partners. Welcome to submit your application or contact SweDeliver for more information.

SweDeliver industrial partner Pharmetheus has been granted financing by Vinnova for the project Subcutaneous drug delivery: PBPK-QSP model for absorption and anti-drug antibody response. An initiative that will further invigorate the company's commitment in SweDeliver.

In the dialogue about measures against gang crime, violence, mental health problems and suicide, it is not possible to evade the connection to drugs and drug addiction, writes Fred Nyberg, senior professor at Uppsala University.

Post docs, PhD students & Students in the field of pharmacy can now apply for scholarships for research courses, congresses and more. Apply no later than 20 February 2022.

When I sum up 2021, I note another eventful year for the Faculty of Pharmacy. We have developed our teaching, been successful in calls, published high-profile articles, received awards and - not least - contributed to the university's science outreach. The latter being more important than ever at a time when pharmaceutical drugs are on everyone's mind.

The Christmas gift competition is over and three co-workers will finish 2021 in the best possible way. With the WHO's assurance that Santa, despite his considerable age, is immune to all viruses (and hopefully also triple vaccinated), we dare to promise that the gifts will be delivered in time before holiday leave.

ENABLE, the EU initiative for antibiotic development led by Uppsala University, will continue its work in ENABLE-2 with financial support from the Swedish Research Council. "An independent committee have chosen between many interesting project proposals and the platform is now entering operational phase," says Anders Karlén, Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

“There is much to suggest that in the near future we can fight infectious viruses much faster than today”, says Anders Hallberg, medicinal chemist at Uppsala University and member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Science and its expert group, who in a new report summarises current knowledge about covid-19.

With a SEK 30 million grant from the Swedish Research Council, Per Andrén, Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, will lead an interdisciplinary research project that, using Mass Spectrometry Imaging, will develop a new technology for diagnosing dementia in Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

“AI research can quite possibly already have the tools we need,” says Per Larsson, researcher at Uppsala University that, with the help of machine learning, aim to develop methods to calculate the solubility and absorption of oral peptide drugs into blood circulation.

“The diversity that characterizes SweDeliver is inspiring to be part of,” states Irès van der Zwaan, PhD student at Uppsala University’s Faculty of Pharmacy aiming to develop a new system for controlled release of drugs in the lung.

An article published by Rosita Kneiszl Pettersson et al. at SweDeliver showing that permeation enhancers for oral absorption can induce membrane leakiness in a concentration dependent manner, has been selected as ACS Editors' Choice, a program highlighting a limited number of articles from more than 60 peer-reviewed journals.

SweDeliver is preparing to hire summer interns 2022. “Both students and companies that participated last summer were extremely positive, so it is an easy decision for us to develop this concept further, says Center Director Christel Bergström.

The PhD students and postdocs at national competence center SweDeliver continue to conduct studies of very high quality. In the autumn of 2021, Vicky Barmpatsalou, Staffan Berg, Vahid Forooqi Motlaq and Irès van der Zwaan have all presented interesting publications.

Welcome online for the 11th Symposium on Pharmaceutical Profiling in Drug Discovery and Development with themes: New drug modalities & Data driven life sciences. No admission fee. Registration is open.

Anders Thorsted, Postdoc at the Department of Pharmacy, has received the ACoP Trainee Award 2021 at the American Conference on Pharmacometrics, ACoP12.

With glühwein and a well deserved vacation just weeks away, the Faculty of Pharmacy strikes with the hottest event of the year: The X-mas gift competition 2021. Three lucky winners will receive an extra present with the internal mail that will make them the department's most admired employees.

Half a century after Science outreach was written into the Higher Education Act, the researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy are frequently engaged as experts in the media. They contribute knowledge in government inquiries and navigate international collaborations. But how can a young researcher prepare for a career in the limelight?

Richard Bergström, alumnus of Uppsala University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, has been Sweden's vaccine coordinator for 18 intensive months. A position that includes everything from securing national vaccine access to spontaneous selfies with admirers.

Lena Friberg and Siv Jönsson at the Department of Pharmacy have been elected Fellows in the International Society of Pharmacometrics, an international association that promote pharmacometric science and its significance.

