People
The people and teams behind our research.
The people and teams behind our research.
Professor
Thomas Helleday is Swedish and obtained his first degree in molecular biology at Stockholm University (1995). Alongside these studies, he took a degree in Business Administration and Economics at the same university (1996). In 1999, he was awarded a PhD from Stockholm University for his studies on homologous recombination in mammalian cells.
After a short post-doctoral research period with Mark Meuth at the Institute for Cancer Research, Sheffield, UK, he obtained a lectureship at the same institute and set up his own group, with an interest in homologous recombination at replication forks in mammalian cells. At the same time, he maintained grants and a position at Stockholm University, allowing his group to continue research at the Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Toxicology.
Thomas Helleday became a professor at both University of Sheffield and Stockholm University in 2006, prior to being recruited as MRC Professor of Cancer Therapeutics at the Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology at the University of Oxford, Currently, Thomas Helleday is the Torsten and Ragnar Söderberg Professor of Translational Medicine and Chemical Biology at Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, at the Karolinska Institutet Science Park in Stockholm. He has won numerous prestigious prizes including the ERC Advanced Grant Award twice in 2010 and 2016, Cancer researcher of the year 2016 by the Swedish Cancer Society, Erik K Fernström Prize in Medicine 2014, Göran Gustafsson Prize in Medicine 2013, Skandia’s Lennart Levi Prize at Karolinska Institutet 2012. In the summer of 2018, he simultaneously joined Sheffield University at the Department of Oncology and Metabolism for the establishment of a new cancer research institute. The current focus in the Helleday laboratories is understanding and exploiting altered nucleotide metabolism and DNA repair at replication forks for novel anti-cancer and inflammation therapies.
Awards and Prices:
Carcinogenesis Young Investigator Award 2010, the Swiss Bridge Award 2008 by the Swiss Cancer League and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), the Svedberg Award 2008 by SFBM and Swedish National Committee for Molecular Biosciences, the European Association for Cancer Research Young Cancer Researchers Award 2007, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Hilda and Alfred Eriksson’s prize 2007 for an outstanding research contribution in relief of diseases in man or animal, British Association for Cancer Research (BACR) – AstraZeneca Young Scientist Frank Rose Award 2006, the Eppendorf-Nature Young European Investigator Award 2005 for outstanding contribution within the field of biomedical science and the European Environmental Mutagen Society (EEMS) Young Scientist Award 2005.
Thomas Helleday, PhD
Professor
Ann-Sofie Jemth, PhD
Co-PI
Ann-Sofie Jemth, PhD
Principal Researcher, Team & Project leader
Education
1996: MSc in Biochemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
2002: PhD in Biochemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
Experience
2018–present: Team leader, project leader, and Principal Researcher at the Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, Laboratory of Professor Thomas Helleday
2012–2017: Team leader and Researcher at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, Laboratory of Professor Thomas Helleday
2005–2012: Assistant Professor at the Department of Genetics Microbiology and Toxicology, Stockholm University, Sweden, Laboratory of Professor Thomas Helleday
2006–2010: Director of the Graduate Research School in Gene Expression at Stockholm University (20%)
2002–2004: Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Medical Research Council Laboratory Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK, Laboratory of Professor Philipp Holliger
1997–2001: Laboratory teacher (20%) at the Department of Biochemistry, Uppsala University
Research Interest and Expertise
Enzyme assay development, enzyme kinetics, drug discovery, protein expression and purification, structural biology, understanding of enzyme function
Who am I?
I like spending time in nature, walking, running, skiing or orienteering. I like singing and spending time with my family, especially in our summer house in Dalarna.
Announcement
If would you like to perform a MSc project in our lab within the area of biochemistry and drug discovery please contact me using annsofie.jemth@scilifelab.se
Christina Chalkiadaki, MSc
Research Assistant
Education
2019: BSc in Biology, University of Crete, Greece
2022: MSc in Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
Research Interest
Cancer research, molecular biology, drug discovery
Who am I?
In my free time, I enjoy walking in nature, listening to music and watching tennis
Elisee Wiita, MSc
Research Engineer
Education
1985–1987: University degree in human biology, Uppsala University
1987–1988: Basic course in chemistry, Stockholm’s University
1989: Degree in Molecular Biology, Stockholm’s University
Experience
1989–2001: Research Scientist, Karo Bio AB
2002–2006: Laboratory Engineer, Biovitrum AB
2006–2010: Research Scientist, iNovacia AB
2010–2013 Research Scientist, Kancera AB
2013–present: In vitro pharmacologist at Helleday Lab, SciLifeLab, Department of Oncology & Pathology
Research activities
Assay development, screening and target development
GPCR, biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays
Who am I?
