Strategic research areas
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.
The research combines empirical studies with social science methodology and economic and ecological modelling to understand how land use and anthropogenic climate change impact biodiversity and ecosystem services on the local, regional, national and global levels.
The aim is to develop models that enable the study of climate from a systemic perspective encompassing the interaction between the atmosphere and the Earth’s biosphere.
Multidisciplinary research generates understanding of the climate impact of human exploitation of the Earth’s resources now and in the future.
The aim is to develop new treatments and drugs to prevent or cure diabetes.
The research area integrates research in various fields with clinical studies and population studies (epidemiology) and creates platforms for collaboration between academia and industry.
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.
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.
The research aims to integrate issues concerning production, materials and systems – to contribute knowledge enabling the manufacturing industry to become more competitive and sustainable over the long term.
The focus is on generating new concepts in product development, production systems and manufacturing processes that can support environmental, social and economic sustainability. The centre particularly investigates the link between technology and finance.
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.
The research investigates the geopolitical region of the Middle East in its broadest sense, to understand and illuminate democratic and social processes, migration flow, movements, power relationships and debates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
