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Jonas Halfvarson

Position: Professor School/office: School of Medical Sciences

Email: am9uYXMuaGFsZnZhcnNvbjtvcnUuc2U=

Phone: +46 738 082361

Room: X2212

Jonas Halfvarson
Research subject

About Jonas Halfvarson

Jonas Halfvarson is a leading expert in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A professor of gastroenterology at Örebro University and a consultant gastroenterologist at Örebro University Hospital in Sweden, his career is marked by significant contributions to both research and clinical practice.

Research

With more than 200 publications to his name, Jonas Halfvarson’s research has significantly impacted multiple facets of IBD care. His primary research focus is on biomarkers in IBD from both clinical and mechanistic perspectives, in other words, how they can be used in healthcare and their function at a biological level.

By analysing metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, genetic and microbiome data from carefully selected cohorts, or groups, and integrating these data with clinical information, Jonas Halfvarson and his research group provide insights into the biological mechanisms driving the onset and progression of the disease, including various therapies.

Findings are validated in independent cohorts, and the potential of identified biosignatures is tested in clinical trials.

Jonas Halfvarson has successfully secured funding for his work from various agencies, including the EU’s 7th Framework Programme, Horizon 2020; IMI2; the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; Nordforsk; Vinnova; and the Swedish Research Council.

Background

Jonas Halfvarson obtained his MD from Uppsala University, Sweden, and underwent specialist medical training in gastroenterology at Örebro University Hospital. In 2005, he defended his doctoral thesis titled ‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Twins; Studies of Genetics and Environmental Factors’ under the supervision of Professors Gunnar Järnerot and Curt Tysk. Part of his PhD was carried out at University of Oxford, UK, under the mentorship of Professor Derek Jewell.

In 2006, at the age of 35, he became the head of the gastroenterology unit at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. As the clinical head, he received an award for best improvement of medical care in Sweden from the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.

In 2019, he was appointed professor of gastroenterology and is currently heading the research group on IBD and translational gastroenterology.

Teaching

Jonas Halfvarson has been involved in establishing the medical school at Örebro University and his teaching focus is on IBD and translational research.

He has further contributed to the set up of a national research school and a postdoctoral programme focusing on IBD.

Collaboration and assignments

Jonas Halfvarson has continually broken new ground in the field.

Currently, he serves as the scientific director of the Swedish National Quality Registry for IBD (SWIBREG) and leads the task force for genetics and pathophysiology at the Swedish Organisation for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (SOIBD).

He is also part of the management committees of the International IBD Genetic Consortium (IIBDGC) and Genomics Medicine Sweden – Complex Diseases, and serves as a scientific advisor for Biobank Sweden.

From 2019 to 2023, he was leading the work for the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions for establishing a national care programme for adults with IBD in Sweden and developing a national care path for patients with IBD.

From 2017 to 2023, he served on the board of the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IOIBD).

In 2011, he was recognised as a Rising Star in Gastroenterology during the United European Gastroenterology Week (UEGW).

Publications

Articles in journals |  Articles, reviews/surveys |  Chapters in books |  Conference papers |  Manuscripts | 

Articles in journals

Articles, reviews/surveys

Chapters in books

Conference papers

Manuscripts