The Wenner-Gren Institute for Experimental Biology carries out research and teaching in cell biology, developmental biology, immunology and physiology. In accordance with its name, experimental rather than descriptive biology is at the heart of all research being carried out at the Institute. Sixteen independent groups study the function of genes and cells in tissues and organisms. The research is characteristically basic, seeking answers to fundamental biological problems at the molecular level. Also, several research groups participate in clinical studies via well-established collaborations.

The charity foundation for cancer and allergy research Insamlingsstiftelsen cancer- och Allergifonden annually awards an environmental medicine prize of SEK 500 thousand. Associate Professor Eva Sverremark-Ekström is the 2012 recipient for her ground-breaking work investigating breast milk and the importance of intestinal bacteria in the development of the immune system and future allergy development in the child. Her research focuses primarily on how the prior intestinal flora composition can be linked to immune function in childhood and the later development of allergies. The presence of different bifidobacteria strains, Lactobacillus, Clostridium difficile and Stafylococcus aureus have been studied, as well as children with and without allergic parents. She has also studied how breast milk and its immunological composition can affect the neonate immune system. Her research is very important to understanding how allergies can arise.