Programme teachers

Research interests
Jesper Säfholms research focuses on the mechanisms underlying airway inflammation, particularly in asthma and related respiratory diseases. I work with ex vivo models of human small airways to investigate how lipid mediators, cytokines, and environmental factors like hypoxia interact to modulate immune responses. Using techniques such as spatial lipidomics, transcriptomics, and functional assays, I aim to identify novel therapeutic targets to improve treatment strategies for airway diseases.

Teaching philosophy
I strive to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. My teaching is research-integrated and student-centered, aiming to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world biomedical challenges. I value interactive formats such as team-based learning, which help students develop problem-solving skills and confidence in applying complex concepts.

Research interests 
Have you ever wondered how we grow taller during childhood and adolescence? Phillip Newtons lab focusses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of skeletal growth and its maintenance.

Teaching philosophy
I believe that teaching and learning in higher education should focus on guiding students to become self-directed learners. By putting the student at the centre of learning activities, I hope to aid their development as future research leaders.

Research interests
Leanne Stokes is interested in ligand-gated ion channels and how they can regulate the activity of immune cells. My focus is on purinergic ion channels, particularly P2X4 and P2X7 and their roles in inflammatory signalling. My lab investigates allosteric modulators of these channels (both positive and negative modulators) to understand whether modulation could have a therapeutic benefit.

Teaching philosophy
I enjoy teaching on receptors, ion channels and pharmacology with the goal of inspiring students to become curious about how cells control their functional responses. Scientific curiosity is such a key factor in learning and students do well when they want to know how things work. I welcome questions and use peer-peer discussions in my teaching to allow exploration of concepts.   

Research interests
Mikael Adners research emphasis on to find the mechanisms behind the extensive airway narrowing in asthma. To achieve this new and unique models have been using both researches in vivo in animals and human bronchi. The focus is on the interaction between mast cells and the smooth muscle in the airways within pharmacological and immunological contexts.

Teaching philosophy
In my view, research is a constant learning process which is built on curiosity. For me, experimental experience combined with the specific knowledge that only scientific research can create, make up the cornerstones in education and teaching. In the center is to formulate the specific questions that always leads to further studies for the development of background perspectives.

Research interests
I am interested in investigating complex diseases, with a particular focus on metabolic syndrome-related disorders, by establishing and utilizing primary cell models in combination with customized microfluidic systems. This modular approach enables more physiologically relevant insights and aims to bridge the translational gap in drug discovery.

Teaching philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on delivering foundational knowledge in a clear, structured, and engaging manner while fostering critical thinking and scientific curiosity. I also aim to expose the students to the latest developments and state-of-the-art research in the field by integrating recent discoveries and emerging technologies during the course.

Research interests
Our research focuses on genetic factors that contribute to interindividual variability in drug response and adverse drug reactions. A key area of our work involves a novel 3D hepatic in vitro model, which we use to study liver function, mechanisms of drug-induced enzyme induction, hepatotoxicity, and liver diseases such as steatosis, hepatitis, and fibrosis as well as its potential to characterize specificity, toxicity and stability of different siRNA drugs. Additionally, we investigate the neurological effects—such as ataxia and depression—resulting from CYP2C19 overexpression in the fetal mouse and human brain.

Teaching philosophy
Teaching in medical education goes beyond transferring knowledge; it is about fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I aim to create a student-centered environment where learners actively engage with material, linking theory to clinical practice.

Professionalism and compassion are central to my teaching. I encourage students to view patients as individuals with unique stories, using case discussions and reflective exercises to nurture empathy and ethical reasoning.

I promote a growth mindset, framing mistakes as opportunities for learning, and model intellectual humility in an ever-evolving field. My classroom embraces diversity, striving to support all students in becoming skilled, compassionate, and socially responsible healthcare professionals.

Research interests:
My research focuses on understanding how inflammation and oxidative stress impact metabolism, particularly in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. I am especially interested in mitochondrial alterations in the progression of metabolic syndrome under chronic inflammation. Through experimental models and translational approaches, I aim to identify therapeutic targets that can improve patient outcomes.

Teaching philosophy:
I believe that learning is most powerful when students are actively engaged, curious, and feel connected to real-world applications. My goal is to create a supportive, interactive environment where students not only gain strong theoretical knowledge but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I am passionate about helping students bridge basic science and clinical relevance, empowering them to become future leaders in translational medicine.

