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PALS 2026

08 June 2026

Lisa Karlsson

More than 100 research leaders from across Sweden gathered in Kolmården for the 2026 Program for Academic Leaders in Life Science (PALS) annual meeting, strengthening national collaborations at the intersection of basic, clinical and data-driven life science research.

Gruppbild, en stor skara m盲nniskor samlade f枚r gruppfoto. Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt

Hosted by WCMM Link枚ping from 20鈥�22 May 2026, this year's conference brought together fellows and research leaders from the DDLS, SciLifeLab and WCMM/WCMTM programs, alongside representatives from national research infrastructures and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. For the first time, researchers from the two Wallenberg financed programs MIMS and WIFORCE also joined the meeting, further broadening the network and creating new opportunities for collaboration across Sweden's Life Science landscape.

A National Platform for Scientific Exchange

The three-day conference opened at Link枚ping University's Campus Norrk枚ping with welcome remarks from WCMM Link枚ping Director David Engblom, followed by a keynote lecture from Ronald T. Raines, Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In his presentation, Minimalism: Functional Peptides in Living Systems, Raines highlighted how simple peptide structures can perform remarkably complex biological functions, offering new perspectives for biomedical research.

Participants then visited the Visualisation Center in Norrk枚ping, where Professor Anders Ynnerman introduced the centre's pioneering visualization technologies and research initiatives. The visit showcased how advanced visualization methods are transforming scientific discovery, communication and education across disciplines.
The meeting continued at Vildmarkshotellet in Kolm氓rden, overlooking Br氓viken and surrounded by the forests and wildlife of Kolm氓rden. The inspiring setting provided an ideal environment for scientific discussions, networking and the formation of new collaborations.

Scientific Excellence Across Disciplines

A central objective of PALS is to create meaningful connections between curiosity-driven, technology-driven and data-driven research communities. Throughout the meeting, fellows presented their work through a series of short talks covering a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and engineering to molecular biology, systems biology, evolution and translational medicine.

Another highlight of the scientific programme was the keynote lecture by Agnel Sfeir, Professor at the Sloan Kettering Institute. Her presentation, Rewiring the DNA Damage Response: Pol胃 as a Target in Cancer, provided insights into emerging therapeutic strategies that exploit DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells.

The conference also showcased the impact of the PALS Collaboration Call, an initiative supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation to stimulate new collaborations between fellows from different PALS programmes, institutions and scientific disciplines. The call supports innovative projects across the full spectrum of Life Science research, including molecular medicine, technology-driven and data-driven research, as well as fundamental, preclinical, translational and clinical science.

Presentations from recipients of the 2025 PALS Collaboration Call demonstrated how the programme is enabling ambitious multidisciplinary research partnerships that transcend traditional institutional and disciplinary boundaries.

Participants were also informed about the launch of the 2026 call, opening new opportunities for collaborative projects or events within the growing PALS community.

A man standing in front of a podium in a lecture hall. Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt
A man standing in front of a crowd of people sitting in the Visualisation Center in Norrk枚ping.
A crowd of people walking. Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt
Two people standing in a dark room, looking at something. Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt
Four people stands next to some sort of screen.
People sitting at a table, talking. Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt

Connecting Researchers with National Infrastructure

Research infrastructures remain a cornerstone of Sweden's Life Science ecosystem and a dedicated session highlighted the resources and expertise available through SciLifeLab, both at a national and local level.

During the infrastructure showcase, researchers and infrastructure representatives presented technologies, services and support opportunities that can accelerate scientific discovery. The accompanying networking lunch provided a valuable forum for fellows to discuss their research needs, explore new methodologies and establish contacts with infrastructure experts.

For newer fellows, the sessions offered a comprehensive introduction to Sweden's research infrastructure landscape and the extensive resources available to support world-leading research.

Strengthening Communication and Leadership Skills

In addition to scientific exchange, PALS is committed to supporting the professional development of future academic leaders. Participants attended a workshop on science communication led by experts from Link枚ping University, focusing on how researchers can effectively engage with society, communicate complex scientific concepts to broader audiences and navigate interactions with traditional and social media.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Sara Mazur, Executive Director of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, who highlighted the foundation's continued commitment to strengthening Swedish life science through long-term investments in talent, collaboration and research infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Swedish Life Science

As the 2026 meeting concluded, participants reflected on three days of scientific inspiration, new connections and promising collaborative opportunities. The conference closed with the traditional handover ceremony, during which WCMM Lund officially assumed responsibility for hosting the PALS Annual Meeting in 2027.

With an expanding network, increasing interdisciplinary engagement and a shared ambition to address complex scientific challenges, PALS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Swedish life science. By bringing together emerging leaders from across disciplines and institutions, the programme is helping to build a strong, collaborative research community that will drive innovation and scientific excellence for years to come.

PALS

PALS is a national collaboration between SciLifeLab, the DDLS Program and the four Wallenberg Centres for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), co-funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The initiative supports more than 150 research group leaders affiliated with ten Swedish universities and the Swedish Museum of Natural History, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations that span experimental, computational, translational and clinical research.

Through annual meetings, collaborative funding opportunities and networking activities, PALS serves as a catalyst for scientific exchange and innovation across Sweden.

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Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine at LiU

WCMM at LiU focuses on the medicine-technology interface, and build upon our existing strengths in research within medical technology, materials science and bioengineering.

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