Crime can never be crushed, but society can and must offer young people in high risk areas a better alternative than what criminal networks tempt with, was one of several key messages when U-FOLD returned with a packed seminar in the Uppsala University main auditorium.

Hans Lennernäs and Johan Lennartsson, Professors at the Faculty of Pharmacy, receive a total of SEK 4.2 million when the Swedish Cancer Foundation allocates funding for research projects with the greatest potential to contribute to defeating cancer.

U-FOLD is accelerating into its second decade. This week, the Uppsala University forum received the Nordic Drugs Grand Prize 2021 for successful work in addiction issues. On Tuesday 23 November, they are arranging the seminar Gang Crime, Addiction & Belief in the Future in the University main auditorium - and chair Mathias Hallberg expects a fully booked hall.

“The inauguration lectures provide great opportunities to get an easily accessible and up to date overview of what is happening in the BMC corridors,” stated Johan Lennartsson, one of seven new Professors at the Faculty of Pharmacy that in mid-November give popular scientific introductions to their research.

Thursday 2 December, the Faculty of Pharmacy invites all employees to the premiere of a new seminar series. Our opening speaker is Richard Bergström, Sweden's vaccine coordinator and alumnus at Uppsala University. Post-seminar mingle, Free admission and mandatory pre-registration.

From fragile peptides to 3D-printed drugs. From optimised drug dosages to more effective drug use. Tuesday 16 November, the new professors of the Faculty of Pharmacy will give lectures directly from the frontline of pharmaceutical research before the Inauguration of Professors 2021.

Christel Bergström, Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, receives SEK 2.4 million from the Swedish Research Council for the development of virtual intestinal environments that can provide key resources in studies of how drugs will behave in the intestine.

The Uppsala science festival SciFest returns to Fyrishov. 10–12 March 2022, researchers from Uppsala University and thousands of curious schoolchildren and adults will meet for a variety of activities, shows and lectures. As a researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy, you can now register your participation.

Just a minute… Ola Spjuth, Professor of Pharmaceutical bioinformatics and co-founder of Scaleout Systems, the tech company that was created at Uppsala University and now enters Ny Teknik's 33-list of Sweden's most innovative and promising technology startups.

You who are an employee at the Faculty of Pharmacy can now use up to four rollups to profile our faculty's activities in connection with seminars, conferences and other gatherings.

“The fight against gang crime and drugs requires broad societal mobilisation,” states Chief of Police Jale Poljarevius that will participate in Uppsala University's seminar Gängkriminalitet, missbruk & framtidstro (Gang crime, addiction & belief in the future).

”Hiring a SweDeliver intern was a win-win that definitely added value,” states Mattias Springfelter, Head of Pharmaceutical Development at Orexo AB, one of six companies that in the summer of 2021 welcomed a student to experience drug delivery science at its very best.

In October, PhD students and mentors gathered in Uppsala to wrap up the first round of SweDeliver's new mentoring program. Although the pandemic limited most possibilities of interaction, no signs of digital fatigue were to be seen.

With her research on gastrointestinal mucus, Vicky Barmpatsalou, PhD student at SweDeliver, is breaking new ground towards more efficient development of drugs for oral medication and fewer animal experiments in pharmaceutical research.

The Alumni Association Farmis continues its success with the inspiration series Profiler i branschen, where we meet exciting persons in pharma. First guest this autumn is Magnus Lejelöv, experienced and innovative leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Connect via Zoom on Thursday 28 October at 12.00.

With four new courses in drug development, the Faculty of Pharmacy takes an important initiative in Sweden's ongoing investment in lifelong learning. "Our field is constantly moving forward and already ten years after graduation, professional pharmacists should update their skills," says Senior lecturer Per Larsson.

Researchers Per Andrén and Irena Loryan at Uppsala University have presented a new method for building brain maps to investigate the heterogeneity of blood-brain barrier unbound drug transport and intra-brain distribution at-a-glance.

Just a minute… Rosita Kneiszl Pettersson, new Chair of The Pharmaceutical Doctoral Student Council (FDR), which is currently launching a broad and long-term agenda for the faculty's PhD students to work in the best possible environment. First on the list: Taco Night with a twist.