Research interests:
My research focuses on the molecular effects of physical exercise, and how different tissues and systems coordinate to overcome and adapt to performance limitations. High-level physical performance requires a highly coordinated response of all organs and tissues, progressively optimized with every individual training bout. Specifically, I’m currently focusing on the interactions between the immune system, energy production pathways and active tissue such as skeletal muscle. The goal is to identify and develop strategies to overcome molecular road blocks to performance limitations.

Teaching philosophy:
In my teaching I aim at creating a consistent learning-journey throughout each individual course with an intuitive sequence of increasing topic complexity. Active practical and intellectual participation is the key for both curiosity-driven teaching and research. It’s important to spark genuine interest about course topics in students and emphasize on skills and knowledge that will be useful for scientist- and practitioner careers.

Research interests:
My research focuses on effects sex hormones when switching sex hormone
profile. We are studying the effects on body composition, strength,
functions of the cardiovascular system (arterial stiffness, dimensions and
function of the heart) and gene expression and modulations in different
tissues.

Teaching philosophy:
My vision for teaching and learning is that the education should be student
centered. The teacher should provide learning activities that will develop the students´ critical thinking
and problem solving. 

Research interests:
My main research interests and focus are on studying variability of pharmacogenes and their impact on drug response. Our work involves interpreting the effects of pharmacogenetic variants and analyzing protein structures through AI-based computational methods to efficiently and accurately predict adverse drug reactions.

Teaching philosophy:
I believe that designing teaching activities that are suitable for students and can maximize their engagement is extremely important. In addition, communicating with student, and encouraging and inspiring them to pursue further study are the true value of teaching.

Research interests:
I am interested in understanding how embryonic progenitor cells build the facial skeleton. To do this, I use a mix of genetics, imaging, and sequencing approaches that can help us learn about cellular movements and signaling dynamics, transcriptional networks, and epigenetic regulation involved in craniofacial pathologies.

Teaching philosophy:
I want to inspire students and raise awareness about the beauty and complexity of embryology. I try to encourage a mix of creative and critical thinking during class and when working in the lab.

Research interests:
Volker Lauschke is Professor in Translational Pharmacology at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and Deputy Head of the Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology in Stuttgart, Germany. His research group integrates 3D cell culture systems of primary human cells and microfluidics with phenotypic and chemogenomic screening to discover novel therapeutic strategies for NASH, infectious diseases (COVID-19 and hemorrhagic fevers) and complex metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes). At KI, he is the current course director of the module “Bioinformatics from a physiological and pharmacological perspective” (7.5 ECTS) in the MSc program Translational Pharmacology.

Teaching philosophy:

Research interests:
I am an applied mathematician with research interests lying broadly in the application of mathematical modelling techniques and scientific computation to problems in the biological, medical, physical and engineering sciences. My current work lies in the growing field of Mathematical Pharmacology. In particular, I am interested in pharmacokinetics modelling, signal transduction and receptor theory.

Teaching philosophy:
When teaching mathematical methods to pharmacologists, I aim for a sympathetic and supportive approach. Mathematics underpins quantitative pharmacology, but modelling needs to be introduced gently for the non-mathematician. Worked examples are key, including live step-by-step calculations, and problem solving worksheets designed for building students’ confidence. 

Research interests:
My research centers on the pathophysiology of heart failure and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on uncovering molecular mechanisms and developing novel therapies targeting cardiac contractility and remodeling. I employ advanced preclinical models and state-of-the-art methodologies to assess cardiovascular phenotypes in both in vivo and in vitro settings, evaluating the effects of pharmacological, nutritional, and genetic interventions. My work is closely integrated across clinical, academic, and industrial environments, enabling cross-sector collaboration. These efforts support a translational approach that bridges fundamental research with clinical application.

Teaching philosophy:
I teach cardiovascular pathophysiology and pharmacology using a blended approach that includes lectures, seminars, problem-based, and team-based learning. My courses integrate practical demonstrations and clinical applications to illustrate how recent scientific discoveries are shaping modern cardiovascular pharmacological therapies. Learning outcomes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing both clinical relevance and global responsibility. This approach promotes student’s engagement and advanced cognitive skills supporting meaningful learning of complex mechanisms of cardiovascular system.

Research interests:
My research interests focus on how autophagic degradation affects key signalling pathways and metabolism in cancer cells.  Over the years, I have explored intracellular degradation pathways through various forms of autophagy and investigated the molecular mechanisms of cell death in cancer.

