SciLifeLab Voices: Kalle von Feilitzen

This time in our SciLifeLab Voices series, we had a chat with Kalle about his work with the Human Protein Atlas, his long journey with the project, and even a few hobbies outside the lab.

Hej Kalle, what’s your role at the Human Protein Atlas, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am currently the Head of bioinformatics & IT within HPA. I am also part of the HPA management team. A typical day at work usually consists of a few meetings and discussions with my colleges, mixed with some programming and data handling.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work with the Human Protein Atlas?

I have always been fascinated by computers and programming. For me, creating a piece of software is similar to building something in real life like a house or a piece of furniture which I really love doing. Biology has also been something close to heart growing up in the forests in the north of Sweden.

When I started my studies at Uppsala University bioinformatics was a natural and exciting choice. When finishing my studies friends of mine from Uppsala were already working in The Human Protein Atlas which caught my attention as a very interesting project.

What’s the best thing about being connected to SciLifeLab?

HPA has made extensive use of the SciLifeLab infrastructure to create different types of data. For me and my team the Bioinformatics infrastructure and NBIS is a good source of knowledge and collaboration.

You’ve been with the Human Protein Atlas for over a decade, what’s been the most rewarding part so far, and what are you most excited about going forward?

I really like how the Human Protein Atlas evolve with new technologies, data types and data integrations. I am also very happy to be part of some spin out companies founded together with coworkers from the Human Protein Atlas and others.

It will be interesting to see how AI will affect my work and the research results in biotechnology and other areas.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies you’re especially passionate about?

I don’t know if it is a hidden talent, but I like carpentry. I have built a log house in Härjedalen by hand – from cutting down the trees, constructing the exterior including foundation, roof etc. and finishing the inside.

I love skiing and biking, especially skiing off-piste and mountain biking.

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