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Jenny Almkvist and Ann Ekberg Jansson participated in the WCMTM seminar on February 18 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where the focus was on inspiring clinical staff within VGR interested in life science research.
Jenny Almkvist and Ann Ekberg Jansson participated in the WCMTM seminar on February 18 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, where the focus was on inspiring clinical staff within VGR interested in life science research.
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The Region's Engagement in Life Science and WCMTM – An Investment in the Future

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The Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine

Ten years ago, Region Västra Götaland (VGR) made a strategic decision to invest in the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine (WCMTM). Through an agreement signed by both the Regional Director and the Regional Executive Board, SEK 151 million was allocated for the first ten-year period. This decision, anchored at the political level, is part of VGR’s long-term strategy to strengthen the region’s role in healthcare and innovation.

Investing in the Region’s Developement

VGR’s responsibilities include five major hospital groups and over 200 primary care centers. In addition to healthcare, the region is also responsible for regional development, among other areas.

"We aim to make Västra Götaland an attractive place to live, work, and thrive, both for citizens and businesses. The engagement in WCMTM is a concrete example of how collaboration with academic excellence addresses both health care and regional developement simultaneously," said Jenny Almkvist, coordinator for the region’s life science office.

Life Science: Strengthening the Region Through Collaboration

Life science encompasses sectors that work to promote health and well-being, including industry , universities, and public sector. Jenny Almkvist emphasizes the importance of collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry.

"In this intersection, expertise and competences meet and common challenges are adressed through innovation and collaboration."

The Future of Healthcare

Business development and life science research are also strongly linked to the development of the healthcare system in West Sweden. This connection is particularly important as demographic changes and an aging population set new demands on the healthcare, explains Ann Ekberg Jansson, Regional R&D Director.

"Developments in precision medicine are progressing rapidly, making it possible to treat and sometimes cure diseases that previously could only be alleviated. With continued focus on research, development, and innovation, we can address these challenges and ensure that healthcare resources are strengthened and sufficient," said Ann Ekberg Jansson.

Region Västra Götaland has a special mission to create better healthcare in collaboration with academic institutions.

"The WCMTM investment is part of that strategy. By investing in strong research and skills development, the region not only contributes to public health but also to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and innovation while enhancing overall regional development," Ekberg Jansson concluded. 

FACTS: Life Science in Western Sweden and Europe
  • Two prominent life science clusters have emerged in the Gothenburg region. One revolves around academic institutions such as the Sahlgrenska Academy, the Faculty of Science and Technology, the School of Business, Economics and Law, and Chalmers University of Technology, which strongly focuses on health and technology. The other is centered around AstraZeneca and GoCo Health Innovation City in Mölndal. These two clusters, located within a radius of just over ten kilometers, form the core of the Western Swedish life science ecosystem and significantly contribute to the region’s economy and attractiveness.
  • According to the Swedish Research Council’s evaluations two years in a row, Region Västra Götaland is a leading actor in Sweden within clinical research, and has established itself as a strong innovation region in Europe. Through regional nodes such as Gothia Forum, Biobank Väst, Registercentrum, and the Innovation Platform, there is a robust infrastructure for continued development and innovation.
  • In Sweden, the life science sector is central to the economy, contributing 10 percent of the country’s total goods exports, with AstraZeneca as the leading player.
  • At the EU level, pharmaceutical development is ranked as one of the ten most important areas to strengthen the union’s global competitiveness.
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Health and medicine Science and Information Technology About the university
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