Teaching philosophy:
In my teaching, I prioritise active student engagement by integrating the latest scientific developments with foundational concepts. I believe that combining recent advances in the field with core principles is essential for promoting deeper understanding and creatingmeaningful learning experiences.

Research interests:
My research interest includes pharmacology, in general. Specifically, neuropharmacology and general pharmacology (pharmacokinetics etc).

Teaching philosophy:
I prefer to teach students in groups (e.g. group seminars and labs), for the generation of interesting discussions and instant feedback from the students.

Research interest: 
I work in reproductive endocrinology and metabolism, focusing on skeletal muscle dysfunction in women with PCOS. Using bioinformatics and RNA sequencing (both bulk and single-cell), I dive into the molecular details to understand what’s driving metabolic issues in this condition. I'm driven by a deep commitment to improving women's health and a genuine love for solving complex problems through science.

Teaching philosophy:
I value curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for exploring new ideas. In my teaching, I encourage open discussion and real-world application of scientific concepts to help students connect theory with practice. I aim to create an engaging learning environment where students not only build a strong understanding of the topics, but also develop the confidence to apply their knowledge and a lasting curiosity to keep learning and exploring science.

Research interest:
The major goal of my lab is to understand the molecular, cellular and functional regulation of the blood-nerve-barrier during health and disease by studying the interaction of vascular, immune and sensory nervous systems. We employ cutting edge methodology, including 3D whole tissue imaging, spectral flow cytometry, functional transcriptomics and disease models of inflammation and neuropathy.

Teaching philosophy:
I try to create an engaging and student-centered environment during my lectures and  group discussions. I mostly teach immunology and my expertise is in macrophage biology.

Research interest:
I am interested in investigating complex diseases, with a particular focus on metabolic syndrome-related disorders, by establishing and utilizing primary cell models in combination with customized microfluidic systems. This modular approach enables more physiologically relevant insights and aims to bridge the translational gap in drug discovery.

Teaching philosophy:
My teaching philosophy centers on delivering foundational knowledge in a clear, structured, and engaging manner while fostering critical thinking and scientific curiosity. I also aim to expose the students to the latest developments and state-of-the-art research in the field by integrating recent discoveries and emerging technologies during the course.

Research Interests: 
Dr. Antonis Elia’s research investigates the independent, interactive, and iterative effects of environmental stressors—such as changes in ambient pressure (e.g., diving and high-altitude flying), inspired gas composition (e.g., hypoxia, hypercapnia), and ambient temperature—on physiological responses in healthy humans. His work aims to advance understanding of how the human body adapts to extreme environments.

Teaching Philosophy: 
His teaching philosophy is grounded in research-based principles, emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-informed learning. He fosters an inclusive, inquiry-driven environment where students are encouraged to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Research Interests: 
My research focuses on the cardiovascular system, in particular on the regulation of blood volume and hemoglobin mass as well as on the regulation of skeletal muscle in health, disease and under extreme physiological conditions.

Teaching Philosophy: 
For me, teaching and research are naturally linked. I like to bring my research projects into the classroom so that students can get an idea of the current debates in the field. I also encourage them to explore their own research interests - this allows them to delve deeper into the subject matter and gain valuable skills that they can use not only on the course, but more importantly, in the future.

Research Interests: 
We explore the intricate relationship between genetics and environmental factors in shaping offspring health. By studying germline development, placental function, and the impact of early-life exposures, we aim to uncover how parental health influences disease risk across generations.

Teaching Philosophy: 
My teaching philosophy is to empower students to become independent thinkers and problem-solvers. I care deeply about what students can learn—not what they can do for us.

Research Interests: 
For Julia Kinsolvings PhD project, she have delved into the world of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) which comprise 1/3 of all currently approved drugs. Interestingly, Class F of GPCRs, specifically Frizzleds (FZDs), have no approved drug targets, however are highly conserved and mediate WNT signaling which is crucial in developmental biology. Her project aims to therapeutically FZDs using an integrated structural and functional approach by combining pharmacological techniques in the lab and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Pharmacology assays provide a basic understanding of the fundamental signaling mechanisms of FZDs while structural data allows us to visualize different conformational states upon ligand binding.  

Teaching Philosophy: 
Julia value providing a clear and structured framework to guide students through complex concepts while also encouraging independent exploration and critical thinking. She believe there is a balance between giving direction whilst also providing academic freedom that allows students to engage on a deeper level with the material to identify their own research interests.