Karolinska Excels in Swedish Medical Research Evaluation

"KI has the highest citation rate in the country, and our most prominent publications are of very high scientific quality. It shows that our basic research not only stands up well nationally, but it is actually world-class," says Martin Bergö and continues:

"The fact that over 90 per cent of our top publications receive high marks in an international peer review, where about half receive the highest rating - that's huge. This says a lot about the power of KI's research community. But it also comes with a responsibility. We will continue to stand for scientific excellence, openness and collaboration, within Sweden and globally."

Cancer biology, neuroscience and cell biology are some areas where KI received particularly high marks, with research often cited and used as a reference by other researchers in Sweden and internationally.

The Swedish Research Council has worked according to an evaluation model based on two components: Publications that have been the basis for assessing the quality of scientific production, and case studies that have been the basis for assessing the impact of research on society.

In addition, the Swedish Research Council has carried out a bibliometric analysis of the total number of publications published during the evaluation period.

Leading international experts

The evaluation was carried out by an international panel of experts with researchers from different parts of the world, to ensure an objective and comprehensive assessment. The panel used a four-point rating scale and provided detailed comments on the results at the national level.

In its summary, the expert panel states KI's focus on collaboration as an important success factor. A judgment that Martin Bergö is happy to emphasize.

"We want to act as a hub for international collaboration, and I am particularly pleased that the evaluation confirms that ambition - that KI works in close collaboration with other leading players in the world," he says.

KI's ability to combine basic research with clinical applications has been another crucial success factor, according to the report.

"The fact that the panel draws attention to our ability to link basic research to clinical applications, i.e. our translational strength, is particularly gratifying. The core of KI's mission is that science should make a difference for people's health, and is therefore fully in line with our vision," says Martin Bergö.

Not resting on its laurels

The Swedish Research Council's evaluation offers an important compass and basis for KI's continued development work, concludes Martin Bergö.

"We want to use the insights to further strengthen our research environment. Both in terms of infrastructure, support for young researchers and the opportunity to conduct long-term, curiosity-driven research. The report and our own material also provide us with effective communication and information material to build on."

In its conclusions and recommendations, the international expert panel mentions that KI's size, financial resources and successful research environment mean that world-leading researchers are keen to come here.

"KI's world-leading position is the result of conscious and effective strategies. The success and attractiveness are the result of long-term and hard work, and nothing KI takes for granted. We continue to work to be able to exceed the expectations of the world around us," says Martin Bergö.