ENABLE, the EU initiative for antibiotic development led by Uppsala University, has received SEK 25 million from the Swedish Research Council to start up ENABLE-2. "We are already accepting project proposals and hope that this investment will inspire more financiers," says coordinator Anders Karlén.

Margareta Hammarlund-Udenaes, Professor Emerita at the Faculty of Pharmacy, is awarded the Rune Lönngren Prize 2021 by the Swedish Pharmaceutical Society for significant contributions in social pharmacy and clinical pharmacy.

With the recruitment of Ola Spjuth's research environment for Pharmaceutical bioinformatics, the national infrastructure Chemical Biology Consortium Sweden establishes a node at Uppsala University. The initiative is a new important step in the ongoing implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Swedish life science.

With a new antibody that binds even the smallest and most dangerous clumps of the beta-amyloid protein that attack the brain during Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the Faculty of Pharmacy hope to enable treatments that will halt the course of the disease.

Margareta Hammarlund-Udenaes, Professor of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, receives the Ariens Award 2021 for her outstanding scientific achievements in pharmacology.

A new generation of pharmaceutical experts has received their diplomas and is entering professional life. Saturday 25 September, the Faculty of Pharmacy held the 2021 graduation ceremony. Now you can experience the event online.

Saturday 25 September, a new generation of pharmaceutical experts will gather in Uppsala University's main auditorium to obtain their diplomas. The Faculty of Pharmacy invites parents, friends, relatives and faculty staff to follow the ceremony online!

Pioneer and portal figure are two attributes often used too lightly. Sometimes it's all the more difficult to avoid them. In 2001, Mats Karlsson was named the world's first Professor of Pharmacometrics. Twenty years and 400 scientific publications later, he has no plans to reduce his efficiency.

In July, the Faculty of Pharmacy hosted ULLA Summer School, the biannual event that brings together the future leaders in international pharmacy. As a result of the pandemic, seven days on site were redesigned to three days online. A challenge that did not prevent the meeting place from becoming a corona-secured success.

While science is making major achievements in gene therapies, common infections are establishing themselves among healthcare's main challenges. And what is the right path for Swedish pharmaceutical research in an increasingly fierce global competition? Join us for a pharmaceutical future exploration with Dag Larsson, senior expert policy at the Lif industry organisation and member of the Faculty of Pharmacy council.

With the launch of national resource Spatial Omics, SciLifeLab consolidates Sweden's advanced position in one of the hottest fields of science. "This gives us the capacity to extract even more detailed knowledge from cell and tissue analyses," states Professor Per Andrén, whose MSI environment is recruited to the new infrastructure.

Testa Center provides Uppsala University’s researchers access to state-of-the-art equipment for drug and bioprocess development. At the webinar "Academic research in the Testa Center – A testing bed for upscaling your biological innovations", you will learn about experiences and success stories. Pre-register now!

OligoNova is a new technology platform for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics, by many seen as a cornerstone in tomorrow's treatments. "This initiative can be of great importance for both Sweden and future drug development," states Kristian Sandberg, head of SciLifeLab's Drug Discovery and Development Platform.

In which areas do you want to improve your competences? In order to map the profession's need for further pharmaceutical education, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Alumni Association Farmis are currently conducting a survey focusing on requests for new courses and formats.

Just a minute & Congratulations… Jakob Haglöf, teacher of analytical pharmaceutical chemistry, educational developer AND Recently appointed excellent teacher at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

A new mouse model, designed by Lab Sara Mangsbo, is already facilitating improved studies of factors contributing to the progression of human bladder cancer and of immune-system activation when the tumour is growing. 

With the course Clinical Trial Methodology, Uppsala University shows the way to a career few pharmacists are aware about. "Five weeks were enough to inspire me to continue exploring the field," says Kristin Augustsson, student at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Joachim Gullbo, alumnus with a pharmacy degree from the Faculty of Pharmacy, receives the Uppsala University innovation prize Hjärnäpplet for his key role in the development of better drugs for cancer.

