Pathology in Stavanger: A Look Back at 2025
It has been an eventful year for the PiV-group in Stavanger, marked by progressing research, plans for implementation, a big relocation, and other milestones within our team. Here is an update from the team.
Professional activity and international visibility
Stavanger was well represented at several conferences and gatherings but perhaps the highlight was at this year’s European Congress of Digital Pathology (ECDP2025) in Barcelona.
Emma presented her work on AI-based Ki67 analysis in breast cancer and highlighted variations between scanners and staining methods across Helse Vest. The project received excellent feedback and underscores the need for standardisation across the region. Anders presented his study on the degradation of AI models over time, focusing on prostate cancer. The work highlights the phenomenon of “AI aging” and how technological and methodological changes affect model performance. This presentation was also well received and recognised as both relevant and important.
21st ECDP conference in Barcelona, Spain
Moving into new facilities
A major milestone is the move into the new facilities at Ullandhaug. This gives the department a modern setting and better working conditions. At the same time, the work to unite the pathology team remains, as the department is still split between Våland and Ullandhaug. For now, we emphasise strengthening unity across locations. Thanks to everyone who contributed and our partners at Helse Bergen who handled much of the molecular analysis caseload during the moving weeks—the effort has been greatly appreciated.
Changes in the team
One colleague has moved on to new challenges, while former team members have returned. This provides both continuity and new impulses, strengthening our environment further.
Research and development
Implementation of AI continues, and we look forward to deploying algorithms for prostate cancer detection and grading and Ki67 measurement in breast cancer in 2026. Anders is preparing for his 2026 defence of his PhD, focusing on prostate cancer and AI. Jennifer is well into her first PhD year and her questionnaires reveal an engaged and expectant pathology community while highlighting key priority areas for safe and effective AI implementation.
Umay successfully defended her PhD on “Improving the diagnosis and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer using artificial intelligence” in November. She is now pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship where she will be continuing her research. Meanwhile, our other research projects are progressing as Karl Oskar advances the skin lesion project, and Emma continues developing the endometrial cancer prediction project. Both are important focus areas that strengthen the link between clinical practice and research.
Emiel leads innovation and research development and continues the important work of highlighting and advocating for strategic priorities.
Conclusion
Stavanger is in the midst of an exciting development phase, where both expertise, technology, and work environment are moving in a positive direction. We look forward to sharing more updates in the time to come and thank everyone who contributes to advancing pathology in the region. Thank you for 2025, and we look forward to a productive and innovative 2026!