Joakim Lundeberg’s innovative method for spatial transcriptomics has become a global standard tool in life sciences and is of particular significance in cancer research. Photo: Tomas Johansson, IVA

Published Sep 24, 2026

Joakim Lundeberg, professor of molecular biotechnology at KTH, has been awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ (IVA) Gold Medal 2026 for his pioneering work in molecular biotechnology and genomics.  

"A strong driving force for me is seeing the benefit of what I do. Receiving the Academy's Gold Medal means a great deal. It is a recognition, and confirmation that what I am passionate about has been noticed by others," Lundeberg says.   

He has been a professor at KTH since 2000 and is a pioneer in the development of methods for DNA and RNA analysis. Lundeberg’s most significant innovation is spatial transcriptomics, a method for studying active genes in a tissue section. The method has led to new insights into biological systems and disease processes, not least in cancer research.  

“In standard tumour diagnostics, you obtain a microscopic image of a tissue sample, which is then interpreted by a pathologist," Lundeberg says. "But with our technology, we obtain a quantitative analysis that not only provides more information about the sample but, above all, is completely objective regardless of the pathologist, hospital or continent.” 

Effective cancer treatments

Spatial transcriptomics combines classical pathology with advanced biotechnology and AI-based analysis. The enhanced understanding of the tumour microenvironment that this method provides is crucial for developing more precise and effective cancer treatments. Lundeberg’s work has led to research breakthroughs and laid the foundations for new diagnostic tools and therapies in precision medicine.  

"The method can be used not only for diagnostics; it is also an important tool in the life sciences, where researchers wish to study gene activity to gain a better understanding of everything from trees and bacteria to humans," Lundeberg says.   

The Academy. known in Sweden as Kungl. Ingenjörs­vetenskaps­akademien (IVA), has been awarding gold medals for meritorious achievements within the Academy’s fields of activity for more than 100 years. It has recognised outstanding achievements in technology, economics, industry and society by honouring individuals who have made significant advances in these fields. In 2025, IVA’s Gold Medal was awarded to Lundeberg’s research colleague at KTH, Mats Danielsson.  

Lundeberg says he is both proud and honoured to receive the gold medal, though he says successful research is a team effort.  

“It’s brilliant to get the medal. At the same time, the award is a reminder that cutting-edge research is often carried out in collaboration – in this case with Professor Jonas Frisén at the Karolinska Institute,” Lundeberg says.  

Jon Lindhe