You, a researcher or PhD student at the Faculty of Pharmacy, can now apply to participate in the UU Innovation Mentor Program. Take the chance to develop your research results into value-creating societal benefit and to build new networks in collaboration with a committed mentor. Apply no later than 30 September 2021.

Farmis invites to annual alumni meeting 27 September 2021. The meeting will include an exclusive lecture with Erik Fredholm, Vaccine Coordinator in the Örebro Region. Participate online via link. Please register no later than 25 September.

You who are employed or a student at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry can now apply for up to SEK 80,000 for equal opportunities projects within the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy. Welcome with your application to the Equal Opportunities Committee no later than 13 September 2021.

SCIFI-PEARL may provide researchers with access to registry data for each person diagnosed with covid-19 in Sweden as well as a comprehensive comparison cohort. "This adds an important dimension to covid research," states Björn Wettermark, Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology.

During the academic year 2020–21, U-FOLD has initiated and contributed to a number of activities. As the pandemic and restrictions will hopefully decrease in scope, the forum announces a selection of meeting places planned for the autumn term 2021.

The Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates Anja Sandström on being promoted to Professor of Medicinal chemistry at the Department of Medicinal chemistry 1 July 2021.

New research shows that hormones from the pituitary gland may contribute to movement disorders caused by brain injury. "Our results suggest that hormone-blocking, body side selective treatments can limit motor deficits, for example, after a stroke," says Georgy Bakalkin, Professor at Uppsala University.

The Swedish Pharmaceutical Society announces available scholarships aimed at PhD:s for participation in conferences and courses as well as for Postdoc stays abroad. Students can apply for a travel grant to conduct a degree project abroad. Welcome with your application no later than 31 October 2021.

In an ongoing eagerness to densify cities and suburbs, there is a great risk to create environments that not only increase the nearness of the desirable, but also greatly reduce the distance to drug suppliers and crime in our courtyards and stairwells, writes Fred Nyberg, Professor emeritus in Biological Research on Drug Dependence.

Andrea Benediktsdottir, PhD student at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, is awarded the Iris Scholarship for aspiring women in Sweden. With the scholarship, Andrea Benediktsdottir will participate in an interdisciplinary course focusing on antibiotics given in Veyrier-du-Lac, France.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for methods to identify new or repurposed drugs as antivirals. Researchers at Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet are now presenting a new screening approach that focuses on the identification of virus-specific morphological changes in virus-infected cells.

Universities and pharmaceutical companies in 13 countries are joining forces in UNITE4TB, an international knowledge consortium that will develop tools for new and effective antibiotic treatments against tuberculosis. "This initiative is necessary to meet the global threat we face," says Ulrika Simonsson, Professor of Pharmacokinetics at Uppsala University.

The summer competition is over and three co-workers can end the academic year in the best possible way. With the WHO's assurance that Santa, despite his considerable age, is immune to all viruses, we dare to promise that the gifts will be delivered in time before holiday leave.

With a hammock and well-deserved vacation just weeks away, the Faculty of Pharmacy strikes with the hottest event of the summer: The book competition 2021. Three lucky colleagues will win a literary masterpiece that will position them as the beach's intellectual giants.

With RISK-HUNT3R, the European Union is gathering forces to develop strategies and animal-free models for improved risk assessment of chemicals. "This is an area we are passionate about," says Per Artursson, in charge of the Faculty of Pharmacy's engagement in the consortium.

SciLifeLab is a national research infrastructure in life sciences with Uppsala University as one of four host universities. Today, SciLifeLab conducts operations at most major Swedish universities.

10-year-jubilar U-FOLD is the receiver of the Nordic Drugs Grand Prize 2021 for conducting research, providing education and raising awareness that has contributed large, positive and national significance to the fields of addiction.

The Behavioral Facility at Uppsala University assists researchers in behavioral sciences in planning, executing and analysing preclinical animal studies. Demand for the platform's services is extensive, but the facility staff identifies additional scientific potential.

In the spring of 2021, the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) conducted a university-wide evaluation in Uppsala. As one of only six environments, the third-cycle education in medicine and pharmacy was selected for in-debth scrutiny – and it is a highly active operation that greeted the review panel, states Anders Backlund, Deputy Dean for Research Training.

