Nordea praises Koustuv Dalal – he makes a difference globally and locally

"I am very happy and honoured to receive Nordea's Scientific Prize. For me, it is also a recognition of the social responsibility of research – that the knowledge we create should benefit people and society," says Koustuv Dalal, Professor of Public Health Sciences at the Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University.

The prize amounts to SEK 100,000 and is backed by Nordea's Norrland Foundation. The citation highlights Koustuv Dalal's extensive efforts for research and development in public health science and health economics, both nationally and internationally. The foundation also highlights his work for better public health in Mid Sweden University's region and the importance of health economics for society.

"Professor Dalal is internationally recognised, has a very large network of contacts and a great potential to further enrich the research field internationally, nationally, regionally and locally," says Carina Bergquist Palm, Chair of Nordea's Norrland Foundation.

Global networks and scientific impact

Koustuv Dalal's research includes health economics, health systems, prevention, safety and health promotion, and digital and global health. A central starting point is that scientific knowledge should be able to be translated into decisions, prevention and concrete societal benefits.

Internationally, he has worked for many years with WHO-related initiatives in prevention, safety and health promotion and collaborated with decision-makers at both local and central levels. Through research, education, students and policy work, he has built academic and research-related networks all over the world. He is the editor-in-chief of the Health Economics Review, has published over 210 scientific articles, many of which in highly ranked international journals, and has for three consecutive years been included in Stanford/Elsevier's international list "World's Top 2% Scientists". He is also one of Mid Sweden University's most cited researchers.

Research with regional roots

At the same time, he has a strong regional and national commitment. He collaborates with universities, regions and municipalities, where public health science and health economic analyses are used to develop evidence-based solutions for better health and a sustainable society. He participates in research and knowledge exchange with businesses in Västernorrland and Jämtland Härjedalen, among others.

"I don't see the international and the regional as two different worlds. Knowledge and methods that are developed internationally have their real value when they can be adapted and make a difference for people where they live and work. In the same way, experiences from Västernorrland and Jämtland Härjedalen can contribute knowledge that is relevant far beyond Sweden," says Koustuv Dalal.

Health economics as a tool for social development

For him, health economics is an important link between research and social decision-making.

"Health economics is not just about money and costs. It is about how society's limited resources can be used more wisely to prevent ill health, reduce inequality and create the greatest possible benefit for people. This is where research, economics and social responsibility meet," says Koustuv Dalal.

The prize will be awarded at the Academic Ceremony in Sundsvall on 2 October 2026.

Contact person:

Koustuv Dalal, Professor of Public Health Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, 010-142 79 95, koustuv.dalal@miun.se