Meet Dr. Anders Ståhlberg, Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg and  Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, and organiser of the EMBO Practical Course: Single-Cell Omics (15 – 21 November 2020) and EMBL Course: “Liquid Biopsies” (14 – 19 September 2020).

Anders’ research focuses on basic tumour biology and cancer diagnostics.

What is the greatest benefit of the Liquid Biopsies course for the scientific community?

Liquid biopsy analysis is an emerging tool in biological/medical research as well as in clinical diagnostics. However, most analyses require ultrasensitive methods. In this course we cover both theoretical aspects and practical consideration that need to be addressed to utilise the potential of liquid biopsy analysis, and use both state-of-art techniques and novel approaches.

What could the techniques in this course be used for in the bigger picture?

The applied techniques include ultrasensitive analysis of DNA, proteins and single-cells. These techniques can be applied to a wide range of applications in any type of liquid biopsy. In addition, these techniques can be used on any type of challenging sample types. Application areas include cancer, immunology, prenatal testing, forensics, evolution studies, drug screening, pathogen detection and beyond.

In comparison to other training environments, what do you enjoy most about teaching at EMBL?

The superb facilities, including everything from course arrangement to the research lab. However, the best part of EMBL courses is the dynamic interactions between teachers, tutors, staff and all students. It is a perfect environment to network and discuss science.

What is the strangest or funniest thing that has ever happened in a course?

The course dinners are very enjoyable and may end in unexpected but fun ways.

What challenges is your research field facing?

Translating basic research into clinical use.

Where is science heading in your opinion?

The amount of generated data will increase dramatically with all available high-throughput methods. One major challenge is to translate this data into useful information.

What was your first ever job?

I got my first job when I was 15 years old in basic industry, making valves.

If you weren’t a scientist, what would you be?

A teacher or farmer.

What is the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

In science, saying no to academically rewarding positions and instead following my research interest with an unsure future.

What is your favourite book?

I cannot resist a good fantasy book.