Professor Anita Aperia, a revered figure at Karolinska Institutet (KI), has passed away after a period of illness. Her contributions to medicine, research, and education spanned more than seven decades, leaving an indelible impact on the field. Aperia’s last scientific paper was published in the spring of 2025, demonstrating her enduring commitment to advancing knowledge until her final days.
Legacy of a Pioneer in Medical Science
Born in 1936, Aperia began her studies in medicine at Karolinska Institutet in the 1950s and maintained a lifelong affiliation with the institution. She served as a Professor Emerita in the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, where she was actively involved in clinical work for many years. Her research focused primarily on the body’s salt and fluid balance, particularly the function of the sodium-potassium pump in cell membranes. This pump is crucial for electrolyte homeostasis and accounts for approximately one-third of the body’s energy consumption.
Aperia’s investigations into the sodium-potassium pump revealed its significant role in the kidneys, where it regulates water and salt excretion. Her research was often inspired by interactions with patients at the pediatric clinic, leading to a deeper understanding of physiological processes and their implications for health and disease. Throughout her career, she authored numerous scientific papers exploring the pump’s function and regulation under various physiological and pathological conditions.
Leadership and Advocacy in Pediatrics
In addition to her research achievements, Aperia held several leadership positions at Karolinska Institutet. She served as assistant dean and played a pivotal role in establishing the LäFo program, which integrates medical education with research. Her extensive experience also included a long tenure as a member of the Nobel Committee and a former chair of the Nobel Assembly. Aperia was recognized with multiple accolades, including the Karolinska Institutet Grand Silver Medal and the Söderberg Prize in medicine.
Aperia was particularly passionate about pediatric care and was instrumental in the merger of pediatric clinics at St Göran’s, Danderyd, and Karolinska hospitals. Her efforts culminated in the opening of the Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital in 1998, a significant milestone in providing specialized care for children.
As a clinician and researcher, Aperia exemplified the role of a “physician-scientist,” viewing her laboratory work and clinical practice as complementary. Her mentorship profoundly influenced many doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, guiding them in their pursuit of innovation. Aperia’s ability to integrate skills and methodologies from diverse scientific fields inspired a new generation of researchers, exemplifying the collaborative spirit essential for modern scientific inquiry.
Her scientific curiosity persisted throughout her life, and even in her later years, Aperia was actively involved in various research projects. The legacy she leaves behind, marked by her unwavering dedication to research, teaching, and leadership, will continue to shape the future of medical science at Karolinska Institutet and beyond.
Tributes from friends, colleagues, and researchers at Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, and the Nobel Assembly reflect the profound impact of Aperia’s work. Her contributions not only enriched the academic community but also improved the lives of countless individuals in need of medical care.
As those who knew her continue to honor her memory, the influence of Anita Aperia will undoubtedly live on through the many lives she touched and the advancements she fostered in medicine.
