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Strategic research areas

Strategic research areas. Illustration: Unknown.

Lund University is involved in 11 national research areas of strategic importance for Sweden. These research areas develop excellent multidisciplinary research aiming to produce new knowledge of benefit to society.

The strategic research areas are key activities for the realisation of Lund University’s vision to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition, so that scientific and artistic knowledge can contribute significantly to achieving sustainable development.

We study how biodiversity and ecosystem services are affected by changes in land use and the climate. The knowledge we gain contributes to sustainable solutions for nature and people.

Biodiversity and ecosystem services

We conduct advanced research on the climate – exploring what affects it, historical patterns, biosphere-atmosphere interactions, and what we can expect in the future with a changing climate.

Climate research

We conduct experimental and clinical diabetes research. Our aim is to develop new treatments and drugs that can prevent or cure diabetes, which is a fast-growing chronic disease.

Diabetes research

The research aims to chart and understand the causes of common diseases such as cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity and cardio-vascular disorders. This is done through the study of material in biobanks and databases to map the risk factors for disease. The research also aims to develop preventive measures.

EpiHealth is also developing new epidemiological research data banks.

EpiHealth website

E-sciences are all the sciences that develop and answer scientific questions through advanced use of computers, data storage and/or network development. eSSENCE collects and supports research and methodological development in e-sciences.

eSSENCE website

Researchers from various disciplines collaborate within ELLIIT to meet societal challenges in IT and communication. The research is conducted at the basic level and applied in collaborations with industry.

The research focuses on mobile broadband, industrial automation, the automotive and aviation industries, smart buildings, healthcare and connected communities.

ELLIIT website

We conduct research that enhances our understanding of the major issues in the Middle East. The goal is to promote democracy, peace and sustainable development in this dynamic yet unstable region.

Middle East research

NanoLund is Sweden’s largest research environment in nanoscience and nanotechnology, involving research teams in engineering, medicine and science.

The centre aims to be an internationally outstanding research environment with access to first-class laboratories and equipment for characterisation, nano-production and modelling. The aim is to apply nanotechnology to solve major societal challenges in fields such as health, renewable energy and information technology.

NanoLund website

The research aims to develop new treatments for patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

The centre conducts experimental biomedical studies and studies of patients’ living conditions to find new ways of mitigating and preventing disease, and to improve patients’ general physical functions, activities and participation in society.

MultiPark website

The research aims to relieve human suffering resulting from chronic diseases and injuries through the development of new forms of treatment based on stem cells. This is done through results from basic research on stem cells being used to develop new treatments and cures.

StemTherapy website

We are developing new ideas within materials, manufacturing and recycling in close collaboration with industry. Our aim is to find solutions that are both environmentally friendly and make companies more competitive.

Sustainable production

Investment in strategic research areas in Sweden

In 2009, the Swedish government decided on a long-term investment in a number of strategic research areas to stimulate the development of new knowledge and excellent research environments. Lund University is today involved in 11 of these strategic research areas (SRAs) – which has enabled the University to develop specialised research at the highest international level over the long term, in collective knowledge environments of high societal relevance.