2026 – Per Uhlén

“Per Uhlén is awarded the Lennart Nilsson Award 2026 for his pioneering development of advanced microscopy methods that visualize the fundamental processes of life. Through his research, Uhlén has created unique opportunities to explore cell signaling at both cellular and organ levels, with a particular focus on neuroscience and cancer.

By developing tissue preparation methods in combination with advanced light microscopy, he has succeeded in making dense brain tissue transparent. This has rendered the invisible visible and allowed for detailed imaging of intact biological structures in complete three-dimensional volumes.

By combining these techniques with advanced analytical tools, Uhlén has pushed the boundaries of what can be measured and understood. He has furthermore established and managed leading microscopy facilities at Karolinska Institutet to the benefit of numerous researchers. His work unites technical perfection with an aesthetic and pedagogical brilliance that highlights the beauty in medical and biological specimens – entirely in the spirit of Lennart Nilsson.”