How does it feel to receive the award?
“It is incredibly rewarding to have my work recognised, and I feel both moved and humbled. I have devoted my life to hand surgery and have engaged in clinical and research collaborations across healthcare, academia and industry – all for the benefit of my patients.”
Why do you think you were chosen for this award?
“I believe it is partly due to my extensive translational research on diseases and injuries affecting peripheral nerves. But also because of my long-standing commitment to hand surgery in Sweden and across Europe, where I have invested a great deal of time in board work.”
What is your main research area, and why is it important?
“Diseases and injuries affecting peripheral nerves have always been my primary focus. Diabetic neuropathy, for example, can increase the susceptibility of nerves to compression, meaning that carpal tunnel syndrome in this context can almost be regarded as a widespread condition. Severe nerve injuries also occur in war. These are among the most difficult injuries to treat, as patients now often survive but risk permanent functional impairment, significantly affecting the function of the hand, arm, leg and foot. We therefore need a high level of expertise to care for patients with nerve injuries now and in the future.”