Some of the highlights from 2025
Awards and appointments
Karl-Johan Malmberg awarded King Olav's cancer research award 2025
Since 1992, the Norwegian Cancer Society has awarded the King Olav V’s Cancer Research Prize each year to a cancer researcher or research group that has helped advance the quality and scope of Norwegian cancer research. The Cancer Research Prize amounts to 1 million NOK, carries high prestige within the Norwegian research community, and is awarded to the very best researchers across the entire spectrum of Norwegian cancer research.
Fridtjof Lund-Johansen and Victor Greiff named Innovators of the Year 2025 by Inven2
Victor Greiff and Fridtjof Lund-Johansen have been named Innovators of the Year 2025 by Inven2 (Technology Transfer Office for UiO and South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority) for their pioneering work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and antibody-based drug development. Their research exemplifies how computational biology and immunology can converge to accelerate therapeutic innovation.
UiO's Innovation Award 2025 to Professor Jan Terje Andersen
The University of Oslo annually acknowledges achievements in research, education, dissemination, and innovation through five awards. The awards aim to stimulate increased activity and inspire the academic communities at the university. Each winner receives 250,000 NOK and a work of art.
Johanna Olweus elected fellow of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences
Olweus has been elected as a Fellow of the European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS). This is a prestigious recognition of outstanding contributions to cancer research and oncology.
Karl-Johan Malmberg elected as President Elect for the Society of Natural Immunity
Chloe B. Steen admitted as a member of the Young Academy of Norway
New members undergo a rigorous selection process involving peer review and interviews, and serve a four-year term. Ten new members were selected based on scientific excellence, societal engagement, and a demonstrated commitment to research policy and communication.
Herman Netskar gets award for best OUS publication
The award of 50 000 NOK for the best original publication published at Oslo University Hospital (OUS) in the fall of 2024 for his publication in Nature Immunology. Herman Netskar and Aline Pfefferle from Karolinska Institutet are shared 1st authors on the paper from the Malmberg team which includes several international collaborators.
Malmberg Visiting Professor at CIML
Malmberg has joined the Laboratory of Eric Vivier Laboratory at Centre d’Immunology Marseille Luminy (CIML), France, for a research sabbatical.
New external funding
Five grants from the Norwegian Cancer Society to PRIMA scientists
These significant grants will accelerate groundbreaking projects that aim to bring curative solutions closer to patients. This is a strong recognition of our mission to advance precision immunotherapy and develop innovative cancer treatments.
Lamberto Torralba Raga awarded Radical Research Ideas Grant
Lamberto Torralba Raga was awarded 2 million NOK from the Research Council of Norway’s newly launched Radical Research Ideas scheme. His project, ECHO: Epigenetic Cellular Hack for Oncotherapy, aims to develop a new generation of “smart immune cells” capable of transforming cancer treatment.
12 million NOK for cancer research from the Research Council of Norway, FRIPRO
Karl-Johan Malmberg received funding for the project DESIGNK focusing on enhancing the therapeutic potential of NK cells for off-the-shelf cell therapy against high-risk myeloid malignancies and hard-to-treat solid tumors.
Highlighted publications
Publication in Nature Immunology
The team behind the publication. Photo: Lise Kveberg
Eggebø et al 2025. "TCR-engineered T cells targeting a shared β-catenin mutation eradicate solid tumors"
This study from Team Olweus and Lund-Johansen provides hope for the treatment of cancers that are currently difficult to treat, such as lung cancer and prostate cancer.
The study was also summarized in a research briefing in the same journal.
Publication in Nature Communications
Jeannette Nilsen and Kristin Hovden Aaen (1st author, to the right). Photo: Daniela Bejan
Aaen et al 2025. "Tailored collagen binding of albumin-fused hyperactive coagulation factor IX dictates in vivo distribution and functional properties"
The paper from team Andersen describes a novel protein design strategy aimed at developing long-acting medications for severe bleeding disorders.
New vaccine technology published in Nature Communictions
1st author Aina Karen Anthi (in front) and 2nd author Anette Kolderup in the back. Photo: Mari Nyquist-Andersen
Anthi et al 2025. "An intranasal subunit vaccine induces protective systemic and mucosal antibody immunity against respiratory viruses in mouse models"
Jan Terje Andersen’s research group has published a new study on a nasal spray vaccine that offers protection against respiratory viruses. The concept is now ready for further development and human testing.
Publication in Leukemia about repurposed drugs for multiple myeloma
1st author Thea Våtsveen and Ludvig Munthe. Photos: Modified, originals from Moment Studio
Våtsveen et al. 2025. "Targeting proteostasis in multiple myeloma through inhibition of LTK"
LTK is a novel therapeutic target in the biosynthetic pathway of proteostasis, with significant potential for MM treatment.
Publication in Nature Reviews Cancer
Zsofia Foldvari and Aleksei Titov.
Foldvari et al 2025. "Targeting the roots of myeloid malignancies with T cell receptors"
This review summarizes clinical trial data on TCR therapies in blood cancers and explores their potential in myeloid malignancies.
Publication in MED on engineering strategy to convert suppression to activation of immune cells
Shared 1st authors from PRIMA, Michelle Sætersmoen and Lamberto Torralba-Raga. Photos: Edina Szabo
Sætersmoen et al. 2025. "Targeting HLA-E-overexpressing cancers with a NKG2A/C switch receptor"
Malmberg's team has engineered a molecule called the A/C switch, which converts suppressive signaling from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E on cancer cells into activating signals for T and natural killer (NK) cells, enabling these immune cells to eliminate tumors.
Major achievements
Superio Bio - the first spin-out company from PRIMA
Academic founders of Superio Bio: Prof emerita Inger Sandlie, Aina Anthi and Prof Jan Terje Andersen. Photo: Moment Studio
Superio Bio AS focuses on combining deep biological insights with a unique technology platform to develop the next-generation tailored drugs and vaccines, and has received a Proof-of-Concept Commercialization grant from the Research Council of Norway.
Karen Martin secured group leader position in US
Karen Martin. Photo: Lise Kveberg
Postdoc Karen Martin was recruited to a tenure track position as Assisting Professor at Tuft University, Boston, US.