I enjoy outdoor activities like playing golf in the summer and cross country or downhill skiing in the winter. I push myself every week to spend some time at the gym or go for a run.
At home I like to read, listen to podcasts, watch series or enjoy a nice dinner and a movie. I love travelling or just spending time with my friends, family and cats.
Sandra Ekstedt, PhD
Project Leader
Education
2013: MSc, biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
2019: PhD, Neutrophil subsets in airway inflammation and hyperreactivity, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Research Interest
Inflammation and immunology, Molecular biology, FACS, and the neutrophils
Who am I?
In my free time, I like kayaking, sweating in the gym but also relaxing on the couch, and eating salt licorice in front of a TV series with many episodes.
Therese Pham, PhD
Research Engineer
Education
1985: BSc in Biology, Wesleyan University, Illinois, USA
1989: MSc in Behavior Analysis & Therapy, Southern Illinois University, USA
2001: PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience., Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Experience
2012–present: Research Engineer, Helleday Laboratory, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
2007–2011: Senior researcher, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
2005–2006: Postdoctoral position at Dept. of Neurobiology Care Sciences & Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
2002–2004: Postdoctoral position at Dept. of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Anna Carbery, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Education
2019: MBiochem Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), University of Oxford, UK
2023: DPhil Computational Drug Discovery, University of Oxford, UK
Research interest
I’m interested in applying newly-developed computational tools, including AI, to the design of small molecule and peptide therapeutics. I have previous experience working with data from crystallographic fragment-based methods, protein sequencing and antibody design.
Who am I?
Outside of science I love being outdoors, and spend weekends and summer evenings at local climbing crags.
Oliver Mortusewicz, PhD
Team Leader & Project leader
Education
1999–2004: Diploma in Biology, University of Kaiserslautern and Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany
2005–2007: PhD in Biology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany
Experience
2008–2010: Postdoctoral researcher, Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany
2010–2012: EMBO Fellow, postdoctoral researcher, Gray Institute, UK
2012–2013 :Postdoctoral researcher, Stockholm University, Sweden
2013–present: Team leader Basic Science & Project leader, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Who am I?
In my spare time, I enjoy photography, cycling, hiking, and reading.
Helge Gad, PhD
Principal Researcher
Education
1996: MSc in Biology, Stockholm University
2000: PhD in Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute
Experience
2001: Research assistant, Karolinska Institute
2002–2004: Post-doctoral fellow, Karolinska Institute, Department of Neuroscience
2004–2006: Post-doctoral fellow, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Italy
2007–2012: Senior Scientist, Stockholm University, Department of Genetics Microbiology and Toxicology
2012–2019: Senior Scientist, Karolinska Institute, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics
2019–2022: Research Fellow, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
2022–present: Principal Researcher, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institute
Research Interest
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair at telomeres in human cells. Development of small molecules and validation of drug targets including the Uracil glycosylase SMUG1 and the endonuclease APE2, an enzyme involved in telomere maintenance and PARP inhibitor resistance.
Who am I?
I live on the countryside with my wife, two teenage boys and a small dog. I like to create jewelry in silver and glass and to play the cello.
Maeve Long, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Education
2013–2018: PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, University College Dublin, Ireland.
2009–2013: BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology (Honours degree), University College Dublin, Ireland
Who am I?
I love to go hiking and dancing in my free time.
James Haslam, MSc
PhD Student
Education
2022: PhD Student, Helleday Lab, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
2020–2022: Graduate Scientist, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
2019–2020: Research Intern, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
2018–2020: BSc Biochemistry with Study in Industry, Bristol University, UK
Research Interest
Drug discovery, DNA Damage Response, cancer biology, molecular biology, inflammation biology, gene editing
Hannah Stigsdotter, MSc
PhD Student
Education
2022: MSc in Nutrition Science, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
2021: BSc in Biomedicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Research Interest
Cancer research, Cell biology, Molecular biology, DNA damage signaling, Drug discovery
Who am I?
In my spare time, I enjoy lifting weights at the gym, spending time in nature, reading, and watching series.
