The fields of biology and medicine are experiencing what can only be called a true renaissance within the molecular biosciences. Collectively the scientific community as access to a rapidly expanding set of tools that provide enormous experimental opportunities to advance the understanding of biological processes of increasing complexity. The human genome is fully sequenced, and so has the complete genomes of a growing number of other life forms. Although the process of fully decoding the function of the many and diverse sets of genetic elements within these DNA sequences is far from complete, the tools already exist that enable the precise manipulation of genetic material within most living cells. These advances, the fruits of more than a century of scientific enterprise, belong to one of mankind’s greatest achievements. Indeed, these are exciting times to be working as an experimental research scientist in biology.

The research groups strive towards the common goal of solving the mysteries of life by addressing fundamental biological problems in infection- and immunobiology, integrative biology and molecular cell biology. Experimental rather than descriptive biology is at the heart of a broad range of internationally recognized research projects, characteristically focused on understanding the function of genes and cells in tissues and organisms. Also, several research groups participate in clinical studies via well-established collaborations in the Stockholm area and abroad.