Malin Parmar and Göran Karlsson are no strangers to the Lund Stem Cell Center. Both leaders have built their scientific careers within its walls, contributing to new discoveries and forging collaborations that have helped cement the Center’s reputation as a leading institution for stem cell biology and regenerative medicine research.
Malin Parmar, Professor of Cellular Neuroscience at Lund University, is an internationally recognized leader in regenerative medicine and translational stem cell biology. After earning her PhD in developmental biology from Lund University in 2003, she performed a postdoc at the Institute for Stem Cell Research in Edinburg, a pioneering center for pluripotent stem cell research. She returned to Lund to establish her own research group focused on developmental and regenerative neurobiology. Since then, she has played a leading role in European and global efforts to advance stem cell-derived neurons for Parkinson’s disease into clinical trials.
“The Lund Stem Cell Center has always been a place that energizes and excites me,” Malin reflects. “It’s a positive environment where everyone—students, staff, and principal investigators—works together and supports one another. I am looking forward to continuing this momentum as we step into this new chapter.”
Göran Karlsson, Associate Professor of Molecular Hematology and Wallenberg Academy Fellow, also has deep ties to Lund. After completing his PhD and postdoctoral work at the Center, he founded a research group focused on targeting cancer stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Beyond his own research, Göran has been instrumental in leading Lund University’s single-cell analysis initiative and has held several key roles within the Faculty of Medicine.
“Having been part of the Center since its start, I feel a strong connection to it,” Göran shares. “The collaborative spirit and shared purpose among researchers here is what inspired me to take on this new role.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Malin and Göran assume their roles following the leadership of Professor Johan Jakobsson and Associate Professor Johan Flygare, whose tenure over the past four years strengthened the Center’s collaborative environment and strategic initiatives.
“We are fortunate to build on such a strong foundation,” Göran acknowledges. “The previous leaderships did an excellent job bringing the Center together and fostering collaboration, and we aim to continue strengthening these connections.”
Malin adds: “We are also grateful for their initiatives which established the LU ATMP Center and our pre-GMP facility. These efforts have bridged experimental research with clinical applications—an area we will continue to support. At the same time, we plan to keep experimental research at the core of what we do.”
A Vision for the Future
The new leadership team has a clear vision for the next three years: to ensure the Lund Stem Cell Center remains a global leader in innovative and impactful research aimed at improving human health. Their strategy focuses on enhancing the Center’s existing strengths while embracing emerging technologies.
Creating an inclusive and collaborative research environment is another priority, with a focus on initiatives that further promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and support early-career researchers.
“Great science happens when people come together. Creating better shared spaces will be an early focus for us,” Malin shares. “We have seen how shared spaces encourage collaboration and foster a sense of belonging—both of which are important for scientific innovation and creativity. Such meeting spaces - for creativity, science and fun - were put high on our to-do list by the Center’s members. We are therefore particularly pleased with the recent inauguration of the new Stem Cell Center Common Room located at Lund University’s Biomedical Centre.”
As Malin and Göran step into their roles, they are united in their goal of raising the Lund Stem Cell Center’s visibility on local, national, and international stages.
“The timing feels perfect,” Malin highlights. “We are ready to lead the Lund Stem Cell Center into its next chapter and are excited to collaborate with the brilliant researchers who make up this growing scientific community.”