Theodora Manolakou, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Education
2011–2016: BSc/MSc (integrated) in Biotechnology. Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece
2016–2018: MSc in Molecular Biomedicine, Medical School, University of Athens in collaboration with Biomedical Sciences Research Centre ”Alexander Fleming” (BSRC), Greece
2018–2022: PhD in Autoimmunity & Inflammation, Medical School, University of Athens in collaboration with Biomedical Research Foundation of Athens Academy (BRFAA), Greece
Research Interest
I focus on the role and pharmaceutical targeting of the DNA damage response in Autoimmunity.
Who am I?
Besides biology science, I am a travel enthusiast. I like meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. I also adore cats. Finally, I believe that it is important to get out of your comfort zone. My motto is ”everything will be okay in the end”.
Jianyu Shen, MSc
PhD student
Education
2022 – present: PhD student at Helleday Lab, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
2016 – 2017 :MSc in Drug Discovery and Translational Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland
2012 – 2016: BSc in Biopharmaceutical, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China
Experience
2017 – 2021: Researcher of R&D department, Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd, China
Who am I?
I like watching musicals and reading books in my spare time.
Olov Wallner, PhD
Team Leader & Medicinal Chemist
Education
2001–2006: PhD in Organic chemistry, Stockholm’s University, Stockholm, Sweden
2006–2008: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Bristol, UK
Experience
2008–2012: Research Scientist, Novadex Pharmaceuticals AB
Evert Homan, PhD
Computational Chemist & Project Leader
Education
1988–1993: MSc in Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
1993–1998: PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
1998–1999: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Pharmacopeia, Inc., Princeton, USA
Experience
1999–2000: Computational Chemist, Pharmacopeia, Inc., Princeton, USA
2000–2001: Computational Chemist, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Stockholm, Sweden
2001–2008: Computational Chemist, Biovitrum AB, Stockholm, Sweden
2008–2010: Senior Computational Chemist at Beactica AB, Uppsala, Sweden
2010–2013: Chief Operating Officer at Beactica AB, Uppsala, Sweden
2013–present: Senior Research Specialist at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Research Interest
Computational and medicinal chemistry, cheminformatics, fragment-based drug discovery, target identification.
Who am I?
I am Dutch by birth but have lived in Sweden since the start of the millennium. In my free time I enjoy building and playing electric guitars, and relax at my summer house in Roslagen with my family.
Martin Scobie, PhD
Project Leader & Medicinal Chemist
Education
After obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh, I carried out post-doctoral work in Switzerland and the UK before going on to work in Biotech and Pharma in project leader and team leader roles (Oxford Diversity, Pharmacia, Biovitrum, Orexo). I met Thomas in 2010 and built up the current medicinal chemistry team working on novel targets in the area of DNA repair and metabolism.
Research Interest
My interests include lead-generation and lead-optimization strategies as well as the development of new synthetic methods.
Who am I?
I’m a keen fisherman and enjoy exploring Sweden’s wild places in pursuit of Trout and Grayling.
Oryn Purewal-Sidhu, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher & Medicinal Chemist
Education
2015 -2019: MChem Chemistry, University of Southampton, UK
2018: 6-Month placement in organic chemistry, University of Cape Town, South Africa
2019-2023: PhD in organic chemistry, University of Southampton, UK
2023-present: Postdoctoral researcher in medicinal chemistry, Helleday lab, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Research Interest
Using the power of synthetic and medicinal chemistry to tackle some of Nature’s most difficult problems.
Who am I?
I moved to Stockholm with my partner. We love traveling and exploring new places. My weekends are mostly filled with watching Formula 1 or football (currently suffering as a Chelsea fan).
Seika Munakata
Placement student from St. Andrews University
Education
Research Interest
Who am I?
Kumar Sanjiv, DVM PhD
Team Leader & Clinical Veterinarian
Education
Who am I? Kumar Sanjiv is a clinical veterinarian and Principal scientist with extensive experience in preclinical oncology and drug development. With a DVM and a PhD in Molecular Medicine, Kumar Sanjiv specializes in comparative and translational cancer research, bridging the gap between bench and clinic in both human and veterinary medicine. In collaboration with canine oncologists at SLU, Kumar Sanjiv received funding from FORMAS to conduct a clinical study on canine lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma using the mMTH1 inhibitor OXC-101. At Karolinska Institute, Kumar Sanjiv is a Team leader for preclinical research focused on various preclinical tumor models, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and efficacy studies of novel cancer therapies.
