With start 2021, SWEDBO biannually awards the best PhD thesis in Developmental Biology in Scandinavia. The prize is a personal prize aimed to recognise the best thesis in Developmental biology, Stem Cell Biology, Cell/Tissue Regeneration or related areas.
The research needs to be conducted at a Swedish, Norwegian or Danish University. See open call below.
CALL FOR SWEDBO BEST THESIS PRIZE 2023-2025
Aimed to recognise the best Scandinavian thesis in Developmental biology the prize includes:
- Personal prize of 5000 SEK
- Diploma
- Speaker invitation to the 5th Nordic Meeting on Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration in Uppsala 26-28th of August (travel, hotel and registration will be covered)
- Honor and Glory!
The research included in the thesis should have been conducted at a Swedish, Danish or Norwegian University in the field of developmental biology, stem cell biology, tissue regeneration or related areas.
This year’s prize considers Theses defended in: 2023, 2024 or 2025 (31st December cut off).
The application should include:
- Copy of your thesis + publication list (up to the thesis defence)
- Motivation letter (500 words) which should include:
- how your PhD work has advanced the field of developmental biology.
- why we should choose your thesis for this prize.
Keep in mind that the motivation letter needs to be narrative, not a pure summary of your work.
Send your application to SWEDBO email address: swedbo@gmail.com with subject: thesis prize SWEDBO 2025
In addition to applications initiated by the PhD themselves, PIs are encouraged to send in nominations. If you are PI nominating email swedbo@gmail.com with the candidate name and email address.
The call is open from December 1st 2025 and the deadline is 27th February 2026.
The winner will be announced on our website, the information will be distributed via email, twitter and the SWEDBO newsletter.
Previous awardees
The SWEDBO 2022 best thesis award
Dr. Margherita Zamboni, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Karolinska Institutet, receives the prize for her outstanding research on novel mechanisms of adult neurogenesis, including the identification of lineage plasticity and astrocytes as source of new neurons. The thesis engaged the reader through crystal clear and logic language while describing intricate experiments. Her work deserves great attention as it may pave the way for novel regenerative treatments for injury or disease in the central nervous system.
This year’s prize include:
- 5000 SEK
- An invited speaker slot at the 4th Nordic Meeting on Developmental Biology, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Norway, 28th-30th May, 2024.
- Free registration, travel and accommodation to attend the 4th Nordic Meeting on Developmental Biology, Stem Cells and Regeneration.
- Diploma
The SWEDBO 2021 best thesis award
Dr. Haohao Wu, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, was awarded the prize for her outstanding research regarding the
“intricate identification of distinct sensory neuron classes”, that “significantly improved our understanding of the role of developmental versus activity dependent cell identity determination for the acquisition of appropriate proprioception”. She was also awarded for her ability to successfully “convey the importance of her research findings and her courage to challenge long-standing dogmas”.
The 2021 year’s prize include:
- 5000 SEK
- An invited speaker slot at the 3rd Nordic Meeting on Developmental Biology, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. October 6th-7th, 2022.
- Free registration, travel and accommodation to attend the 3rd Nordic Meeting on Developmental Biology, Stem Cells and Regeneration.
- Diploma