Donor Ebba Fischer and researchers Mikael Dolsten and Karl Johan Åström have, in various ways, had an important impact on research, education and society. They have now been awarded Lund University's Gold Medal - the University's highest honour.
Lund University's Gold Medal is awarded to individuals who have made particularly significant contributions to the University and society.
"This year's medal winners are a shining example of what research and long-term commitment can achieve. Their efforts have had a clear impact on society and demonstrate how knowledge can contribute to real change. It feels both important and a source of great pleasure to honour them with Lund University's highest award," says the Vice-Chancellor of Lund University, Erik Renström, who will present the Gold Medals at the University's annual academic ceremony on 29 January 2027.
Mikael Dolsten - research with a global reach
Mikael Dolsten qualified as a physician and obtained his doctoral degree at Lund University. He has since returned to the University both as a visiting professor and an adjunct professor.
He has held senior positions at major pharmaceutical companies. Mikael Dolsten was head of research and development at Pfizer for 16 years, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company, in collaboration with BioNTech, developed an mRNA vaccine that saved millions of lives. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to the development of some 50 medicines and vaccines.
Mikael Dolsten has been awarded the Gold Medal because, "through his scientific achievements, his international leadership and his commitment to society, he has made outstanding contributions to Lund University and to the world at large".
"Lund holds a special place in my heart. The University gave me the foundations of my career as a physician and researcher, and the Gold Medal symbolises my reconnection with the Lund family," says Mikael Dolsten.
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Ebba Fischer - long-term support for research
Ebba Fischer was the chair of the Crafoord Foundation's Board of Trustees from 2008 to the end of 2025. During that period, the Foundation awarded approximately SEK 1.9 billion in grants, the majority of which went to Lund University.
She has been awarded the Gold Medal in recognition of the Foundation's significant contribution to the University's activities and development. The citation also highlights that Ebba Fischer has "led the Foundation's work with a long-term perspective and high standards of quality, but also with commitment, respect and consideration for vulnerable people, always with the University's best interests at heart".
"It's a tremendous honour. I'm proud that the Foundation has become an organisation capable of making many substantial and significant contributions to the University, and that we have established a positive dialogue," says Ebba Fischer.
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Karl Johan Åström - pioneering research in automatic control
Professor Emeritus Karl Johan Åström was among the first group of professors to be appointed when the Lund Institute of Technology (LTH) was inaugurated in 1965 (LTH was incorporated into Lund University in 1969).
Karl Johan Åström built up the field of automatic control from the ground up and developed it into an internationally renowned research environment.
At the same time, he made pioneering contributions in areas such as adaptive control, stochastic control theory and system identification. His exceptional ability to translate research into practical applications has also helped to forge strong links between the University and industry.
With the award of the Gold Medal, Lund University wishes to honour his exceptionally significant contributions to the University and society at large.
"It's a great honour. And very gratifying!" says Karl Johan Åström.
Previous gold medallists
Past recipients of Lund University's Gold Medal include distinguished researchers and individuals who have contributed in various ways to the University's development and to society. In recent years, recipients have included Nobel Laureate Anne L'Huillier, the former chair of the University Board, Jonas Hafström, and Professor of Trumpet, Håkan Hardenberger.
