“With its breadth and cutting edge, Lund University has unique opportunities to tackle complex issues such as sustainability and here we have a fantastic chance to reinforce interdisciplinary environments”, says Lund University’s vice-chancellor Erik Renström.

“This is a strategic investment which emphasises excellence. By extending the Agenda 2030 graduate school with more doctoral students and investing in a large number of postdocs in interdisciplinary projects, we expect to achieve a broad international combination of researchers and ideas. The goal is internationally leading research environments and we look forward to project applications that show innovation, collaboration and research with real development potential”, says pro vice-chancellor Per Mickwitz, who is responsible for the programme.

The new research initiative is part of Lund University’s strategic work in the field of sustainability. Previous investments include SEK 64 million for the Agenda 2030 graduate school which started in 2019, arousing great international interest, and receives many applications per place. The Sustainability Forum, the coordinating hub for sustainability in research and education at Lund University, has been awarded increased funding and an extended remit, while Lund University has approved a new sustainability strategy and sustainability plan. The new investment is also in line with the government’s strategic research and innovation initiatives in sustainability and the EU budget, of which a large part will be dedicated in future to meeting societal challenges associated with Agenda 2030.

“Lund University has not only the opportunity but also a major responsibility to contribute to increasing knowledge about sustainability and to assist in the transition that society is facing, which requires many different approaches, new ideas and innovations”, says Erik Renström.