Joakim Larsson, world-leading researcher in antibiotic resistance, will be the first to receive the new major Prize for outstanding research communication of SEK 100,000. The prize has been established by The Hamrin Foundation and Örebro University.
“Very funny! I have spent many years on research communication, so such an appreciation for that part of the work is very nice”, says Joakim Larsson, professor of environmental pharmacology at the University of Gothenburg.
The jury’s reasoning reads:
“Joakim Larsson’s study on large releases of antibiotics from pharmaceutical manufacturing in India became world news. Since then, he has skillfully communicated his research to important target groups, not least decision makers both in Sweden and internationally.
Antibiotic releases are a threat to global health and Joakim Larsson’s long-term commitment to research communication has led to concrete changes.”
“Joakim Larsson has successfully reached out with his research communication and the importance of communicating research has become very clear. That the communication led to concrete results that influence how we must act globally is something to be inspired by in other research areas. We look forward to continuing to see how Joakim Larsson’s way of working with communication can inspire others in academia”, says Lovisa Hamrin, chairman of The Hamrin Foundation.
A total of 66 nominations have been submitted to the jury for the two prizes awarded this year.
“I am impressed by all the good proposals that have come in. There has been fierce competition and we have seen many examples of how skilled communication has meant that research has been able to be of great benefit to society”, says Johan Schnürer, Vice-Chancellor at Örebro University.
The second prize for outstanding research communication is SEK 50,000 and goes to a researcher or PhD student at Örebro University. The prize is awarded to medical doctor Anna Duberg, who has communicated her research on dance for health so that the new knowledge is now applied across the country.
The jury’s reasoning: “Anna Duberg has successfully spread new knowledge and put her research into practice on a large scale. With a strong commitment, she has, on a scientific basis, helped young girls feel better through undemanding dance.
Through effective communication to the media, schools, business, royalty and above all teenagers, the method for increased health has now reached close to 200 locations in the country.”
“It has been important for me to reach out because there is a great need. Not a single young person should have to think that nothing can be done to make them feel better”, says Anna Duberg.
The jury includes the Vice-Chancellor at Örebro University, chairman of The Hamrin Foundation, the general secretary for Science & Public Affairs and the head of communications at Örebro University.
The prizes will be awarded in connection with Örebro University’s academic celebration on May 6.
The Hamrin Foundation
The Hamrin Foundation creates interdisciplinary projects that move society, academia and business. The foundation invests in research and development projects within, among other things, media and important social issues.
The Hamrin Foundation was founded in 1986 in Småland. Since 1988, The Hamrin Foundation has invested approximately SEK 320 million in research.
Örebro University
Today, 122 professors, 800 teachers and researchers and 490 doctoral students are connected to eight departments and three faculties at Örebro University.
Örebro University is in the range 401 to 500 in Times Higher Education’s ranking of the world’s best universities. On the list of scientific citations, the university ranks third in Sweden, after Karolinska Institutet and the University of Gothenburg.