NEWS On 16–17 October 2025, nearly 120 early-career researchers 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.
This landmark event marked an important step in strengthening collaboration across the national WCMM network and empowering the next generation of leaders in molecular medicine. This initiative has been possible thanks to generous funding from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, specially emphasising the importance of national collaboration across the WCMM sites.
For the first time, PhD students, postdocs, and staff scientists from all four WCMM sites came together to share research experiences, build professional networks and explore career paths within and beyond academia.
Designed as a platform for community building and knowledge exchange, the meeting helped deepen ties across disciplines and institutions, reinforcing WCMM’s mission to foster excellence and collaboration in Swedish life science research.
The event opened with a welcome address by Sara Mazur, Executive Director of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, who emphasized the Foundation’s long-term commitment to strengthening Swedish life science and investing in future scientific leaders.
Sara Mazur, Executive Director of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. Photo: Mikael Stiernstedt
Across two days, participants engaged in interactive sessions and hands-on workshops covering themes such as:
# Career development and funding, with insights from the Swedish Research Council (VR), Linköping University Grants Office, and GAEU Consulting.
# Communication, networking, and innovation, featuring speakers from academia, biotech, and industry.
# A dynamic poster session paired with a treasure-hunt challenge and scientific improv, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and new perspectives.
Photo: Mikael Stiernstedt
Three thematic tracks — Funding, Career, and Transition — allowed attendees to tailor their experience, ensuring relevance to diverse career goals and research ambitions.
The programme 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. Grönros shared her journey from academic research to leading innovation in industry, highlighting strategies for translating scientific discoveries into impactful therapies.
The success of the inaugural WCMM Group Member Meeting reflects a shared commitment to supporting early-career scientists and accelerating scientific breakthroughs through collaboration, curiosity, and community.
The level of enthusiasm and talent in this group is truly amazing. — David Engblom, Director, WCMM Linköping
Photo: Mikael Stiernstedt
As the WCMM initiative celebrates a decade of advancing molecular medicine in Sweden, this first national gathering marks an important milestone and sets the stage for continued collaboration, innovation and growth.
A warm thank-you to all speakers, participants, and organizers who helped make this historic event a success. We look forward to many more opportunities to strengthen our national community and support the careers of emerging life science leaders.