05 November 2025

On 16–17 October 2025, 130 group members from the four Wallenberg Centres for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) Gothenburg, Linköping, Lund, and Umeå, gathered in Stockholm for the first-ever national WCMM Group Member Meeting.

WCMM group member meeting 2025 Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt

This landmark event marked an important step forward in strengthening collaboration across the WCMM network and connecting the next generation of scientists in molecular medicine.

Building connections across Sweden

WCMM group member meeting 2025Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt
The meeting brought together PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff scientists from all four centres. It offered a unique opportunity to connect with peers, exchange experiences, and learn from leaders in academia, industry, and innovation.

The focus of this first meeting was career development, exploring pathways both within academia and beyond and providing inspiration for how to translate scientific discoveries into societal impact.

A programme designed for inspiration and growth

The event opened with a welcome address by Sara Mazur, Executive Director of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, who highlighted the Foundation’s long-term commitment to strengthening Swedish life science and fostering future scientific leaders.

Across two days, participants took part in interactive sessions, including:

  • Career development and funding workshops, featuring representatives from the Swedish Research Council (VR), Linköping University Grants Office, and GAEU Consulting.
  • Talks on communication, networking, and innovation, with speakers from academia, biotech and industry.
  • A lively poster session combined with a “treasure hunt adventure” and scientific improvised presentations, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

Three thematic parallel tracks guided the program — Funding, Career, and Transition — giving participants the chance to tailor the experience to their own ambitions and interests.

Keynote insights on innovation

WCMM group member meeting 2025Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt
The meeting concluded with a keynote lecture by Julia Grönros, Project Director External Innovation & Global Project Leader at Ribocure Pharmaceuticals AB and former coordinator at WCMTM Gothenburg, who shared her experience in bridging science and industry and leading innovative drug development projects.

Strengthening the WCMM community

WCMM group member meeting 2025Photographer: Mikael Stiernstedt
The first national WCMM Group Member Meeting represents a major milestone in the ongoing effort to deepen collaboration between the four centres. The initiative aims to provide early-career researchers with the tools, networks, and inspiration they need to build successful careers and drive future breakthroughs in molecular medicine.

"The level of enthusiasm and talent in this group is truly amazing" commented WCMM Linköping director David Engblom who took part in the meeting to represent WCMM management.

The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event reflected what the WCMM initiative is all about, collaboration, curiosity, and community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this first national gathering such a success!

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