Dear colleagues and friends,

It is with immense pride and excitement that I announce the establishment of the KG Jebsen Center for Myeloid Leukemia within K2. This momentous occasion marks a significant leap forward in our relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and innovative medical solutions.

Let us reflect on the profound impact that research centers like the KG Jebsen Center have on our academic community and beyond. These centers serve as crucibles of knowledge, where brilliant minds converge, collaborate, and ignite transformative ideas. They are the beating hearts of discovery, pushing the boundaries of human understanding and paving the way for groundbreaking therapies.

What centers does K2 host today?

• The Broegelmann Research Laboratories (Broegelmann Foundation)
• The Influensa Center (Directorate for Health and Care)
• The Center for Pharmacy (UiB, with Department of Chemistry, Mat Nat)
• The KG Jebsen Center for Genomic Cancer Therapy (Stiftelsen KG Jebsen)
• The KG Jebsen Senter for Myeloid Leucemia (Stiftelsen KG Jebsen)
• The Mohn Center for Diabetes Precision Medicine (Trond Mohn Research Foundation)
• The Nutrition Research Laboratory (Trond Mohn Research Foundation)
• The Mohn Cancer Research Laboratory (Trond Mohn Research Foundation)
• The Center for Antibiotics Resistance (Trond Mohn Research Foundation)
• The Center for Regenerative Medicine (Trond Mohn Research Foundation)
• The Center for Heart Disease Research in Women (Heart Foundation)

Why are research centers so invaluable?

1. Interdisciplinary synergy: Our new center exemplifies the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together experts from diverse fields—hematology, genetics, immunology, and clinical medicine—we create a fertile ground for cross-pollination of ideas. It is at these intersections that breakthroughs occur, where a biologist’s insight meets a clinician’s practical wisdom, and where innovation thrives.
2. Sustained focus: The KG Jebsen Center’s dedicated focus on myeloid leukemia ensures that we delve deep into the intricacies of this complex disease. With a laser-like precision, our researchers will unravel its molecular underpinnings, identify novel therapeutic targets, and improve patient outcomes. This sustained commitment is our promise to those affected by leukemia—a promise of hope and progress.
3. Seedbed for future funding: While many centers operate within finite timeframes, their impact reverberates far beyond their initial funding cycles. The seeds they sow germinate into grant proposals, collaborative projects, and industry partnerships. The KG Jebsen Center, like its predecessors, will catalyze external funding, securing our position as a hub of scientific excellence.

Let us extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Bjørn Tore Gjertsen at the helm of the KG Jebsen Center. His unwavering dedication to leukemia research and patient care inspires us all. Under his guidance, I am confident that the center will flourish, yielding discoveries that change lives.

Wishing everyone a nice winter vacation and retuning to K2 with recharged batteries and improved range !

Pål & aiPål

As the University of Bergen’s Medical Faculty prepares to host its annual Health, Environment, and Safety (HMS) Day, anticipation mounts for an enlightening and impactful event. Scheduled to take place next Wednesday 21 February at noon, this day aims to prioritize well-being, sustainability, and safety within our academic community and beyond.

A cornerstone of the program is the presentation by HMS Coordinator Ørjan Leren on the Action Plan for HMS and the Faculty’s priorities for 2024. He will outline a strategy to reduce barriers for higher education. Further enriching the discourse, Senior Consultants Nora Abdalla Mohammed and Michelle Odette Iversen Badiane from the Study Department will shed light on the “Diverse UiB – No One Left Behind” project.

The FPD Include Erasmus+ project, presented by Associate Professor Reidun Lisbet Skeide Kjome from the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, promises to offer insights into fostering diversity and inclusivity within academic settings.

University Chief Safety Representative June Vibecke Knudtsen Indrevik will underscore the importance of a safe work environment for all, emphasizing collective responsibility and vigilance.

As the day draws to a close, the presentation of the 2023 Work Environment Prize by HMS Coordinator Ørjan Leren will be a fitting culmination, celebrating exemplary contributions to creating a safe and healthy workplace.

I hope you are inspired and urge you to participate, even if it a digital event.

Eystein Husebye
Vice Head of K2

Dear colleagues,

It is with a mix of emotions that I pen this editorial. After six years at the helm of the Department of Clinical Science, I have decided to step down from my position as Department Head. This decision has not been taken lightly, but rather with careful consideration of the demands and responsibilities that come with leading such a dynamic and impactful department.

Our department, a hub of research and teaching excellence, has grown significantly during my tenure. With 382 dedicated employees, including 70 full-time professors and associated professors, 80 part-time professors and associated professors, over 180 researchers, podt docs and PhD students as well as 50 technicians and administrative staff , we have made significant strides in advancing clinical and translational medical research. This means that in 2023, we had publications in top-tier journals and set a record for external funding: 121 million NOK. You teach a variety of clinical specialties in addition to pharmacy and nutrition in an exemplary manner. And you have excelled in the competition to establish several new and robust research centers.

However, as the demands of leadership have intensified, I find myself at a crossroads. Balancing the responsibilities of both Department Head and Director of the Mohn Center of Diabetes Precision Medicine has been challenging. The pursuit of excellence requires focus, and I believe it is time to pass the torch to a new leader who can continue to push our department forward.

I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. Our collaborative spirit, dedication to patient care, and groundbreaking research have left an indelible mark. As I step down, I am confident that the department will continue to thrive under new leadership.

I will be stepping down on April 30, 2024, and in the coming period, I will gradually transfer my responsibilities to Eystein Husebye, who will serve as the Acting Department Head. Rest assured, I remain committed to our shared mission, and I look forward to contributing to the department in new ways. My decision is not a farewell but rather a shift in roles—one that allows me to focus on the exciting work happening at the Mohn Center.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have made a difference in the lives of patients and the future of medicine. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.

As we embark on a new chapter at the Department of Clinical Science, I am thrilled to announce two additions to our leadership team:

Professor Svein Skeie, MD, PhD: An accomplished endocrinologist and Head of Research at Stavanger University Hospital, Svein Skeie will assume the role of Leader of Stavanger Relations. His deep understanding of leadership, clinical practice, and research will serve as a valuable link between our institutions. The collaboration with Stavanger University Hospital promises to strengthen our ties and foster innovative initiatives.

Professor Silje Skrede, MD, PhD: With a background in pharmacology and administrative work in teaching, Skrede joins us as Leader of Innovation which will strengthen our focus on this important field. Skrede will temporary act as Leader of Teaching while Mette Vesterhus is away.

Enjoy the week-end!

Pål