“Being able to work as a master's student at Testa Center was an incredibly positive experience that continues to generate value even in my current career,” says Triinu Linkgreim, today a researcher at Swiss biotech company Celonic AG.

With a new method, researchers at Uppsala University want to teach our immune system to identify tumors and create the T cells to destroy them. "It is inspiring to see something so innovative originate in Sweden," says Kristian Sandberg, head of SciLifeLab's Drug Discovery and Development Platform.

Which of your research results have the potential to solve a problem in a new way? Take UU Innovation’s self-test to see whether what you are developing in your research has the potential to create value for others as well.

Congratulations Anne-Lie Svensson, Senior lecturer at the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, who is awarded the Uppsala University Distinguished Teaching Award 2021 for her commitment to constantly developing teaching and creating good conditions for learning.

“Receiving the students' award after this challenging year feels extra great, says Lecturer Christina Wedén who, together with Ulrika Rosenström and Viktor Rognås, receive the Pharmaceutical Student Union's 2021 pedagogical awards.

“All of us students, alumni and employees benefit from committed networking”, states Elin Svedin, chair of Alumni Association Farmis, which in May launched the new digital inspiration series Industry Profiles.

By exploring the aggregation properties of different amphiphilic molecules in microgels, Yassir Al-Tikriti, PhD student at the Faculty of Pharmacy, aims to provide tools and knowledge of importance for future cancer therapies and antidepressants.

“This is a unique opportunity for me”, states Anton Norberg, one of the six highly motivated master students selected by SweDeliver for a summer internship and the opportunity to experience drug delivery science at its very best.

Janssen Pharmaceutica (BE) joins SweDeliver as a new industry partner. With international leading expertise in SweDeliver's research fields, Janssen Pharmaceutica will be an important and dedicated partner to the center.

Just a minute ... Stanko Skrtic, new chair of SweDeliver, whose first impressions of the national competence center – with Faculty of Pharmacy as academic hub – best sums up: great capacity, genuine job satisfaction and high expectations.

In February, Joachim Gullbo, alumnus of Uppsala University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, saw his PhD thesis from the late 1990s result in a new cancer drug in the USA. "A fantastic feeling," he states from his current home in California.

Just a minute… Sofia Kälvemark Sporrong, Professor of Social pharmacy, who in late April was appointed first vice chair of The Swedish Pharmacists Association, a union she became a member of just two months earlier.

It is obvious that the political ambition to put an end to violence against women must also include a scientifically grounded and far-sighted drug policy, writes Fred Nyberg, Professor em. in Biological Research on Drug Dependence.

Uppsala University now offers all employees a site license for Mentimeter: the web application that provides the opportunity to include interactive elements in your presentations and lectures.

Monday 14 June the Faculty of Pharmacy invites to webinar Digitalization, medicine and pharmacy – How well does our education meet future needs? Join online and contribute to the development of pharmaceutical educations to meet future needs.

On Thursday 16 September, the Swedish Pharmaceutical Society and IF's foundation for pharmaceutical research invite you to a webinar with future explorations and retrospective aspects on how Sweden will regain its leading position in the world of pharmaceuticals.

Tuesday 27 April Testa Center will host Lunch webinar Testa Center for Academia – How can Testa Center benefit my academic ambitions? The Agenda is aimed at students, researchers and everyone with an interest in the fields of biopharma and general medicine.

With a new test environment for zebrafish, researchers at Uppsala University and SLU have developed a sophisticated tool for mapping multiple behavioral variables in a single test situation. Now the group presents its first results.

Welcome to the premiere of Alumni Association Farmis digital inspiration series Profiler i branschen. Our first guest is Bengt Julander, pharmacist and healthcare profile. Join via Zoom Thursday 6 May.

Funding is now available for two postdoc exchanges, one hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy or Fauculty of Medicine at Uppsala University, and one by a department at the SLU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science.

The ongoing COMMUNITY study at Danderyd University Hospital shows that every tenth employee who has had COVID-19 still experience problems that affect their quality of life negatively after eight months.

