About us
Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine is a research Center at the University of Gothenburg. The Center is built in cooperation with Region Västra Götaland and AstraZeneca, financed by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
The close interaction between the partners have been of great importance to ensure that researchers from basic research disciplines meet with clinically oriented researchers for a truly translational focus, where the understanding of molecules means benefit for patients and hospitals.
National initiative and funding
During 2014 and 2015, the establishment of four Wallenberg Centers for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at the universities in Gothenburg, Linköping, Lund, and Umeå was initiated in collaboration with their respective healthcare regions. In Gothenburg, the collaboration also includes the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
The national initiative extends until 2028 and has been granted funding of one billion SEK by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Organization
WCMTM is organized within the University Adminisitration as part of National Units. The administrative function is located at the Grants and Innovations Office. WCMTM follows the rules and policies for Centres of Expertise and Research at the University of Gothenburg.
Steering Committee
WCMTM's steering committee consists of four members from the University of Gothenburg, one member from the Västra Götaland Region, and one from AstraZeneca, as well as a representative from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW). The steering group is responsible for overall strategic decisions such as operations and budget, and sets the strategic direction and development for the center. The steering group meets twice per semester. The members are:
Malin Broberg, Vice-Chancellor, University of Gothenburg (chair)
Carina Mallard, Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for research and research infrastructure, University of Gothenburg
Göran Hilmersson, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg
Lena Carlsson, Assistant Dean for research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
Ann Ekberg-Jansson, FoU Director, Region Västra Götaland
Pernille Laerkegaard Hansen, Head of Department, Chronic Kidney Disease, CVRM iMED, AstraZeneca Göteborg
Co-Opted Members
Göran K Hansson, representing Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
J. Gustav Smith, Director WCMTM
Margit Mahlapuu, Co-Director WCMTM
Camilla Skånberg, Research Coordinator WCMTM
Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)
Professor David Carling, Professor of Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
Professor Kirsten Ohm Kyvik, MD, Head of Department for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
Professor Leif Andersson, MD,Professor in Pathology, Helsinki University, Finland
Director
J. Gustav Smith is the director of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine. He is also professor of cardiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy and chief physician at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. His research is mainly focused on molecular epidemiology, and Gustav is research leader at Wallenberg Laboratory.
Co-Director
Margit Mahlapuu is the co-director of the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine. She is also professor of molecular genetics at the Faculty of Science. She runs a research group focusing on type 2 diabetes and has experience from C-level management in drug discovery and development.
E-mail: margit.mahlapuu@gu.se
Research coordinator
Camilla Skånberg is responsible for coordination and development towards our fellows, partners and national programs. Camilla holds a PhD in physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, and did her post doc at the Wallenberg laboratory. Camilla also has an upper secondary school teacher's degree in biology and chemistry, an M.sc in Biology, and has worked as teacher and team leader.
E-mail: camilla.skanberg@gu.se
Communications and event
Charbel Sader is responsible for external and internal communication at the centre, and coordinates both local and national events that WCMTM are part of or organizes. Charbel has previously worked with the university-wide research infrastructure Core Facilities at the Sahlgrenska academy as well as with national efforts supported by SciLifeLab and the Swedish Research Council.
E-mail: charbel.sader@gu.se
Finance officer
Kristina Lindblom is finance officer and works, among other things, with the WCMTM overall budget and reporting as well as the funding from external parties. Kristina has previously worked at Chalmers, where she also worked on the overall economics within research centers.
E-mail: kristina.lindblom@gu.se