IVA’s Gold Medal 2025: Mats Danielsson – a pioneer in medical imaging technology
With a background from CERN and Berkeley, Mats Danielsson has successfully combined cutting-edge research with technical innovation and entrepreneurship. Today he is a leading researcher and entrepreneur in medical imaging, whose work has had a strong impact both nationally and internationally – in healthcare as well as in industry.
Born in 1965 in Eksjö, Mats Danielsson has for several decades been a driving force in medical technology and imaging diagnostics. After earning a Master of Science in Engineering Physics from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, he began his research career at CERN in Switzerland, where his work led to a PhD in 1996. He then continued as a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, specialising in detector technology and integrated electronics for X-ray imaging.
In 1999, Danielsson returned to Sweden and KTH, where he is now a professor of medical imaging physics. At KTH, he founded and currently leads a prominent research group in sensor technology, with a focus on medical applications. His work has resulted in groundbreaking innovations that enable earlier detection of tumours, more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments. The technologies he has helped develop are now used in clinical practice worldwide, improving outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Innovator and entrepreneur
Mats Danielsson has published more than 150 scientific papers and holds 135 patents. He is co-founder of MedTechLab, a centre for clinical-driven technology development, where he leads a research programme aimed at developing the next generation of imaging diagnostics.
Beyond academia, Danielsson is also a successful entrepreneur. He has co-founded several technology companies, including Sectra Mamea AB (acquired by Philips in 2011), C-RAD AB (listed on Nasdaq and active in advanced radiotherapy), and Prismatic Sensors AB, a company developing spectral CT technology acquired by GE Healthcare in 2021.
Recognized role model
Mats Danielsson’s contributions have earned him several prestigious awards. In 2024, he received the KTH Innovation Award, and in 2022, the Hans Wigzell Scientific Award for outstanding achievements in medical imaging. He was a finalist for the Polhem Prize in 2014 for MicroDose mammography, receiving the same year the Erna Ebeling Prize from the Swedish Medical Association. In 2008, he was also a finalist for the international Bepi Colombi Prize.
Mats Danielsson is a Fellow of IVA’s Division for Basic and Interdisciplinary Engineering Sciences since 2017. Danielsson is a passionate researcher, teacher and innovator – and an inspiring role model for students and colleagues in both engineering and medicine.
“To students and younger colleagues, I always try to convey how incredibly rewarding it is to work together in a small team towards a challenging scientific and technical goal. You’re never without a chance – it’s an important mission. We work together, and that’s the best part of all.”
Mats Danielsson
Citation for IVA’s Gold Medal
Professor Mats Danielsson is awarded IVA’s Gold Medal for his pioneering work on highly sensitive sensors. His research has led to significant medical-technology innovations and commercial success through start-up companies. These advances have enabled the early detection of tumours. Mats Danielsson’s dedication, curiosity and determination have resulted in major scientific achievements and inspired many young researchers and PhD students.
IVA's Gold Medal
For more than a century, IVA has celebrated excellence in technology, economics, business and society by awarding Gold Medals to people who, through their outstanding achievements, have helped to create a better society.
IVA's Gold Medal is awarded for meritorious work within the academy's field of activity.
More on IVA's Gold Medals