Can BCG vaccine protect us against covid-19? On Thursday 22 April, Ulrika Simonsson, Professor of Pharmacokinetics, will present her work in the international research consortium currently exploring a vaccine to fight the ongoing pandemic. Welcome to join online!

The number of Swedes with some form of gambling disorder is today so large that the government defines it as a public health problem. Now research at Uppsala University shows differences in the brain's reward network between rats that make strategic decisions and those that make the most risky options.

Mary Jeanne Kreek, world-renowned researcher, clinically active professor in the field of addiction at Rockefeller University, NY, and honorary doctor at Uppsala University's Faculty of Pharmacy passed away on the night of Sunday 28 March 2021.

With the upcoming launches of his award winning method to analyse protein activity in cells and a new artificial enzyme, Ola Söderberg, Professor of Pharmaceutical cell biology, aims to provide game changing tools to the fields of cancer research and cell biology.

Welcome to join the new course Advanced cancer biology, 7–11 June, covering important topics in the field of tumor biology. The course is primarily aimed at PhD students, postdocs and researchers. Apply no later than 14 April 2021.

Who among the Faculty of Pharmacy's many alumni do you think best deserves the Alumnus of the Year 2021 award at Uppsala University? You are welcome to nominate your candidate no later than 2 May.

Erik Fredholm, pharmacist in Region Örebro, has seen his working days change along the spread of the coronavirus. Three months have passed since he last took a break. At the moment he estimates that it will take another three months before his next visit to the coffee room.

In the QS World University Rankings, Uppsala University is ranked no. 37 in the world for studies in Pharmacy & Pharmacology. "This proves that our work at Uppsala University gives results, and also gives us important inspiration for the future," says Mathias Hallberg, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

As academic hub in the competence center SweDeliver, the Faculty of Pharmacy is consolidating its already advanced position in drug delivery. Currently a new step is taken with a series of four courses that respond to the field's extensive need for future competence.

In September 2021, Uppsala University will launch the new course Drugs in the Environment, developed in collaboration with the Swedish MPA's Knowledge Center for Drugs in the Environment. The initiative unites a number of leading organisations in order to provide Sweden with long-term tools to meet a rapidly escalating challenge.

The Pharmaceutical Doctoral Student Council (FDR) is the Pharmaceutical Student Union's PhD student council, representing the PhD students at the Faculty of Pharmacy in committees and boards. Our focus is to ensure that all PhD students can complete their studies in a good working environment and under good employment conditions. Now FDR is looking for new board members 2021/22.

The Oscar Prize, one of Uppsala University's most prestigious awards, is given to a young researcher "whose scientific writing is the most deserving and offers the greatest promise of continued academic writings at the University ". Welcome with your nomination no later than March 25.

4-10 March 2021 the SciFest science festival welcomes pupils and adults from all over Sweden to take part in lectures, shows and hands on activities. Of course, the Faculty of Pharmacy's researchers will be online to provide insights into how a drug is developed and utilised.

Olof Eriksson, researcher in translational imaging, is awarded a Project Grant of SEK 1,303,000 from Diabetes Wellness Sweden for his project GPR44 as a PET marker for measuring beta cell mass in human.

Teachers and teaching teams at the Faculty of Pharmacy can now apply for project funding for renewal of education and pedagogical development. The call is for the financial year 2022, but grants may be used from autumn 2021.

96 percent of those who develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 still carry them after nine months shows research at Danderyd University Hospital, Uppsala University and KI. The results are based on the third phase of the COMMUNITY study, examining long-term immunity after covid-19.

The path of the drug from laboratory to patient is long and every year non-optimised medication use costs both human lives and astronomical amounts. Now, Björn Wettermark, Professor of Pharmacoepidemiology, is forming the multidisciplinary clusters than can help turn the tide.

July 6-8, the Faculty of Pharmacy will be at the center of European pharmaceutical research when Uppsala University hosts the ULLA Summer School, a meeting place that brings together the future leaders in international pharmacy. "I am convinced that we will create a unique experience," says Andrea Benediktsdottir of the organising committee.

