Kristina Sparreljung, Secretary General of the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, and Professor Stefan G. Tullius of Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School have been named honorary doctors of the Sahlgrenska Academy, the medical faculty of the University of Gothenburg.
"Kristina Sparreljung has championed patient-centered research with remarkable leadership, while Stefan Tullius has been a driving force in advancing transplantation science. Their continued engagement is a true asset to our efforts in high-impact clinical research," says Professor Jenny Nyström, Dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy.
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Vision into action
Kristina Sparreljung is being recognized for her tireless work in connecting research, healthcare, and society-especially within heart, lung, and stroke research. As Secretary General of the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, she has been a leading advocate for interdisciplinary, patient-focused research.
During her tenure, the foundation has supported several large-scale initiatives with direct relevance to the Sahlgrenska Academy, notably SCAPIS-a landmark national heart and lung study involving 30,000 participants, with Gothenburg serving as its central hub. Her ability to turn vision into action, foster collaboration, and focus on real-world clinical needs has significantly elevated the role of research in shaping future healthcare.
Inspiring the next generation
Professor Stefan G. Tullius is honored for his close and productive collaboration with Sahlgrenska Academy researchers, particularly in the field of uterine transplantation. His contributions to the development of surgical techniques and research methodology have been instrumental, and he remains a hands-on partner through visits, lectures, and co-authored publications.
As Joseph E. Murray, MD Chair in Transplant Surgery and Director of the Transplant Surgery Research Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Dr. Tullius leads one of the world's foremost institutions in the field. His honorary doctorate reflects a deep, ongoing connection with Gothenburg-and paves the way for even stronger academic ties, inspiring the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
