Background

Forska!Sverige's work is built upon over 10 years of research in medical innovation and organizational knowledge.

In 1996-1997, Anna Nilsson Vindefjärd recognized the potential of biotechnology advancements to make a major difference in saving lives, through her then-current role analyzing the growth impact of research companies. This realization led her to academia in 1998, driven by research questions like:

• Why does it take so long for medical advances to reach patients?
• What do the innovation processes look like?
• What obstacles exist, and how can they be removed?

Her dissertation at Karolinska Institutet in 2001 led to a postdoctoral position at Stanford University. Subsequently, she received an offer from the Swedish Government Offices to become Sweden’s first life science attaché at the Embassy in Washington, D.C. Vindefjärd accepted, thus shifting her career from research to applying her expertise for greater public impact.

In 2007, Vindefjärd accepted an offer from the industry organization “LIF – de forskande läkemedelsföretagen” to expand her influence, with the ability to address all politicians, not only the Government Office.

However, it became clear that it was easier to gain political support as a researcher, especially if the source represented multiple interests. During her time in Washington, D.C., Vindefjärd became familiar with the advocacy organization Research!America, and when Hans Bergström suggested that Sweden needed a similar force, she agreed. Alongside her role at LIF, she collaborated with other dedicated individuals to establish an independent Swedish foundation that works to raise medical research to a higher national priority for health and prosperity.

In September 2010, Forska!Sverige’s provision was signed by 64 distinguished individuals from across Sweden, including politics, business, culture, professional organizations, patient associations, public administration, healthcare, and universities. What united them was their mutual concern about the negative trend in medical research in Sweden. In 2011, Vindefjärd left LIF to focus fully on developing and leading Forska!Sverige.

In March 2013, Forska!Sverige began collaborating with its sister organizations, Research!America, Research Australia, and Research Canada. Learn more about Forska!Sverige’s international partners.

In 2014, Forska!Sverige launched the collaborative project “Agenda for Health and Prosperity” as a think tank. At the request of its participants, the project became a permanent membership association in 2015, as part of Forska!Sverige. Read more here.