Date and time: 15 May 2025, 13:00-14:00 CEST
Speaker: Ina Schuppe Koistinen, Karolinska Institutet
Title: Deciphering the role of the microbiome for women’s health through population-based studies
Where: Digital Futures hub, Osquars Backe 5, floor 2 at KTH main campus OR Zoom
Directions: https://www.digitalfutures.kth.se/contact/how-to-get-here/
OR
Zoom: https://kth-se.zoom.us/j/69560887455
Host: Madeline Balaam, KTH
Bio: Ina Schuppe Koistinen is a dynamic and results-driven scientific leader with a passion for innovation, particularly in the areas of women’s health and the skin microbiome.
After 18 successful years in the pharmaceutical industry, she has returned to academic research at Karolinska Institutet, bringing a wealth of experience in both pre-clinical and clinical drug development.
Her career is characterized by a broad expertise in translational medicine, spanning CNS, respiratory, autoimmunity, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. With a deep understanding of pharmacology, toxicology, and biomarker discovery and qualification, Ina has a proven track record of driving interdisciplinary projects that advance scientific knowledge and therapeutic development. In her current research, she studies the critical roles of the microbiome in women’s health, aiming to translate these insights into novel interventions and diagnostics. Recently, she co-founded a company focusing on microbiome-driven skin health solutions.
In addition to Ina’s scientific pursuits, she is an accomplished artist and the author of the popular science book Vulva: Facts, Myths, and Life-Changing Insights. Her artwork, often intersecting with my scientific interests, has been featured in books, scientific presentations, and publications, and is proudly displayed in research labs and private collections worldwide.
Abstract: The vaginal microbiome is a key determinant of reproductive and gynecological health, yet many fundamental questions remain unanswered. When and how is the vaginal microbiome first established—does colonization begin in utero, or only at birth? What defines a stable, healthy microbial composition, and how does it fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and with the use of hormonal contraceptives?
This talk will present insights from population-based studies investigating the intricate relationship between the vaginal microbiome and women’s health. We will explore how microbial imbalances (dysbiosis) contribute to an increased risk of reproductive disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding to inform future clinical strategies.
