Two tumours can look identical under a microscope, yet still develop completely differently. Christofer Juhlin wants to understand why - in order to provide patients with more accurate care. Meet one of the new professors of Karolinska Institutet who will participate in this year's installation ceremony at Aula Medica on 8 October.
Text: Karin Tideström, for KI's installation ceremony booklet 2026
Christofer Juhlin's research aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of tumours in hormone-producing organs, such as the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands.
One problem that doctors face today is that tumours that look identical under a microscope can behave completely differently - some grow slowly while others are aggressive. By combining modern genetic techniques, advanced image analysis and regular microscopy, Professor Juhlin's research group studies which genetic changes drive the tumours and determine how they respond to treatment.
"Our aim is to predict which patients are at greater risk of serious disease and to pave the way for more personalised care," he says.
His research is being conducted in close collaboration with clinics, laboratories and large tumour biobanks, and has already led to new diagnostic markers. Ultimately, it is hoped that the research will pave the way for novel therapies.
About Christofer Juhlin
Professor of Tumour Pathology at the Department of Oncology-Pathology from 1 February 2026
Christofer Juhlin was born in 1979 in Vänersborg and grew up in Uppsala. He is a trained molecular biologist and medical doctor and received his PhD in medical science from Karolinska Institutet in 2009. He combines his professorship with the position of senior physician in clinical pathology at Karolinska University Hospital.