With the discovery of two new biomarkers, Olof Eriksson, researcher in translational imaging, may lead the way to the scientific breakthrough that will enable curative drugs and personalised treatments for diabetes.

In 2021, the Faculty of Pharmacy is expanding its already wide range of freestanding courses. This year’s news includes Drugs in the Environment, Biologicals and Introduction to Nanomedicine - themes that respond well to society's challenges.

This spring semester, SweDeliver and NextBioForm invite to online lunch seminars. Welcome to experience frontline research with a focus on industrial challenges in drug delivery and the development of biologically based drugs.

In the summer of 2021, SweDeliver will give five students the opportunity to conduct research on site at one of our industrial partners. Each project will extend over six weeks and constitute a platform for future recruitment of advanced students and PhD students to our competence center.

By exploring the physical stability of particles during pulmonary drug delivery, Sohan Sarangi, PhD student at SweDeliver and the Faculty of Pharmacy, is providing important knowledge about optimising the amount of drug delivered to the lungs.

Seven teachers at the Faculty of Pharmacy have already been admitted as Distinguished University Teachers (formerly Excellent Teacher) at Uppsala University. The Board of the Disciplinary Domain now welcomes all teachers at our faculty to apply for the title – that includes a salary increase corresponding to that of a docentship.

Just a minute… Per Andrén, Professor of Mass Spectrometry Imaging, that with the installation of a new FTICR instrument heads of one of the world's leading facilities for Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

In 2017, Uppsala University launched a Complementary Programme and a Proficiency test for newly arrived pharmacists. Today, the participants account for one in four applications for Swedish pharmacist licenses. "Everyone is extremely motivated," says Shima Momeni, coordinator at the Faculty of Pharmacy.

At Testa Center, researchers and teachers at the Faculty of Pharmacy have access high-quality laboratory environments. Here they meet the infrastructure and expertise required to take their innovations and students to new heights.

Which teacher at the Faculty of Pharmacy has made the most outstanding contributions in undergraduate education? Nominate your candidate for the Uppsala University Distinguished Teaching Awards 2021 no later than 18 March.

To treat Parkinson's disease with L-Dopa will gradually deteriorate in effect and cause involuntary movements. In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University link this to a dysregulation of L-Dopa metabolism throughout the brain.

Only weeks after the coronavirus reached Sweden, blood samples were taken from more than 2,000 employees at Danderyd Hospital. Today, a selection of the country's leading researchers collaborate with this unique material within the COMMUNITY study to extract new knowledge needed to fight covid-19.

Friday 15 January at 09.15 Caroline Alvebratt, PhD student at the Department of Pharmacy, will defend her dissertation with focus on new methods to predict the release and absorption of orally administered drugs. Welcome to participate online via Zoom.

Sooraj Baijnath, researcher of Medical Mass Spectrometry Imaging, is the winner of the Bioanalysis Rising Star Award 2020. “It has been overwhelming to see the amount of support I have received globally,” says Sooraj Baijnath.

The Christmas gift competition is over and three co-workers can end this strange year in the best possible way. With the WHO's assurance that Santa, despite his considerable age, is immune to all viruses, we dare to promise that the gifts will be delivered in time before holiday leave.

Thursday 17 December at 1 PM, Vasiliki Koutsouveli, PhD student at the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, will defend her thesis focusing on the ecophysiological and evolutionary aspects of sponge species from Antarctica and the deep sea. Welcome to participate online via Zoom.

In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University have been able to show differences in how Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody drug, interacts with the blood of healthy individuals compared to patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia. This has awakened hopes that this analysis method could pave the way for important breakthroughs in immunotherapy research and treatment.

Just a minute… Alexandra Teleki, researcher in drug development, who receives 2 million euros from the European Research Council to develop a new method to diagnose and treat inflammatory bowel disease in children.

Post docs, PhD:s & Students in the field of pharmacy can now apply for scholarships for, among other things, research courses and congresses. Apply no later than 31 January 2021.

With glühwein and a well deserved vacation just weeks away, the Faculty of Pharmacy strikes with the hottest event of the year: The X-mas gift competition 2020. Three lucky winners will receive an extra present in their stockings that will make them the department's most admired employees the entire 2021.