This research would not be possible without the rapid developments in technology. Ann-Christine Syvänen began her career in the pharmaceutical industry back home in Finland. Back in the 1980s she took part in the invention of the so-called mini-sequencing method that is used today in major genotyping analyses around the world.
“It’s been a success story. Biotechnology companies base their genotyping methods on our patent, and we use the same system here at Uppsala.”
She took the unusual step from the industrial world to the academic world, something she has never regretted, having been recruited to Uppsala University in 1998. Three years later she built up the technology platform within the framework of Wallenberg Consortium North, a huge commitment to functional genomics in Sweden funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
Today the consortium is one of the leading genotyping laboratories in Europe, providing capacity for both genotyping and sequencing for many different research groups.
“It was a far-sighted commitment to place our group at Uppsala University Hospital. We’re in the same corridor as clinical researchers, a mode of working that has major potential for the future. And I myself always have a strong impetus to develop and disseminate the most modern technology in order to stimulate clinical research.”
Text Nils Johan Tjärnberg
Translation Donald S. MacQueen
Photo Magnus Bergström