On May 1, 2026, Anna Lantz Lantz took up the position as the new research group leader for MMK Urology. She succeeds Olof Akre, who is now handing over the leadership but he will continue as an active and important member of the group.
"As the new research group leader for MMK Urology , I am looking forward to continuing to develop the group's research together with all our dedicated colleagues. My vision is to strengthen cohesion within the group while also encouraging increased collaboration - both between our own research areas and with other research groups, nationally and internationally," says Anna Lantz , Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and consultant urologist at Karolinska University Hospital.
"Within MMK Urology, there are several strong and active research areas, and in recent years we have seen a clear increase in research activity. This provides us with a very solid foundation to build on. One of my most important goals going forward is to initiate and lead more clinical studies, so that more patients have the opportunity to participate in research and thereby benefit from the latest developments in urology."
"I also want to inspire younger colleagues to engage in research and to continue their research careers even after completing their PhD. The period following a dissertation can be particularly challenging for clinical researchers, when they are expected to become more independent, formulate their own research direction, and at the same time secure funding and time for research. Here, I believe the research group can play an important role through support, collaboration, and exchange of experience."
"For me, enthusiasm, curiosity, and inspiration are central components of a strong research environment. I therefore want to create more opportunities for meetings, presentations, and discussions where we not only share results, but also build energy, ideas, and a shared direction. Conducting research alongside clinical work is demanding, and my ambition is that, as a group, we will find better ways to facilitate our researchers' work - through collaboration, support in grant applications, more efficient working methods, and shared structures that free up time and create opportunities."
"I am very much looking forward to working with the team to continue developing MMK Urology as a strong, inclusive and forward-looking research environment, with the aim of conducting research that makes a real difference to our patients," says Anna Lantz.
In connection with this, Professor Olof Akre is stepping down from his role as research group leader for MMK Urology. Over many years, Olof has played a central role in the group's development and has made significant contributions to building a successful and clinically grounded research environment. We are very pleased that he will remain in the group as an active and important member.
Since 2024, Olof has been Director of Research, Education, Development and Innovation, FOUUI, at Karolinska University Hospital, where he leads the hospital's work in research, education, development and innovation. With his broad experience as a professor at Karolinska Institutet and former head of operations at Tema Cancer, he has an important role in further developing the hospital's academic and research-related activities.
