In spring 2025, Muhammad Arif will also join GU as a new fellow within the DDLS program.
The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the main funder of the program, has recently announced an intensified focus on AI and life sciences to strengthen national expertise.
“The recruitment of research talent to Sweden has gone extremely well and the foundation is now investing an additional SEK 200 million in eleven new recruitment packages as well as SEK 100 million for new microscopy equipment at the Science for Life Laboratory,“ said Sara Mazur, Executive Director of the Foundation in a press release.
The foundation is also allocating an additional SEK 270 million to "Alpha Cell", a pilot project that aims to use artificial intelligence and spatial and temporal molecular data to create a predictive model for core functions of human cells and tissues. The project will be hosted by the Science for Life Laboratory, SciLifeLab and KTH.
Kaisa Thorell focusing on Helicobacter pylori
Kaisa Thorell’s research focuses on the bacteria Helicobacter pylori that colonizes the human stomach and can cause ulcers or gastric cancer. Her group brings together expertise in experimental microbiology, bacterial comparative genomics, bioinformatics and machine learning/artificial intelligence. They also leverage on large national and international collaborations, as well as access to unique genome datasets, bacterial isolates, and gastrointestinal biopsy material.
“Our research aims to increase the understanding of factors affecting bacterial transmission, persistence, and virulence – knowledge that can be used for identifying individuals at high risk for severe disease outcomes.”
Kaisa emphasized the openness and generosity she has met within the program in sharing experiences and expertise among the young research leaders.
“I have already established collaborations with other fellows and look forward to expand this more as I am expanding my methods toolbox and the group is getting up to speed.”
Read the full interview with Kaisa on the DDLS webb
Kaisa Thorell group at gu.se
Astrid von Mentzer har fokus på E. coli
As a new DDLS fellow, Asttids brings with her a range of expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and genomics. With a strong focus on antibiotic resistance, her research explores the transmission of pathogenic bacteria and the application of machine learning to predict virulence factors.
“We use machine learning to analyse bacterial genome clusters, applying advanced algorithms to study both core and accessory genomes, helping us to better understand bacterial diversity and evolution. In my new role, I’ll focus more on using AI to predict virulence factors and identify new E. coli variants. We’ll also study the genomic traits that determine whether a bacterium can colonise a single host or multiple hosts”
Astrid has extensive international collaborations with Kenya, Zambia, India, and Bangladesh. She also collaborates with the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, a world-leading genomics centre, where she is a visiting researcher.
“I’m excited to join a close-knit network of young researchers, navigating similar challenges in academia. After attending a DDLS retreat, I was impressed by the supportive atmosphere within the group”
LRead the full interview with Astrid on Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research, CARe
Astrid von Mentzer Lab
Open position
Doctoral student in Medical Science - What Drives Adaptation in Pathogenic E. coli?
