The Research!Sweden Day 2024

Quantum mechanics is now part of medical research and on its way to clinical application. This year’s Research!Sweden Day gathered politicians and Nordic representatives from healthcare, academia, patient organizations, professional associations, companies, and authorities to learn about current developments and future potential. We also celebrated the recipients of Forska!Sverige’s awards. Photos, short films, recorded presentations, program details, and participant lists are available on this page.

Forska!Sverige’s Secretary General Anna Nilsson Vindefjärd initiated the day, followed by Lena Gustafsson, Chair of Forska!Sverige and Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (WACQT), who briefly described how Sweden’s quantum initiatives began (see recording in Swedish here). We also launched two short films showcasing how quantum technology is already revolutionizing medical development:

Watch a short film (in Swedish) with Ingemar Ernberg, Professor of Tumor Biology at Karolinska Institute, and Erik Aurell, Professor of Biological Physics at KTH and CEO of SPQR AB.
Watch a short film (in Swedish) with Justin Schneiderman, Professor of Neuroimaging at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

How does quantum technology impact medicine and health?

The rapid growth of quantum technology can lead to new methods and medical treatments. At this year’s Forska!Sverige Day, we gained insight into current clinical applications.

Ulrika Sandvik, Senior Physician and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Karolinska University Hospital, and Daniel Lundqvist, Professor of Neuroimaging at Karolinska Institute, highlighted the medical needs and possibilities offered by advanced techniques like OPM MEG (quantum-enhanced Optically Pumped Magnetometers). They shared how this is used clinically to reduce epilepsy relapse (see recordings in Swedish here and here).

Göran Johansson, Professor at Chalmers University of Technology and WACQT Co-director, discussed a quantum sensor project combining laser and ultrasound for detailed imaging of oxygenation and tumors within the body, enabled by a quantum technology-based filter (see recording in Swedish here).

How can the Nordics become a “Hotspot for Quantum Life Science”?

How does Europe, the Nordics, and Sweden measure up globally? Ebba Carbonnier, Director of Quantum Life Science Center, presented an international overview and Sweden’s standing (see recording in Swedish here). Jan Westenkær Thomsen, COO at Novo Nordisk Foundation, highlighted Denmark’s investments in quantum technology and called for Nordic collaboration (see recording in English here). Sabrina Maniscalco, CEO of Algorithmiq Ltd, showcased Finland’s advances in developing software specifically for quantum applications (see recording in English here).

In a panel discussion led by our Secretary General, with participants including Professor Ann-Marie Wennberg Larkö from Sahlgrenska Academy, they explored how the Nordics could become a “hotspot for quantum life science” (see recorded panel discussion in English here).

Political Perspectives on seizing quantum technology opportunities

What actions will the government and opposition take to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness in this area? Mikael Damberg, Social Democratic spokesperson for fiscal policy, noted Sweden’s strong life science reputation despite its small size, emphasizing the need for skills development (see recording in Swedish here). Maria Nilsson, State Secretary to the Minister of Education, shared the government’s goal to make Sweden a quantum nation in life science, previewing upcoming STEM initiatives in the research and innovation bill (see recording in Swedish here).

Research!Sweden Awards 2024

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Forska!Sverige Awards 2024. Professor Gunilla Enblad received the Research Award, Carl Johan Sonesson (M), Chair of the Skåne Regional Council, received the Political Award, and Professor Lars Wallentin received the Honorary Award. TV4 Nyhetsmorgon and several newspapers covered the awards. See TV segments, articles, and our award citations here.