Karl Mårild named Rising Star 2026
Karl Mårild has been selected as a Rising Star 2026 by United European Gastroenterology. The distinction is awarded to eleven promising European researchers in the field of gastrointestinal medicine and will be presented at next year’s UEGW congress in Barcelona, where Karl will also speak about his research.
“It’s a tremendous honor — both to receive the award and to be in the company of previous recipients who have inspired me,” says pediatrician Karl Mårild, senior lecturer and researcher in pediatrics at the Institute of Clinical Sciences.
Research on IBD and celiac disease
Karl Mårild studies inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease — two chronic conditions that affect many people and demand long-term care and follow-up.
“I conduct epidemiological and clinical studies using Nordic, national, and regional databases. We aim to identify risk factors, especially those that can be modified and may form the basis for prevention. We also study prognosis, follow-up, and treatment,” he says, and continues:
“We want to understand who develops these diseases, how patients progress, and how they can best be treated and monitored.”
A strong research tradition
Karl Mårild notes that Sweden has a long and strong tradition in gastroenterology research.
“Sweden has excellent research groups in gastroenterology, both clinical and preclinical. IBD and celiac disease are also common chronic conditions that affect many — both patients and us in healthcare. That drew me to these fields.”
Opportunities ahead
The Rising Star recognition brings not only prestige but also new opportunities.
“It really gives energy to continue and opens the door to new collaborations in European gastroenterology research.”
Text: Jakob Lundberg
