From inside the body to the future of healthcare – 25 years of CMIV
06 October 2025
Twenty-five years ago, an idea was born in Linköping: to unite research, healthcare, and industry in developing the medical tools of the future. Two years later, that vision became reality when CMIV was founded and its operations began.
This was to be real research – research that stands up internationally and truly makes a difference in healthcare
From vision to reality
CMIV was born out of a unique collaboration between Linköping University, Region Östergötland, and Sectra. The goal was clear: to use advanced technology and visualization to improve healthcare, research, and education. When the center was inaugurated in the spring of 2005, a virtual reality theater stood ready – a place where anatomy could be explored in three dimensions, and where medical education took a giant leap forward.
– We set a target – to have our own facilities, 20 PhD students in both medicine and technology within five years, and within ten years to publish in Nature. We aimed very high to get far,” recalls Anders Persson, Director of CMIV.
Where science meets technology
Over the years, CMIV has developed into a place where researchers, engineers, nurses, and doctors meet every day. Here, new solutions are created – from early diagnostics to groundbreaking treatments. Here, medical technologies are shaped that influence healthcare not only in Sweden, but worldwide.
– We didn’t just want to create beautiful images. This was to be real research – research that stands up internationally and truly makes a difference in healthcare, says Anders Persson.
A jubilee looking ahead
Celebrating 25 years is not only about looking back – but also about looking forward. With AI, advanced visualization, and digital twins at the forefront, CMIV is ready to continue driving development toward more precise, patient-centered, and efficient healthcare.
– CMIV will continue to be the place where new ideas are tested and the medical solutions of the future are shaped. We have shown what collaboration can achieve – and we are ready for the next 25 years, concludes Anders Persson.
Linköping was once the starting point. But the future of CMIV’s ideas and innovations is global.
More about CMIV
CMIV 25 years - Anders Persson talks about the journey.
CMIV is celebrating its 25th anniversary and director Anders Persson takes us on a journey to see how it all began, about the meeting with Göran Persson and why the coffee room is so important at CMIV.
120 researchers
from all over the world.
40 PhD students
who runs their own research school.
90 theses
which will affect future care.