Tom Hemming Karlsen: "Exploring the Role of Genetics and Environment in Liver Diseases"
Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet
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Since its introduction in 2011, MedUni Vienna has been honouring one of the most important founders of modern hepatology with Viennese roots with the annual Hans Popper Lecture. This year's Hans Popper Lecture will take place on 4 December 2025 at the Medical University of Vienna. The renowned hepatologist Tom Hemming Karlsen from Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and the University of Oslo has been secured as the speaker. He is one of the world's leading experts on autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases and on the application of modern genetic and translational approaches in hepatology.
In his lecture, Karlsen will highlight current developments in research into the causes of liver disease, with a particular focus on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Karlsen is one of the pioneers in the identification of genetic risk factors for these diseases and in the development of translational models that improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and contribute to the development of new therapies.
Since 2011, on the initiative of Michael Trauner, Head of the Clinical Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at MedUni Vienna, the annual Hans Popper Lecture has been held at MedUni Vienna in honour of the Viennese founder of modern molecular hepatology.
Internationally renowned scientist
Tom Hemming Karlsen is Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet and heads the Norwegian PSC Research Centre. He coordinates major international research programmes, has received numerous awards and, with numerous top scientific publications in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Nature Medicine, Nature Genetics and others, is one of the most influential European researchers in the field of hepatology. His team combines state-of-the-art molecular genetic methods, large databases and clinical research to better understand complex liver diseases and treat them more precisely.
He is President-elect of the Biomedical Alliance of Europe. Since 2019, he has been Co-Chair of the EASL-Lancet Commissions on Liver Disease in Europe and is currently also Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Hepatology.
"Tom Hemming Karlsen has had a significant impact on international research into autoimmune and immune-mediated liver diseases over the past two decades," says Michael Trauner. "His work combines state-of-the-art molecular methods with clinically highly relevant questions – it is precisely this translational bridge-building that is in keeping with the spirit of the Hans Popper Lecture."
Supporting programme with research focus
The Hans Popper Lecture will be accompanied by the Translational Research Seminar on 3 December 2025, followed by the Basic Research Seminar on 4 December 2025 (both in the AKH lecture theatre centre, , room 30). Both events will offer insights into current research work being carried out by MedUni Vienna and its international partners. The lecture and supporting programme are organised by the Clinical Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Department of Medicine III.
Program
Welcome
Michaela Fritz, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Medical University of Vienna
Introduction of Tom Hemming Karlsen – Hans Popper Lecturer 2025
Michael Trauner, Head of Division of Gastroenterology and , Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna
Exploring the Role of Genetics and Environment in Liver Diseases
Tom Hemming Karlsen, University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet
Registration
Please send your registration to
alexandra.weisgram@meduniwien.ac.at