Peter Thomsen receives Nordic award for implant research

The Scandinavian Society for Biomaterials (ScSB) brings together biomaterials researchers from the Nordic and Baltic countries. At the society’s conference in Fiskebäckskil, Peter Thomsen received this year’s ScSB Award from its president, Hanna Tiainen, associate professor at the University of Oslo.

“I am always pleased to receive recognition, but above all, an award like this from Nordic colleagues is a recognition of our research environment at the University of Gothenburg, particularly the junior researchers on my team,” says Peter Thomsen.

Image

Studying cells at implant surfaces

His research focuses on interactions between materials and the body’s cells. One important area is osseointegration, the process by which an implant becomes directly anchored in bone tissue. The research has generated knowledge that has paved the way for novel implants and regenerative therapies.

Peter Thomsen and his research group are now working with spatial biology and so-called omics technologies. These methods make it possible to study different cells and their biological activity at implant surfaces in detail.

“We are now taking a major step towards understanding how the body distinguishes between optimal and less optimal material properties. We are pioneering the use of spatial biology and omics to analyze cells at implant surfaces,” says Peter Thomsen.

Potential impact on industry practices

The knowledge could eventually have an impact beyond research. The new analytical methods could contribute to changes in working practices within the medical technology implant and prosthetics industry.

Peter Thomsen has previously received the George Winter Award, the highest scientific honor awarded by the European Society for Biomaterials.

Text: Jakob Lundberg