Per Ljungman is a distinguished hematologist and internationally recognized expert in post-transplant infectious complications. He currently serves as emeritus professor of hematology at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, following a distinguished career spanning several decades in academic medicine. Dr. Ljungman earned his medical degree and PhD in Sweden and specialized in internal medicine and hematology, establishing himself as a leading authority in cellular therapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. During his active career, he served as director of both the Department of Hematology and the Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation at Karolinska University Hospital, where he built comprehensive programs integrating clinical care with cutting-edge research.
Dr. Ljungman's pioneering research has fundamentally advanced the understanding and management of viral infections in immunocompromised patients following stem cell transplantation, with particular focus on cytomegalovirus and other opportunistic pathogens. His leadership in developing evidence-based guidelines for CMV management has transformed clinical practice worldwide, establishing standardized approaches to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment that have significantly improved patient outcomes. His extensive publication record includes numerous high-impact articles in leading journals such as Clinical Infectious Diseases, Lancet Infectious Diseases, and Blood, with his work on harmonizing definitions for diagnostic criteria in transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy representing a landmark contribution to the field. Through his rigorous clinical investigations, Dr. Ljungman has established critical frameworks for vaccination strategies and infection monitoring protocols that are now considered standard of care in transplant centers globally.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Ljungman has profoundly shaped the international transplant community through his leadership roles in major professional societies and collaborative initiatives. He currently serves as scientific co-chair of the Transplant Associated Virus Forum under the auspices of University of California Berkeley and contributes his expertise to the Adult Immunization Board organized by University of Antwerp and University Degli Studi Firenze. As a dedicated mentor, he has trained generations of hematologists and transplant specialists who now lead programs worldwide, while his service on the Ethical Advisory board of Karolinska Institutet demonstrates his commitment to advancing medical ethics alongside scientific progress. The recipient of the 2022 ICHS Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Ljungman continues to influence the field through his emeritus role, providing guidance on emerging challenges in transplant infectious diseases and contributing to the next generation of clinical guidelines that will shape patient care for years to come.
