Stardust Stories Initiative was created to bring together researchers advancing human health and societal impact with broader audiences through conversations that explore science, personal stories, and real-world impact.

The first event opened with an engaging conversation between Nicolas Pillon, Associate Professor and Team Leader at Karolinska Institutet, and Marta Kaprale, Founder of the NGO Stardust Impact.

Nicolas guided us through the fascinating connection between skeletal muscle and the immune system, and how this interaction influences energy balance—a key factor in preventing metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. He also discussed the broader societal implications, emphasizing the potential impact beyond the scientific findings.

But this work wouldn’t be possible without personal commitment — not just scientific understanding, but also the researcher’s personal journey, including the challenges, questions, and motivations that drive him forward. The audience was invited into the human side of science — where curiosity meets dedication, persistence moves discovery, and knowledge becomes part of a larger story.

“This is a rare opportunity to see how scientific inquiry unfolds and to reflect on how this knowledge can resonate in society,” said Marta Kaprale. “With the Stardust Stories initiative, I aim to hold conversations where research, personal stories, and societal questions come together to inspire new ways of sharing knowledge and connecting across disciplines — all in service of long-term societal good.”

The event laid the foundation for future gatherings, where science and storytelling come together to broaden the impact of researchers’ work and inspire meaningful dialogue.