Martin Högbom

Professor in Structural biochemistry at Stockholm University

Membership period 2011–2016

My research area is structural biochemistry - biology at the atomic level. The chemical reactions that continuously take place in all biological systems, such as our own body, are performed and controlled by proteins. Despite the fact that the proteins are very small, a few millionths of a millimeter, they consist of thousands of atoms precisely positioned to provide the protein with its chemical function. By studying this "chemical architecture", we can understand how proteins work and also learn how to influence them, for example with drugs. We can also create new protein variants with modified functions. In order to study these small objects, we form crystallize the proteins, the crystals are then analyzed at synchrotron facilities, such as MAX-lab in Lund, Sweden.

I was Chair of the Young Academy of Sweden 2014-2015.

Video about Martin from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research

BILDER

Martin Högbom Photo: Magnus Bergström
Protein crystal

1. Portrait: Magnus Bergström (click to enlarge) 2. Protein crystal (Click to enlarge)

Martin Högbom Photo: Markus Marcetic/Young Academy of Sweden

(Click for high resolution image, opens in new window) Photo: Markus Marcetic/Young Academy of Sweden

IN BRIEF

Born: 1974
Family: Wife and three children
Interests: Travelling with the family, excercise, skiing, good food (cook and eat).
Other: Jujutsu instructor for kids and like to do carpentry.

“As a scientist you are not only part of the science community, you also contribute in shaping it. Young Academy of Sweden is an excellent platform to act from, in order to try to improve it. Additionally, it is a great advantage to get hang out and discuss with other young researchers from different fields.”

Sveriges unga akademi
Lilla Frescativägen 4A
SE 114 18 Stockholm