Erik Melén

Erik Melén is a Professor and Specialist at Karolinska Institutet, serving as Head of Department for the Department of Clinical Science and Education at Södersjukhuset since 2023. His work focuses on respiratory medicine, allergy, and medical genetics within the Department of Clinical Research and Education at Södersjukhuset (SÖS).

• Doctoral Degree in Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (2006)
• Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet (2012)

Professor Melén's research spans pulmonary medicine, allergy, and medical genetics, with particular emphasis on childhood respiratory diseases, asthma, and the impact of environmental factors on lung health. His work integrates genetic, epigenetic, and exposome approaches to understand disease mechanisms across the life course. He leads significant research initiatives examining how early-life exposures affect long-term respiratory outcomes.

Analysis of Professor Melén's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of genetics, environment, and respiratory health. His work frequently examines lung function trajectories from childhood to adulthood, genetic and epigenetic determinants of asthma and allergy, and the impact of air pollution on respiratory outcomes. Many studies employ large European cohort collaborations to investigate life-course perspectives on respiratory diseases.

Professor Melén has supervised several graduate students including Fredrik Larsson (2024) and Shizhen He (2020). His research is supported by major grants from the Swedish Research Council and other European funding bodies, enabling extensive cohort studies and multi-omics approaches to respiratory disease research.

Professor Melén leads the Pediatrics Melén research group at Karolinska Institutet, collaborating with multiple European research teams through initiatives like the EXPANSE project. His work integrates clinical, genetic, and environmental data to advance understanding of respiratory disease mechanisms and improve patient care.