NEWS Professor Oliver Billker at the Department of Molecular Biology has been awarded the Torgny and Lena Stigbrand Prize at Umeå University in 2026 for his contributions to malaria research.
Oliver Billker, Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology.
ImageMattias PetterssonOliver Billker’s research focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of the biology of malaria parasites and how they interact with the mosquitoes that transmit them. In its citation, the prize committee states:
"Professor Oliver Billker is awarded the prize for his leading contributions to malaria research and for strategic leadership that has clearly strengthened the profile of Umeå University. Through the development of large-scale genetic methods and open resources, he has fundamentally transformed the field and enabled global breakthroughs. With an extensive publication record, strong research funding, and leadership of major collaborations, he exemplifies scientific excellence."
As Director of MIMS (Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden), and as a key contributor within SciLifeLab and the national DDLS programme (Data-Driven Life Science), Oliver Billker has played a decisive role in strengthening research infrastructure, research environments, and international networks.
The Torgny and Lena Stigbrand Prize is awarded to an active researcher or teacher at Umeå University who has made outstanding contributions to the promotion of scientific research and development in the fields of immunology, cell and molecular biology, or microbiology.
The prize was established in 2024 following a donation by Torgny Stigbrand, Professor of Medical Genetics, and his wife Lena Stigbrand. The prize amount is SEK 100,000, and this year the prize is awarded for the final time, at the university’s annual celebration.