Emma Johansson, Senior Consultant and Associate Professor at Karolinska Institutet, has been awarded the Ellis and Ivar Janzon Prize 2025 by the Swedish Society of Medicine. The prize recognizes scientific excellence in the fields of dermatology and venereology and will be presented at the society's annual ceremony on 21 October 2025.
Emma Johansson , Department of Medicine, Solna is honored for her outstanding contributions to Swedish academic dermatology, particularly in the areas of atopic dermatitis and pediatric dermatology. Through her research, work with national quality registries, and dedication to education, she has strengthened the academic standing of dermatology and contributed to more equitable healthcare in Sweden.
Her research focuses on atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes dry skin, eczema, and intense itching, often leading to disrupted sleep. Since 2018, new and effective-but costly-treatments have been introduced, with access varying across the country. Johansson investigates the effects and side effects of these treatments in everyday clinical practice, aiming to identify the most effective therapy for each individual patient with minimal side effects and societal cost.
Her findings have shown, for example, that weight gain is a common side effect of the drug dupilumab, something not previously observed in clinical trials. Her research also reveals that most patients with severe atopic dermatitis suffer from symptoms of depression, which often improve when the skin condition is effectively treated-even without antidepressant medication.
"Atopic dermatitis is often referred to as the hidden and forgotten disease, causing significant suffering for many people. I'm truly honored that my research and commitment to this patient group is being recognized with this award", says Emma Johansson, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Venereology at Karolinska Institutet, Senior Consultant at Karolinska University Hospital, and Deputy Clinical Lecturer and Research Group Leader at Karolinska Institutet.
This text is based on the article Enastående bidrag inom dermatologisk forskning prisas on Svenska Läkaresällskapets webbsite.
About the Ellis and Ivar Janzon Prize
The Ellis and Ivar Janzon Fund was established through the will of Dr. Ivar Janzon and his wife Ellis Janzon in 1970. The purpose of the prize is to promote scientific research in the fields of dermatology and venereology by awarding prizes for meritorious work or by supporting researchers within these disciplines. The prize is awarded every two years.
